This topic crosses two forum boundaries (not rules): 1965 - 1997.

Roy Jinks' book, History of Smith & Wesson, clearly identifies the early evolution of Model 60 hammers and triggers:

- stainless steel that wasn't "durable" enough

- color case hardened (were those carbon steel?)

- heat treated stainless steel that was then flash chrome finished

All my Model 60s (photos of several attached) have that last style or design hammers and triggers, except one. My June '97 shipped Model 60-10 has the J-magnum frame's flat-faced hammer, but both the hammer and trigger appear to be pre-MIM carbon steel that's been color case hardened.

Is that correct?

If so, do any of you know why S&W changed its decades-long standard for the 60-10? (I don't have any Model 60s between the 60-4 and 60-10 or subsequent to the 60-10 so I don't know what their H's and T's are).

Another oddity is the 60-4's serrated trigger, but it has the standard flash chrome finish so that's a whole different topic.

Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts.

Attached Images

	1984 Mod. 60 SB.jpg (83.2 KB, 133 views)
	1989 60-3 Lady Smith with Mae West stocks.jpg (78.4 KB, 130 views)
	1992 60-4.jpg (70.4 KB, 122 views)
	1997, June, 60-10.jpg (122.2 KB, 122 views)

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Here are the 60s I have! All flash chromed H & T! Note the width of the hammers on everyone before the 60-4!
60
60-1
60-1
60-3 LS
60-4
60-9
60-18
jcelect

Can't answer why. Here's the examples I have photos of.

Model 60 (no dash)


Model 60-4. With the 36-6 which has case color hammer and trigger.


Model 60-7 in the center. Others are 65-5 and 631. All are "Ladysmith's"

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Bill

These are the ones I was lucky to find.

Attached Images

	(1) Model 60 All 3.jpg (204.1 KB, 61 views)
	(3) Model 60 All 3.jpg (193.4 KB, 44 views)

It's my understanding that all the non-hammernose hammers are MIM. Not an expert, just what I've heard that seems to be true from my limited experience.

I always thought the flash chromed parts were hardened Carbon Steel. Why a need to flash chrome stainless whether heat treated or not?

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Sceva
OGCA SWCA NRA

My Chiefs Special 60-7 in s/s was shipped in June 1994 iirc. The hammer was bobbed by the previous owner.

Attached Images

49958395201_3499fa0fa0_b.jpg (100.6 KB, 48 views)

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Stercus Accidit

Dang, Joe, I thought I had a fair few.

Yeah, I really like that 60-4 hammer!

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

The SCSW clearly allows that there were both "'MIM' hollow trigger and standard solid trigger" early on in the J-magnum frame's production.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

What does it allow about hammers?

Doesn't mention hammers.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Zebed , I have a 60-7 and the hammer and trigger look just like your gun gray look with a hint of case color . I was thinking may be some one changed them but doubtful they would do it . I got the gun local like new used lightly if at all a few years back .

I had a 60-12. It was a transition model. It had MIM hammer & trigger, frame mounted firing pin, and no internal safety lock. It was also a .38 Special, but the cylinder was long enough for the .357 magnum cartridge.