which S&W to buy?

[mr ed]

Got a chance to buy either a model 60 or a model 442 for the same money. which way to go? while the 442 is hammerless, its blue/black and will scratch.
the 60 has a hammer (but I got a bobbed one in my parts drawer)and stainless. decisions,decisions
which way would you go?

 

[sdalover]

If you are wanting to shoot 357 and don't plan to carry it in your pocket then model 60 hands down.

 

[khill01]

I think the model 60 is better if you want to shoot a lot & but the 442 has an advantage if you plan to carry.

 

[tyromeo55]

60 hands down. At the least they demand more money

 

[NikatKimber]

The 60 will weigh a noticeable amount more, but it would be a better range gun, will be worth more, and will almost certainly have a better trigger.

 

[flatwins]

If a 60 was sitting next to 442, I wouldn't even notice the 442.

 

[Glocktogo]

For carry, the 442 hands down. For everything else, the 60 is better.

 

[n423]

For carry, the 442 hands down. For everything else, the 60 is better.

^^^^^^^^^^This

 

[Buzzdraw]

Lots to be said for owning a lightweight to actually carry, with an all steel or stainless steel version of the same to put heavy practice rounds downrange. The steel gun sure is more enjoyable to practice with.

I distinctly do not enjoy shooting .357's in snubbies. Follow up shots are tough.

For belt carry, alloy or steel don't make a difference. For pocket or ankle carry, the lightweight is better.

A stainless finish will outwear blue or blacked finishes. A worn finish on a carry gun is only a sign of honest use, so it doesn't especially bother me.

The Centennial style Smith's, with the fully concealed hammer, are more comfortable to carry in some holsters. In some holsters, an exposed hammer can be a literal pain, as well as a possible source of snagging during a presentation.

If buying the gun primarily for carry, go the 442. If primarily for range or home defense, get the 60.

 

[druryj]

Lots to be said for owning a lightweight to actually carry, with an all steel or stainless steel version of the same to put heavy practice rounds downrange. The steel gun sure is more enjoyable to practice with.

I distinctly do not enjoy shooting .357's in snubbies. Follow up shots are tough.

For belt carry, alloy or steel don't make a difference. For pocket or ankle carry, the lightweight is better.

A stainless finish will outwear blue or blacked finishes. A worn finish on a carry gun is only a sign of honest use, so it doesn't especially bother me.

The Centennial style Smith's, with the fully concealed hammer, are more comfortable to carry in some holsters. In some holsters, an exposed hammer can be a literal pain, as well as a possible source of snagging during a presentation.

If buying the gun primarily for carry, go the 442. If primarily for range or home defense, get the 60.

Agree.