Need S&W Guru

[dave in pa.]

Hi all,
  I just bought an "S&W .38 Chiefs Special Stainless Steel Model 60" that I believe was made around 1967/1968 according to the original box and paperwork included with it. I took it to the range on Sunday and it shoots great so now I have a couple of questions....

  The pinned in hammer nose has a little up/down play but no/very little side to side play. How much is OK and when do I know it's time to replace it?

  What are your thoughts on using +P ammo in this pistol? I am using only target loads at this time but would like something with a bit more umph for carry purposes.

Thanks,
dave

[unspellable]

The fring pin should be free to rock up and down a little bit.  It's hard to describe how much is too much in writing, but I suspect you are probably OK.

+P will be OK for limited use.  Regular 38 Special for any volume shooting.

[Hammerdown]

Hello
I would NOT fire Plus-P loads in your revolver UNTIL you contact factory service to make certain your revolver was intended to take the higher pressure from this ammo. :wink:  Here is a link to there service number, and it is a FREE phone call. I would rather call and be sure than risk destroying a gun if that ammo was NOT intended to be used in it.  :cry: Just a thought.. Hammerdown.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomContentDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&content=12010&sectionId=10504

[RUT]

>>What are your thoughts on using +P ammo in this pistol? I am using only target loads at this time but would like something with a bit more umph for carry purposes.<<

Your M60 wasn't designed to shoot +P, so you are wise in using target loads for plinking. However, I do use +P's in mine when "carrying", as the occasional use (especially for self defense purposes) isn't going to present a problem.

[dave in pa.]

Thanks all,
  I talked to S&W techs (seem like nice folk) and I'm good to go. The +P will be fine for the occassional use and the target for the the majority of firing.
Thanks again,
dave