Author Topic: Smith and Wesson model 60 5"  (Read 1380 times)

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Offline Dino

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Smith and Wesson model 60 5"
« on: January 03, 2008, 02:25:22 PM »
I'm looking to get a  hand gun to carry when I'm out deer hunting and might get to use if a target gets within range that I feel I can shoot( under 40 yards) so I've been looking at the Smith and Wesson model 60 5" in 357 because of it's weight and size.
In the past I've used a Thompson encore in 454 and found it to have a stout recoil but not unmanageable but it's like carrying around a brick all day.
Having never shot a model 60 is the recoil in 357 bad?
Can the model 60 handle shooting full 357 mag rounds, am I over estimating the model 60 to be used as a hunting handgun. I don't own a handgun at this time so you can say what ever you want about the model 60 or any model, I need input from people with experience.
I was was also thinking of the Ruger GP100 but I like the size of the S&W 60 better.
Thanks

Dino

Offline Graybeard

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Re: Smith and Wesson model 60 5"
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2008, 06:10:43 PM »
I have one of the first of the M60 3" .357 mag guns made. I had the 3" M60 .38 special for years prior to that but as soon as the .357s came out I traded for it.

I shoot full magnum loads in mine but admittedly don't shoot it a whole lot. I don't consider the recoil of it a problem however. Mine has CTC laser grips on it and I can shoot it more accurately with the laser than the sights due to the short sight radius. Mine has gone to the woods with me when both rifle and handgun hunting a lot of times but has never been fired at game.


Bill aka the Graybeard
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Smith and Wesson model 60 5"
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2008, 07:18:49 PM »
A couple of guys I run into at the Gun club or shop bought a pair of them.  They wanted to use them for elk hunting.  Not to shoot the elk, one has a 338 and the other a 7mag or 405 win.  The little guns were to keep on them for dispatching a wounded elk, shooting grouse, and to have a noise maker to deter a bear with enough horse power to defend themselves if needed.
They are both pack hunters and have to carry out anything they shoot so weight is at a premium to them.
I did get to shoot them.  Recoil was not unpleasant with JSP 158 grain Fed rounds.
When the M60's first came out in 357 I used to make rent teaching police officers how to shoot them and be able to qualify with the 357 loads.  Most developed a flinch and were trying to fight the recoil.
Want a free lesson?
Shoot the gun a few times with both mags and specials.  Have a buddy load the gun for you with a mix of mags, specials and empty cases.  ( you can not leave one empty as you can see it cycle in to the firing position).
When you hit an empty and the gun is aimed at the floor you will know what your doing wrong.  As you think the next round is going to be empty and will just go click you will tighten up your groups and recoil will not be as bad the more you shoot.  Also an isosceles stance will lessen felt recoil over a weaver.  It spreads recoil over both arms rather than just the one.  Square your feet to the target. 
Depending on how big your deer are you may be able to get away with lighter bullets like 125 grain for self defense.  I know many do not like to use self defense rounds on game.
Brian

Offline Dino

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Re: Smith and Wesson model 60 5"
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2008, 05:26:56 AM »
Thanks for the info guys, I'm still looking at all the makers to find the one that feels the best. I was trying to keep the weight down but I'm not sure if that the right approach to take.
The gun will be a ride along till the right shot shows up. Might have to go and rent some to give them a try.

Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: Smith and Wesson model 60 5"
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2008, 03:50:14 PM »
You may want to look at some of the Titanium guns for a real light weight gun.  S&W makes one and so does Taurus.  If you want a longer or shorter barrel and an extra round or two.

Offline Dino

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Re: Smith and Wesson model 60 5"
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2008, 04:30:56 PM »
I've been looking into the light weight material guns; Titanium and Scandium but they tend to have for the most part 4" and  shorter barrels and I would like to use if for hunting, Or there made by Taurus and from what I've been reading I might as well  just go out and burn my money then buy a Taurus.
I guess a question for some one, Would a 4" barrel be good for hunting under 50 yards? and are Taurus really the POS's that I've been hearing about?
The bad chat on the Taurus guns and the weight of the Rugger guns has me looking at the Smith and Wesson's.