SMITH & WESSON 60-4
Posted May 14, 2023
Smith & Wesson has been a leader in the firearms industry for almost two centuries and the M60-4 is a shining example of that leadership. As one of the most popular handguns available, the M60-4 is a great choice for any shooter, whether for target practice or self-defense.
The Smith & Wesson M60-4 is a double-action/single-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum cartridges. It features an impressive, five-round cylinder and a four-inch, full-lug barrel. The M60-4 has an overall length of nine inches and a weight of just two pounds.
At first glance, the Smith & Wesson M60-4 is a very attractive handgun, with its bright stainless steel finish and smooth lines. The gun's design is quite utilitarian, with its all-steel frame, textured black rubber grips, and serrated trigger. The gun's balance and handling feel great, and it points naturally in the hand. The sights are excellent, and the trigger breaks cleanly and has a good feel to it.
One of the great features of the M60-4 is its ability to use both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges. While the gun is capable of firing .357 Magnum rounds, the use of .38 Specials is recommended for target shooting, as the .357 Magnum rounds tend to be too powerful for practice sessions. The capacity is solid, with a five round chamber and an additional round in the cylinder.
The M60-4 is a very accurate pistol, with a great deal of practical accuracy combined with the sights. The gun's solid heft helps to absorb much of the .357 Magnum's heavy recoil, and despite the gun's small size, muzzle flip and felt recoil for both Magnum and .38 Special rounds is generally manageable and controllable. The DA/SA trigger pull is well weight creep, although the SA trigger could be a little shorter.
Finally, the Smith & Wesson M60-4 is an incredibly reliable gun, as evidenced by its many years of production and its reputation within the firearms community. The gun is easy to maintain, with no lubrication needed and only minimal cleaning required.
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson M60-4 is an excellent revolver that is capable of both target shooting and self-defense. Its accuracy and reliability are impressive, and its size and weight make it easy to carry. Its ability to use both .357 Magnum and .38 Special cartridges makes it a versatile shooter, and its moderate price makes it a great value for the money. All things considered, the M60-4 is a great choice for any shooter.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight – The Smith & Wesson 60-4 is a lightweight firearm making it easy for anyone to carry and handle.
- Reliable – The Smith & Wesson 60-4 is a widely trusted and relied upon firearm. The double-action trigger pull offers increased accuracy and safety.
- Availability of accessories – With the Smith & Wesson 60-4 comes a wide variety of holsters and other accessories available to customize your experience.
- Easy to clean – The Smith & Wesson 60-4 is easy to clean and maintain with just basic maintenance.
Cons
- Price – The Smith & Wesson 60-4 is a premium firearm and therefore carries a higher price tag.
- Size – The Smith & Wesson 60-4 is a large handgun, which some shooters may find difficult to handle.
- Short barrel – The Smith & Wesson 60-4 has a shorter than average barrel, which some shooters may find less than desirable.
- Limited ammunition capacity – With a 6-round capacity, the Smith & Wesson 60-4 offers less ammunition than some other handguns.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 60-4 is a revolver that is suitable for use by both recreational shooters and law enforcement personnel. As such, anybody who has a valid firearms license and has received appropriate training should be able to purchase and use the Smith & Wesson 60-4. However, those who do not possess the necessary knowledge, experience or licence should not buy the Smith & Wesson 60-4. Additionally, those who may be prohibited from firearm ownership or have been convicted of a crime may not legally purchase the Smith & Wesson 60-4.
Comparisons
| Model | Caliber | Number of Rounds | Barrel Length | Grip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson 60-4 | .38Spl +P | 5 | 2" | Wooden |
| Ruger SP101 | .357 Magnum | 5 | 2.25" | Rubber |
| S&W Model 642 | .38Spl +P | 5 | 1 7/8" | Synthetic |
| Taurus Model 85 | .38Spl | 5 | 2" | Rubber |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .38 S&W Special +P
• Action: Single/Double Action
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 2-15/16"
• Weight: 19.2oz
• Frame Material: Steel
• Sights: Adjustable Rear, Ramp Front Sight
• Grip: Wood Target Grips
• Overall Length: 7"
•Features: Carbon Steel Frame, Trigger Locking Device, Rebound Slide, Bobbed Hammer
Popular Accessories
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- Hogue Grip Sleeves
- Laser Sights
- Extended Magazine Releases
- Aftermarket Triggers
- Extended Magazines
- Replacement Barrels
- Speed Loaders
- Scope Mounts
- Sights and Night Sights
- Threaded Barrels
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 60-4 is a reliable and accurate revolver. It is especially well-suited for target shooting given its 6-inch barrel that provides good sight radius and balance. The 60-4’s 4-inch barrel also provides a great compromise between maneuverability and accuracy. Its smooth, lightweight double-action trigger pull enhances control and accuracy. In addition, it is designed to shoot .38 Special +P ammunition, giving a shooter more control over the power and accuracy from his or her shots. The Smith & Wesson Model 60-4 is considered an excellent target revolver, and its accuracy makes it great for hunting or self-defense as well.
