Smith & Wesson Model 60

When Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 60 in 1965 as the first all-stainless-steel revolver, it was met with skepticism by traditionalists who believed stainless steel was too soft and galling-prone for firearms use. The skeptics were quickly silenced as the Model 60 proved exceptionally durable and corrosion-resistant, launching an industry-wide shift toward stainless steel firearms. The Model 60 became the template that proved stainless steel was not only viable but superior for duty and carry revolvers, paving the way for the stainless Models 66, 686, and 629 that followed. Its evolution from a .38 Special snubnose to a .357 Magnum with a 3-inch barrel and adjustable sights transformed it from a pure concealment piece into a versatile small-frame revolver capable of serious defensive work.

The Model 60 was the stainless steel version of the legendary Model 36 Chief's Special, introduced at the request of stainless steel enthusiasts who wanted a corrosion-resistant carry revolver that would withstand exposure to sweat, humidity, and harsh environments without the blued finish deteriorating. When introduced in 1965, the demand was so overwhelming that S&W initially could not keep up with orders. The original Model 60 was .38 Special only; the .357 Magnum capability arrived in 1996 with the adoption of the stronger J-Magnum frame (engineering change 60-9 and later). The current 3-inch barrel model (60-15) with adjustable sights was introduced to provide a more versatile platform than the traditional snubnose configuration. The full underlug barrel adds forward weight that helps moderate the sharp recoil of .357 Magnum loads from the small frame. Most shooters and instructors recommend carrying .38 Special +P loads in the Model 60 for daily carry and reserving .357 Magnum for situations where penetration is paramount, as the blast, flash, and recoil of magnum loads from the 3-inch barrel are severe. The internal lock (key-operated safety lock) was added circa 2001 and remains controversial among owners. The 2.125-inch barrel variant (fixed sights, 21.4 oz) remains available as the more concealable option. Weight estimate for the 3-inch model includes five .357 Magnum cartridges at approximately 13g each. MSRP is approximately $839 with typical street prices around $700-750.