Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-02-2012, 06:22 PM
alabeagle alabeagle is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special

I have a SS Model 60 Chief's Special .38 Special. It's serial number is a single letter and two numerical digits. Sorry to be so cryptic but I'm new here and I was reading how everyone says post xs for the last three of the serial number.

I was hoping to get some information of the production numbers and dates for the Model 60 Chief's Special. I caled S&W and I guess they are off today because I was on hold forever.

Any information would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-02-2012, 06:36 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,787
Likes: 938
Liked 18,881 Times in 9,242 Posts
Default

Welcome to the Forum. If the letter of your gun's SN is an "R", it was shipped in 1969. It's difficult to estimate total production numbers because different models have used the same letter prefix and have been called Chiefs Specials, but I think it is safe to say well over 500000 have been made, perhaps closer to a million with all variations combined. Hope this is helpful.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-02-2012, 07:14 PM
alabeagle alabeagle is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Thanks. That helps. It is an R. Does that mean that it was in the first 100 made for 1969?

Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-02-2012, 07:21 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,787
Likes: 938
Liked 18,881 Times in 9,242 Posts
Default

Yes. The only single-letter prefix for the model 60 was an "R", just so you know I'm not a mind-reader . Enjoy!
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-02-2012, 07:50 PM
diamonback68's Avatar
diamonback68 diamonback68 is offline
US Veteran
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Due south of Orlando
Posts: 7,202
Likes: 597
Liked 3,451 Times in 1,412 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by alabeagle View Post
Thanks. That helps. It is an R. Does that mean that it was in the first 100 made for 1969?

Thanks again.
Beagle are you sure you are getting the serial number off the butt of the gun? An R serial number should have at least three digits starting with R001, R002 etc.
__________________
Dick

Last edited by diamonback68; 01-02-2012 at 08:15 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-02-2012, 07:53 PM
alabeagle alabeagle is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I was wondering how you figured the "R." One out of 26 other letters. Dang. Thanks again for your help.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-02-2012, 08:06 PM
s&wchad's Avatar
s&wchad s&wchad is offline
Moderator
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Great Lakes State
Posts: 29,691
Likes: 12,673
Liked 33,610 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by diamonback68 View Post
Beagle are you sure you are getting the serial number off the butt of the gun? An R serial number should have at least three digits starting with R001, R002 etc.
I'm not so sure. One of out members posted a 29-2, number N3. There's a photo here: 40 Year Old 29-2

My R prefix Model 60 isn't as early as the one alabeagle has, but I still like the number.

__________________
"I also cook."
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 01-02-2012, 08:14 PM
diamonback68's Avatar
diamonback68 diamonback68 is offline
US Veteran
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Due south of Orlando
Posts: 7,202
Likes: 597
Liked 3,451 Times in 1,412 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by s&wchad View Post
I'm not so sure. One of out members posted a 29-2, number N3.
Yeah, but N serial numbered N-frames started with N1 a one digit, R serial numbered J-frames didn't, they started with three R001.

BTW, that as neat serial number chad, let's see 18 and 18 eguals 36, ah the model number of its granddaddy Model 36.
__________________
Dick
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-02-2012, 08:50 PM
alabeagle alabeagle is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I don't know where else to look for the serial number. I'm very new here. Like really, really new. I am posting a photo of the butt of the pistol and the box that it came in. It's still in the grease.

This is supposed to be the photo here.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 01-02-2012, 09:01 PM
diamonback68's Avatar
diamonback68 diamonback68 is offline
US Veteran
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Due south of Orlando
Posts: 7,202
Likes: 597
Liked 3,451 Times in 1,412 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by alabeagle View Post
I don't know where else to look for the serial number. I'm very new here. Like really, really new. I am posting a photo of the butt of the pistol and the box that it came in. It's still in the grease.

This is supposed to be the photo here.
Thanks for posting the pic, that is the serial number and I stand corrected. The first stainless steel revolvers ever made by S&W were the model 60s started in 1965 with no prefix letter around S/N# 401754. The Gun Control act of 1968 required a change in how guns were serial numbered. Yours is in the first 100 made in 1969. Hope that helps some and sorry for any confusion.
__________________
Dick
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-02-2012, 09:04 PM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,787
Likes: 938
Liked 18,881 Times in 9,242 Posts
Default

You're welcome. The standard S & W reference states these started with SN R 001, but this is what happens when you believe everything you read!
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 01-02-2012, 09:07 PM
vrichard's Avatar
vrichard vrichard is offline
WW II Vet
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: COLORADO
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 718
Liked 4,302 Times in 630 Posts
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by alabeagle View Post
Thanks. That helps. It is an R. Does that mean that it was in the first 100 made for 1969?

Thanks again.
I would say it was one of the first one in 1969 with that ser.#.very nice.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 01-02-2012, 09:20 PM
alabeagle alabeagle is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Thanks to all for the information and education.

This is supposed to be a pic of the numbers on the inside of the part that swings out and holds the cylinder. (What's the name of the part?)



The numbers are 35402. Does that mean anything?

Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 01-02-2012, 09:23 PM
diamonback68's Avatar
diamonback68 diamonback68 is offline
US Veteran
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Due south of Orlando
Posts: 7,202
Likes: 597
Liked 3,451 Times in 1,412 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by alabeagle View Post
A photo of the numbers on the inside of the . . . part that swings the cylinder in and out. I had to wipe it off to see the numbers. The numbers are 35402.
That number is an assemblers number to keep parts together during manufacturing. Once the gun leaves the factory it has no meaning. You also see inspectors stamps there too. Thanks for posting though.

That part is called a yoke.
__________________
Dick

Last edited by diamonback68; 01-02-2012 at 09:26 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-14-2013, 11:04 AM
timba48 timba48 is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: up state ny
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Question s&w model 60 serial numbers

my wife just bought her sisters ss mod60 trying to find out when it was made can any one help serial reads AFS1xxx if any one can shed some light on this that would be great.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF0761.jpg (108.9 KB, 268 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF0759.jpg (195.1 KB, 282 views)

Last edited by timba48; 03-14-2013 at 02:01 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 03-14-2013, 11:20 AM
had3nuf's Avatar
had3nuf had3nuf is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Cocoa, Florida
Posts: 173
Likes: 73
Liked 94 Times in 48 Posts
Default

Here is another early R serial # model 60.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 03-14-2013, 02:29 PM
hotrod150's Avatar
hotrod150 hotrod150 is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: western Washington
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 1
Liked 763 Times in 454 Posts
Default

SCSW indicates 1984-85 on the AFS s/n. Those 2 digit R s/n's just go to show you that the SCSW is not infallible.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-14-2013, 02:39 PM
timba48 timba48 is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: up state ny
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default sn# mod 60

thanks for info
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 08-19-2013, 12:57 PM
Dannydeanfrancis Dannydeanfrancis is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default My S&W model 60?? AES' serial#

S/N: AES4966

I have tried vigorously to find out what year my model 60/38 spl. was made, by reading this forum I see its not a 60's model but it has the firing pin attached to the hammer with the wooden handle, Can someone please give me an idea on the value and the year my revolver was made? I paid 500 for it
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 08-19-2013, 12:59 PM
Dannydeanfrancis Dannydeanfrancis is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Care

Also what is the best recommended method for cleaning the stainless?
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 08-19-2013, 01:12 PM
VMI77 VMI77 is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 224
Likes: 43
Liked 38 Times in 16 Posts
Default

Dannydean,
According to the Std Catalog, yours was about mid-1984.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 08-19-2013, 01:42 PM
hotrod150's Avatar
hotrod150 hotrod150 is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: western Washington
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 1
Liked 763 Times in 454 Posts
Default

I use WD40 for cleaning after shooting. if you're talking about polishing the stainless up for maximum shine, someone else will have to speak up with their own special compound and/or pet technique.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 12-02-2016, 07:30 PM
r7hunter r7hunter is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Dick, I own the S&W "Big Book", 3rd Edition. It doesn't I.D. my gun. It's a Model 60 (no dash) and the Serial # is AFP-76x5. I thought the "no dash" 60's were only made until 1971/72. Any idea how to get a year of production short of the S&W Letter? Thanks, Steve
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 09-06-2017, 06:41 AM
Effendi68 Effendi68 is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Hello, just about to land on the S&W planet, I have in my sights a beautiful Model 60-10 3" 357 Magnum no firing lock serial number CDN2269 , anybody can help with the Date?

Many thanks
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 09-06-2017, 07:57 AM
jhnttrpp jhnttrpp is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Sneads Ferry NC
Posts: 463
Likes: 575
Liked 509 Times in 195 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Effendi68 View Post
Hello, just about to land on the S&W planet, I have in my sights a beautiful Model 60-10 3" 357 Magnum no firing lock serial number CDN2269 , anybody can help with the Date?

Many thanks
The year 2000
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 09-07-2017, 06:28 PM
beardeddog's Avatar
beardeddog beardeddog is offline
Member
Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Midwest
Posts: 48
Likes: 91
Liked 55 Times in 24 Posts
Default

So did we determine if he was looking at the serial number on bottom of frame below grips?
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
model 60, smith-wessonforum.com

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Lowest Chief Special serial number JSR III S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 102 01-13-2016 08:18 PM
Serial # Info on Model 60 Chief's Special Tommy454 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 2 01-13-2015 05:24 PM
need info on victory model 38 s&w special ctg. serial number V311xxx airborne504 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 3 10-01-2010 08:52 AM
Chief Special Serial number 23xx CITYREPO61 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 3 08-02-2008 08:09 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:21 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)