I've been debating one of these for a while. I was thinking of a 22LR or 22 Mag as these are availible in small guns with adjustable sights. After more thinking I'm leaning towards a S&W model 60 (357 mag) with a 3" barrel. My thinking is that the 22's energy is degraded quite a bit in the snub configuations and my ability for precise hits with a snub is less than a rifle. I'm thinking loaded with 38's the little gun may be just about right for center of mass hits on chucks, coons, and other medium varmints. I've shot plenty of these with a 22 LR rifle without a problem, but I almost always do a head shot. Besides 38's are almost, if not cheaper than 22 mags.

I want something I will carry in the woods when I do other stuff, just in case. I consider the model 60 becasue it's as small as I can find with adjustable sights and a hammer. In a pinch I guess it could also be a spare for CCW. Any thoughts or experiances? Is a model 60 able to hit a chuck at 25, 50 or 75 yards? Just for sake of aurgument let's assume I'm a pretty good, but not world class, shot with a handgun. Thanks.

I've got a 3" M60, and I consider it the ultimate kit gun. It's the same size and weight as a M34/63, but a lot more versitile. Wadcutters are great for plinking, small game and pests, and you can step up to full power 357's for self defense. About the only disadvantages are higher cost to shoot, and recoil is pretty snappy with full power loads.

John

I have a 3" S&W 60 too, but it will NOT shoot 38 SPL ammo worth a darn. For what ever reason, this particular gun love hot loaded ammo like the Speer Gold DOT 357 Mag. With cheap practice ammo in 38's it will group about 12-in at 21-ft.

I shot an older model Smith police trade in in 357 which was on I believe the old K frame that shot great for what you are wanting to use it for. However, it was quite a bit bigger.

saw a s@w m31 2" barrel in .32 long at a great price bought it. it's a bit more than a .22rf and i can reload a lot of different loads, i find it more versatle and enjoyable than a .22. the m31 is a small J frame.

quote:

Originally posted by jcsabolt2:
I have a 3" S&W 60 too, but it will NOT shoot 38 SPL ammo worth a darn. For what ever reason, this particular gun love hot loaded ammo like the Speer Gold DOT 357 Mag. With cheap practice ammo in 38's it will group about 12-in at 21-ft.

I shot an older model Smith police trade in in 357 which was on I believe the old K frame that shot great for what you are wanting to use it for. However, it was quite a bit bigger.

I've already got a Taurus 627, which I think is around a K-frame. It's alright, but not something you really forget you have. The 7 shots are a useless advantage for my intended purpose. Side by side it really is alot bigger and especially heavier. The trigger is not as good as the Mod 60's I've looked at. Off a bag (partially to help with the trigger) the accuratcy is pretty good, bowling pins at 50 yards anyway.

I'm almost sold on the Mod 60 but your comment on the poor 38 performance gives me pause. I don't think I've had or been familiar with a 357 that didn't do as well, or usually better with moderate 38 loads. Maybe yours is just an odd duck. I’d rather not startle the whole neighborhood with a 357 blast just to kill a woodchuck. The comments on the “whip crack†noise was one thing that changed my mind on the 22 mag idea.

Take a look at the little Ruger Single Six in .32 H&R. Not a deer gun, but it will handle most anything smaller with the right loads....and they are cute.

Sometimes a .357 Magnum revolver will shoot better with .357 Magnum cases loaded to .38 Special wadcutter ballistics. Because the .357 Magnum case has a bit more capacity than a .38 Special case, a few more tenths of a grain of Alliant Bullseye or Olin 231P may be required to produce the desired velocity. Each revolver is different. Some .357 Magnums will shoot .38 Special wadcutters well, some won't. The ones that won't deserve a try with small charges of fast powder in .357 cases, or perhaps IMR Trail Boss. If you try these tricks, let us know how your particular revolver likes them. The S&W M-60 with adjustable sights should make an excellent kit gun.