Is my 1969 Model 60 really "junk" ?

[4T5GUY]

A couple of weeks ago I got a Model 60 Chiefs Special at a local trading post. The owner of the place called me about it and wanted to know if I wanted it, as he just got it in. He said it was $350.00 OTD, so I stopped by and looked at it. It looked very nice, and had the original box and all papers. I did buy it,

Now he's telling me that this particular model was "inferior, and of questionable quality". That's why he sold it for what he did. I used to have many S&W revolvers, (and still have a few,) but most of my interest and knowledge is in S&W 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen Semi's.

Is this Model 60 a good one, or should I be worried about it.

Thanks for your opinions.
Jim

 

[dscampbell]

My opinion he realizes he sold it to cheap and wants it back so he can resell at a higher price


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Targets Guy]

First year production in 1969 - which yours probably is. I don't believe his story. Seems like a stupid thing for a retailer to do to any customer. (My bad here - they were first produced in 1965 and went to the R prefix in the s/n in 1969.)

The Model 60 No Dash ran essentially until 1988 with the 60-3 (new yoke retention system). The -1 was a 3" barrel and only 171 were made and the -2 (in 1987) was a limited run of about 2500 for the NYCPD.

It seems to me that is a long time for a "inferior" model to stay in production. But that's just me.

I think you got a great deal. Lots of years of enjoyment with that revolver.

 

[Bosquebass]

My opinion he realizes he sold it to cheap and wants it back so he can resell at a higher price


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This was the first thought I had as well.

 

[kraynky]

Want your money back?

You did well, I think your "guy" is nuts.

 

[Texas Star]

The dealer is a snake. But he may have read that early M-60's had stainless hammers and triggers, which sometimes galled in use. They were soon replaced by ordinary carbon steel parts, flash chromed.

I don't knew when this happened. The early guns had bright finishes and looked a lot like nickle plating. Yours has the normal, more satin finish. I'm guessing that it also has flash chromed parts.

I would put it in service. Just add a Tyler grip adaptor or Pachmayr grips.

Be aware that collectors will pay a lot for a very early gun that looks like nickel. I don't know when such production ended. A specialist collector should have been here by now and reported on that. It's SO hard to get good help these days...

Oh: some people use Flitz, etc. to shine up Model 60's. Some just want a bright gun, but many want to trick buyers into thinking they have an early collectible.

You probably have a normal, fine M-60, which you got for $350 instead f the app. $450 that it'd usually sell for, maybe more.

If a specialist doesn't appear and pin down serial numbers, ask S&W. But I think your gun is probably fine. The dealer wants it back for a reason. He very likely has a customer who'll pay more.

First year of production was 1965, not 1969, as in a post above.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Now you tell me!
I bought the first one that I ever saw, probably early 69.
I still have it.
Have bought several more since then.

 

[Texas Star]

Now you tell me!
I bought the first one that I ever saw, probably early 69.
I still have it.
Have bought several more since then.

As well you should! The Model 60 is the best small .38 ever made. Good to have spares.

 

[nedlate]

Maybe the dealer was thinking of the "Bangor Punta" ownership period of Smith & Wesson that was "supposedly" lesser quality guns?
Ed

 

[KEN L]

Definitely an inferior piece of junk! I will gladly help you out and give you what you paid for it. Just tell me where to send the money and I'll even include an extra $25 for your trouble. Hey, just tryin' to do my part to help out a fellow forum member!

"inferior, and of questionable quality" - Really?!
What planet did you say this guy was from?

Most likely shipped the latter part of 1969, maybe early 1970.
Nice score!

 

[murphydog]

As Chico Marx said in "Duck Soup" - "who are you going to trust, me or your lying eyes?"

Seems S & W made about 300,000 of these inferior, low quality guns between 1969 and 1983 and probably a few tens of thousands more after this. You can still hear the howls of dissatisfied owners sending their guns back to the factory for refunds.

Enjoy!

 

[Highhawk1948]

I have a 1973 model 60. Bought it a couple of years ago for more than you paid. You got a great revolver for a great price.

 

[triaxle]

You got a deal , I will take it in a heartbeat .I just saw that same gun and box for 650

 

[OLDSTER]

Model 60

Nice Model 60. The only loser in that transaction is the fella you purchased it from. He's got a nasty case of "sellers remorse", and you're the beneficiary

 

[cmansguns]

The Model 60 no-dash shown below is a 1984 "triple alpha" serial prefix, no docs, no box, no goodies of any kind. Sweet shooter, excellent carry piece and I can guarantee you....it did NOT come into my collection, or LEAVE my collection for $350, or anywhere near what you paid for gun with box.

You got it fair and square I presume meaning the dealers arm isn't broke or twisted from you forcing $350 into his paws.

Maybe another of his "buddies" said: "You did whaaaaat?"

Like said above his loss....your gain.....great snag on the stainless issue of the famous Model 36.....it doesn't get much better than that. PLEASE......give that "dealer" my contact info.

 

[Old_Cop]

I wish that I never sold the M60 that I had.

 

[s&wchad]

Great little gun!

My only concern with shooting it would be reducing the value. Similar boxed Model 60's have been topping 1K at auction for over a year now. Early boxed examples with diamond grips are closer to $1500.

Nice snag!

 

[mrchuck]

The seller was the "loser" and you were the winner!
I was issued one of these when they came out.
A superb revolver.
KEEP IT !!!!

 

[CH4]

Absolutely nothing wrong with it. Nice score!!!

 

[Jingles]

I'd buy it and carry it any day. You did well.