Model 60's

[blaser1234]

Have a couple of questions for you Model 60 Collectors.
#1- Did first production of Model 60"s back in 1965, include
a polished Stainless finish and standard case hardened
hammers and triggers? Understand 60 No Dashes
had these finishes which were later changed in future
to SS Hammers and Triggers and a Satin Stainless frame
& barrel finish.

#2. I own a Model 60 from 1980's which I bought new in
California. Has 3" Heavy barrel and square butt frame
Came w/Modified Magna Grips (Plain Clothes). Are these
rather scarce??

Thank You.

[H Richard]

There was a group produced with bright finish. SN's 401754 - 401792 were bright with polished hammer and trigger. SN 475001 - 480000 are "usually" a bright finish with case colored hammer and trigger, exceptions are not scarce. Over the years, there were many variations for commemorative, department, state, etc. produced with some of them being bright finish. The 3" barrel is not uncommon and a standard catalog item. All information is from the "Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson, 3rd edition, by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas. There is much further information available in the "Standard Catalog Of S&W" and is the recommended "bible" of S&W collectors. A 4th Edition is currently being printed, and may be available in Oct. The modified "plain Clothes" stocks were the standard type furnished with the Model 60.

[blaser1234]

H Richard: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my thread. Much appreciated.

[murphydog]

Just to add, your 3" SB model 60 is likely one of the John Jovino run from 1985. Rumored to be a total of 1000 in both 2 and 3", the latter length more common. Scarce if not rare.

[jcelect]

Your 3" SB HB could be one of the special run in 1972 of 171 guns! All of these guns were 60-1s in the serial number range of R56962-R57239. I believe this is the first run of 3" barrels
jcelect

[BUFF]

The later square butt Model 60's were made for John Jovino Inc. They were made with both the 3 inch "heavy" barrel and the standard 2 inch barrel. There were 5,000 total guns split between 2 and 3 inches, with the 3 inch being the most commonly seen. I bought my 3 incher, AEV6501, new in October, 1984 and sold it on this site a couple of years ago.

[rburg]

I'm not sure the OPs cronology is correct. The first few production runs were all stainless. Apparently that caused some problems and it was dropped for standard hammers and triggers. Somewhere along the production some flash chromed hammers and triggers appeared.

Keep in mind the serial number range was shared with other, carbon steel guns and airweights. My early 60 in the 410,000 range has a bright finish, but its not polished to the extend of a nickel gun.

I'd like to know if the early guns that were returned for hammer problems were somehow marked (other than just having the parts replaced.) Any body got a clue?

[DWFAN]

I have a 60 no dash RB snub R116394 a 1969 vintage government contract gun. It was never issued and I got it with a letter and the box from the selling dealer that also bought them back.
I also have a 60-3 SB that is a 3 inch Jovino gun and I use it as a carry gun sometimes. SN BBN1548

DW

[REM 3200]

I have a 60 no dash RB snub, ser. # R324XX. The hammer & trigger are stainless in a satin finish.
(I really wish they were case hardened.) The frame is shiny but not like nickel.
I think the original owner must have gently used some flitz or mag polish on it.

[handlebar]

my model 60 has an R24016 Serial number and had a brushed finish, I polished it up a bit. It also has some German proof marks since it was bought in Germany by an American who worked there at the time. It seems to have a stainless hammer and trigger but I read somewhere that they were flash chromed, but I do not know if that is true. I have the box, manual, join the NRA card and tools that came with it, as well. It is in fantastic shape and appears to have not been shot too much. Here are pics:

[KSDeputy]

I would love to find a new model 60 with a 3" barrel, and fixed sights. The current adjustable sights on the 3" model are causing me to buy the snub nose model.