So I'm in a dilemma and can't decide what to do as I'm complete torn.

 

I currently have a S&W 686 with a 6" barrel that I shoot a decent amount except my g/f can't shoot it because it's just too heavy for her. So she's been shooting my Ruger Mark III 22/45 for the past year and has been doing extremely well and I would like to bring her into the world of .38 spl.

 

After talking with Pizza Bob we decided that the best gun for my situation would be a S&W Model 60 in 3 inch barrel.

 

So far the past few months I have been searching Gunbroker and the local gun shops looking for a model 60. My original budget for this was in the 350 dollar range. I have yet to find a Model 60 in a gun shop but have found a few on GB. The only problem is, a used Model 60 is going for between 450-550 dollars sometimes even 600 dollars. After seeing this I decided how much it would cost to just get a brand new Model 60 and this is where I stumbled upon the Model 60 Pro Series.

 

I can get a base model Model 60 for about 650 OTD.

 

I can get a Model 60 Pro Series for about 700 OTD.

 

Or I can get a used base model Model 60 for about 450-600.

 

I'm in a complete dilemma about what to do but I feel if I'm going to spend the 650 for the base model it would be stupid not to spend the extra 50 dollars and get a pro series instead. I'm just having a hard time justifying going double over my original budget that I had set for myself.

 

If this was you, what would you do?

Matt

 

I was checking out a model 60 Pro series recently and it's a sweet gun. I've been looking at this for a while. I would go for the pro series over the regular model. Have you looked for a used model 60 Pro series? I think I saw one at Bullet Hole a couple of nights ago.

I would keep searching for the used one. It is already $100 or more over your budget...why double your original budget?

 

-Scott

I'm in a complete dilemma about what to do but I feel if I'm going to spend the 650 for the base model it would be stupid not to spend the extra 50 dollars and get a pro series instead. I'm just having a hard time justifying going double over my original budget that I had set for myself.

 

If this was you, what would you do?

I'd find an older S&W Model 10 M&P for her and let her shoot away!

I assume (yes, I know!) you're reloading, so keep the charge light for her

 

Good luck

I'd find an older S&W Model 10 M&P for her and let her shoot away!

I assume (yes, I know!) you're reloading, so keep the charge light for her

 

Good luck

 

I refuse to do a model 10 purely do to that crap a** sights. She's blind like me and I know I would find those sights frustrating so I'm sure she'll find them even more frustrating so anything without adjustable sights is out of the question.

Pro Series and be done with it.

Pro Series and be done with it.

 

of course you would suggest spending more of my money

Go for a Model 19. It is chambered in 357mag, but has good adjustable sights. If you want a dedicated 38 special gun, get a Model 14 or 15. They all have adjustable sights. I don't know their stainless equivalent models though because you know I hate stainless guns.

The S&W K frame is one of the easiest guns to shoot ever made. You can get one for under $500 on GunBroker.com and it will be better made than a new (except for performance center) S&W revolver.

of course you would suggest spending more of my money

Please.

 

You already know that you're going for the Pro. You're just looking for us to support the decision.

 

Just do it, and stop looking for enablers.

Yes Lunker you are absolutely correct I'm a SS snob. If the Ruger 22/45 in SS wasn't so expensive I would sell the blued model I have and buy the SS version. I guess the only handguns I'll even own in blued are the Ruger and a Luger probably.

 

I really wish a Model 60-3 would fall into my lap for 350 and I'd be content.

As Matt said, I have somehow been pulled into the decision-making process on this purchase . In our discussions (and I'm working from memory here) I believe that it came out that not only was Matt's L-frame too heavy, but the grip was too big. Since the L & K frame grips are the same, it only left us with a J-frame.

 

I'm not a big proponent of novice shooters and lightweight J-frames, so that narrowed it down to an all-steel. Since this was not necessarily for CC, but was going to be more a range gun, we thought adjustable sights and a longer barrel were in order. That process pretty much left us with a 3" 60 or 36 with adjustable sights.

 

Just thought I'd take you through the thought process as to how we arrived at the model 60 3" w/AS. Matt was the one to bring the Pro series into the discussion. I hadn't mentioned it because it wasn't anywhere near his original price point. I see that he is coming around to the "cry once" philosophy, so stay tuned.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Thanks a lot Bob for chiming in you were able to explain it a lot better in a lot less words than I could.

 

I've definitely decided that if I go new, it'll be a Pro series as there's no sense in not spending the extra 50 dollars to get a way better gun.

 

Now it's just deciding to spend 400 plus 30 for shipping plus 35 for transfer and nics which would give me a total price of 465 or to spend 700 for a new gun. So 235 dollar difference is it really worth it but also the new is a pro the used is a base model.

 

I have a feeling I'll end up with the pro as long as my tax return is what I think it's going to be.

 

M

As Matt said, I have somehow been pulled into the decision-making process on this purchase . In our discussions (and I'm working from memory here) I believe that it came out that not only was Matt's L-frame too heavy, but the grip was too big. Since the L & K frame grips are the same, it only left us with a J-frame.

 

I'm not a big proponent of novice shooters and lightweight J-frames, so that narrowed it down to an all-steel. Since this was not necessarily for CC, but was going to be more a range gun, we thought adjustable sights and a longer barrel were in order. That process pretty much left us with a 3" 60 or 36 with adjustable sights.

 

Just thought I'd take you through the thought process as to how we arrived at the model 60 3" w/AS. Matt was the one to bring the Pro series into the discussion. I hadn't mentioned it because it wasn't anywhere near his original price point. I see that he is coming around to the "cry once" philosophy, so stay tuned.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

Bob,

 

The hogue or wood target style grips that come on L frames are pretty large. The Magna style grips are much smaller. I have a set on my N frame Model 28-2 that people who shoot it are always complaining about because it's too small.

 

Matt,

 

I have a spare set of wood Magna service grips if you want to test them out on your 686. If the fit is good (even though the gun is too heavy), then you can know you can buy a K frame gun and that it won't be too big grip-wise.

Bob,

 

The Magna style grips are much smaller.

 

 

Yeah, Chris I know that, but I don't like the feel of either the magna or the stock target grips. Magnas are OK with a Tyler T-grip adapter, if you're going to carry, but otherwise, for a range gun, I thought the J-frame, with more grip options, was a better way to go.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Matt,

 

I have a spare set of wood Magna service grips if you want to test them out on your 686. If the fit is good (even though the gun is too heavy), then you can know you can buy a K frame gun and that it won't be too big grip-wise.

 

Chris I may have to entertain you on this one. I may in fact bring the g/f down by Joe if he'll allow me to let her try out his Model 60 Pro. I'd like her to at least shoot whatever I'm going to buy before I actually buy it since the main reason I'm buying it is for her to shoot since I'll shoot just about anything.

here is a NIB pro. I am betting a forum vendor can do just as good or better.

 

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=217314028

That one actually comes out a little cheaper than the forum vendors but I'd rather give the money to them and pay slightly a bit more. Thanks for the link Tony

Chris I may have to entertain you on this one. I may in fact bring the g/f down by Joe if he'll allow me to let her try out his Model 60 Pro. I'd like her to at least shoot whatever I'm going to buy before I actually buy it since the main reason I'm buying it is for her to shoot since I'll shoot just about anything.

 

Let me know. You can meet me if you're in the neighborhood, or I can drop it in the mail to you.

Matt get the Pro you know you want to!! Anytime you want to shoot her let me know.

Thanks guys!!

 

Chris I actually have to go down by you to pickup a Mosin from Maks so I may have to put together a weekend to meet up with you and Joe and Maks all at the same time if I can drag the g/f with me.

Matt,

 

There's a Dan Wesson 357 on Gunbroker that's in NJ and has been rotating around - it's a 3 or 4" barrel and is at $330 with no bids, with adjustable sights. It's the first version with the exposed barrel nut - take her there and have her hold it and make the guy an offer. I've been watching it for over 6 months for sure. Unless you don't want to spend less and just want someone to support your "stimulate the economy" addiction as Ken said.

Bob and I discussed this and decided that the Model 15 DW wouldn't work well for the g/f because I already thought about doing it LOL

Bob and I discussed this and decided that the Model 15 DW wouldn't work well for the g/f because I already thought about doing it LOL

 

It's a W12, not a 15.

It's a W12, not a 15.

 

same gun, different barrel

any new input from my fine NJGF friends

k38?

k38?

hard to find in good condition and extremely expensive

model 15, you loved mine to death. Really bro, that gun is hard to beat.