[m657]

recently I posted about a M10-3 and a M60-3.

Today I learned more details, and have correction to make.

Which represents the 'best shooter' and 'investment' given these factors:

M10 dash nothing 38 special; 3" barrel
Dealer rates at "85% finish". Tight action and slick trigger; Has antique Bianchi rubber shroud-style grips. Take home $350. no box.

M60-15 3" 357 mag.
Almost unfired. Highviz sight. Box, locks, docs. Action & trigger fell 'new'. Take home $535.

I much prefer N frames and know very little about the J series.

 

[Hunter]

Well the 10 is a K-frame and the 60 is the J-frame. I think 535 is a bit high in these parts for the 60, and I see a lot of 10 for less than 350.

So basically I guess I am of no help to you.

 

[Jamn 44]

I think you would like the 10 better. You don't see the 3" very often but still take a look around for a better deal. The 10 might not be an investment piece in 85% condition anyway, but definitely a shooter and dependable. The 60-15 is relatively new with the internal lock and would be easier to find down the road. Just thinking out loud, don't know if it helped.

 

[m657]

thank you gents....it all helps....

Maybe it's just been 'too long' since my last S&W fix....I'm getting the jitters....

Can't seem to find an affordable 3" N frame shooter.

 

[Bob K]

What is "almost unfired"? It either is......or it isn't fired. Action and trigger 'fell new'? Does this mean they felt.....stiff and gritty? Bob :?

 

[Boats]

I am a shooter and "accumulator" not a collector so weigh my advice accordingly. I don't see either revolver being in the investment category.

As shooters most people will shoot a K frame much better than J's. 3 inch guns are almost as easy to carry as a 2 inch and the 3 inch Model 10 cost less. Having said all of that I keep several S&W revolvers around for competition, and home, office, shop & personal self defence. 2 & 3 inch J, 2 & 4 inch K, & 3 & 4 Inch N All good choices.

Boats

 

[spearcrow]

I am more of a shooter as well...I would buy the M-10 simply because the 60 has the lock.

 

[shortranger]

Neither one is really a collector's piece. Used 3" K-frames are not that uncommon, and there are a bunch of the 60-15s floating about. My personal preference would be for the J-frame. With practice, a 3" J can be shot as well as a K and it is a lot handier to carry. You don't have to shoot .357s in them - .38s will do just fine. The new magnum J-frames are very tough and well-made, and the MIM parts give a smoother action right out of the box. If the lock bothers you, disable it.

David

 

[mjr]

M10 dash nothing 38 special; 3" barrel

Were there really no dash Model 10s with factory 3" barrels? I thought M10 3"ers came several engineering changes down the road.

 

[Leighton]

M10 dash nothing 38 special; 3" barrel

Were there really no dash Model 10s with factory 3" barrels? I thought M10 3"ers came several engineering changes down the road.

I was thinking the same thing. By the way, as to your choice of J-frame, I would look around for a 60-4. Same 3"bbl with adjustable sights in .38spl, no lock, and a real joy to shoot.

 

[spearcrow]

Good option! Those are really nice...concealable...better accuracy (sight radius at least)

 

[Boats]

Thinking it over for a 'House" gun nothing better than a K frame. Carry is another thing J's go everywere while larger handguns often get left behind. You can learn to shoot a J well and at 7 yards or under they don't give anything up to a larger revolver.

Boats

 

[Blackcloud2]

I have lot's of J's, but in this case I'd go with the Model 10. To me the K's seem to have the smoothest action for my taste, but I did recently acquire a Mod 28 that really feels great! I would say you can work on a better price, but these days things are going nuts, so it might be stale advice.

 

[m657]

Looking specifically for the 357 option; have the larger framed models. Hard to get the 60-15 out of my mind.....

 

[carl418]

What will you be using it for?
CCW? House gun?

Maybe knowing that will help figure out which way to go.. just a thought.

 

[m657]

for those 'little outings' when nothing else is exactly right...
I live in a rural area; I hike some and there are a variety of reasons for something handy, reliable and effective;

Bottom feeders aren't my style;

Pocket size and adaptable to wider ammo choice;

I can actually see the HiViz front sight;

The balance and grip are just right;

 

[mjr]

Looking specifically for the 357 option; have the larger framed models. Hard to get the 60-15 out of my mind.....

Sounds like you've already decided on it. Go for it!

Hey, I just became an "advanced" member....

 

[Bob K]

I carry my M-36 with me around town, or out in the woods. It's just more handy to have a smaller gun, that you can stick in a pocket of your jacket. I keep it loaded with +P 158 LSWC or +P 125 JHP, depending on what I happen to have on hand.

It ain't rocket science...so don't over complicate it! Most people do....buying the latest "designer ammo" (and expensive). You won't actually use it that much, if at all!! KISS is the way to go! (IMO ) Bob