Ladysmith

ACORN · #1 12-11-2018, 10:43 PM

While waiting for my pooch to get done at the groomers I decided to visit a little out of the way shop and kill some time. While looking over the used guns I spotted a pretty nice looking Ladysmith 60-? for $325 plus tax and NICS. My daughter is going to be moving into her own place and I’d feel better knowing she had some means of protection if needed. Seems to be a good price on the little snubby.

diyj98 · #2 12-11-2018, 10:59 PM

She should be well protected now. Hopefully she never needs it.

ACORN · #3 12-11-2018, 11:00 PM

Didn’t buy it................yet!

runscott · #4 12-11-2018, 11:14 PM

Here is a first-model Ladysmith (center) that was not identified correctly at auction. It was part of a 3-gun lot that sold Sunday and I was, sadly, the gutless underbidder

Peak53 · #5 12-11-2018, 11:21 PM

A Model 60-? Ladysmith in reasonable condition at $325 is a no brainer in terms of value. The only question would be if it is the appropriate self protection piece for your daughter. Not everyone is happy with the challenges of a J frame. I tend to recommend a K frame for home defense if it is not to be carried.

dr. mordo · #6 12-11-2018, 11:51 PM

The only question is why you didn't reach for your wallet when you saw it.

two-bit cowboy · #7 12-12-2018, 02:17 AM

The dash number certainly makes a difference.

The first one pictured is a 60-3 3" heavy barrel made in 1989 with grips anatomically designed for women.

The other one is a 60-9 2⅛" made in 1999 in .357 Magnum with laminated rosewood grips.

There are many variations between these two and since.

If the thing's in good shape, no matter which version, $325 is a steal, but go back and read Peak53's comment.

kaaskop49 · #8 12-12-2018, 11:38 AM

Would it be possible to bring the young lady to the LGS? Perhaps she should have some input as to what she would be most comfortable with? Just saying...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

THE PILGRIM · #9 12-12-2018, 12:50 PM

Heck of a deal!
If she don’t like it, I guess you’ll have to keep it!
No, No, anything but that!

ACORN · #10 12-12-2018, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE PILGRIM

Heck of a deal!
If she don’t like it, I guess you’ll have to keep it!
No, No, anything but that!

My thoughts exactly!

mrchuck · #11 12-12-2018, 03:32 PM

I carry my Model 60 357 caliber frequently. I prefer 38 special +P rounds.
Yes,,, it qualifies as a "master blaster.
If you missed the perp, just look for the person with burned off hair.

rubiranch · #12 12-12-2018, 10:03 PM

I recently picked up this 60-14 Lady Smith.

I'm pretty sure that one day I might even shoot it. LOL

There's something really fun about shooting little .357s.

Flyingfool · #13 12-13-2018, 02:20 PM

Very basic or at least in general question.

What features or differences does S&W provide on the revolver that designates it as a “lady smith”.

For example what differences are there between the standard model 60 (or 65) from a model 60 (65) “lady smith?”

Is it is only a grip and a trigger job (outside of the engraved label)?

rubiranch · #14 12-13-2018, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingfool

Very basic or at least in general question.

What features or differences does S&W provide on the revolver that designates it as a “lady smith”.

For example what differences are there between the standard model 60 (or 65) from a model 60 (65) “lady smith?”

Is it is only a grip and a trigger job (outside of the engraved label)?

Anyone??? I would like to know too.

redglare · #15 12-14-2018, 01:33 AM

Between the 65s, the Ladysmith has different grips, matte finish, the full underlug barrel and a larger size yoke retaining screw (according to a gunsmith who worked on my 65 Ladysmith). I have never heard of any "trigger job" distinction.

I, too, wish to know the full extent of differences between the two.

murphydog · #16 12-14-2018, 04:55 AM

It may be a coincidence or individual variation, but the model 65LS examples I have handled all had exceptional trigger actions (light and smooth). The J frames don't seem to be all that different from non-LS versions.

Also, some really like having the word "Lady" engraved on the side of their gun, not to mention the cool maroon hard and soft cases.

Muss Muggins · #17 12-14-2018, 07:19 AM

My understanding is that the differences are cosmetic. Mechanically, they are built exactly like their non LadySmith counterparts . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingfool

Very basic or at least in general question.

What features or differences does S&W provide on the revolver that designates it as a “lady smith”.

For example what differences are there between the standard model 60 (or 65) from a model 60 (65) “lady smith?”

Is it is only a grip and a trigger job (outside of the engraved label)?

two-bit cowboy · #18 12-14-2018, 11:35 AM

I've had six J-frame Ladies. Still have the three in the photo (the other three were stainless).

I've heard since the first one that their actions get a little extra attention at the factory. Can I validate that? No. Is it true? I have no idea, but it's easy to perpetuate a rumor.

Do their actions feel "better" than the standard model. Maybe!?!

Pick any six J-frames and compare their actions. Will one stand out? Maybe!?!

Is the power of suggestion real? Yes.

ACORN · #19 12-14-2018, 06:49 PM

Picked it up today. It’s a 60-7. 1-7/8” .38 spl. Rosewood laminated stocks. Came with a burgundy colored soft case with Ladysmith all over it. Low round count I’m sure and as I’d expect.
Now, the question is, do I really want to give it away??
I think we know the answer.

I hope carrying it doesn’t make me start liking show tunes.

WCCPHD · #20 12-14-2018, 07:12 PM

First one: Model 65-5

Second: Model 631

I recently bought a 60-7 LadySmith, but have not photographed it yet.

two-bit cowboy · #21 12-15-2018, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACORN

I hope carrying it doesn’t make me start liking show tunes.

Hmmm. Maybe there's something to that. Go with it. Won't hurt a thing.

My lady friend packs a 65-5 LS, and she's always humming "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" from Walt Disney's "Song of the South."

I'm sorta' partial to Judy Garland's original version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz."

Eddietruett · #22 12-15-2018, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy

Hmmm. Maybe there's something to that. Go with it. Won't hurt a thing.

My lady friend packs a 65-5 LS, and she's always humming "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" from Walt Disney's "Song of the South."

I'm sorta' partial to Judy Garland's original version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz."

As long as you have your lady singing then it’s a good day!
Usually when I sing the people around me lose their will to live.

two-bit cowboy · #23 12-15-2018, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddietruett

Usually when I sing the people around me lose their will to live.

Reminds me of George Burns:

"I love to sing, and I love to drink scotch. Most people would rather hear me drink scotch."

ACORN · #24 12-16-2018, 12:37 PM

Well here she is. Scrubbed her down with a little Hoppe’s and a judicious application of Ballistol to remove some crud. A couple marks that don’t show in the pic. Locks tight with no end play and timing is spot on. Now to find an OWB holster and some stocks perhaps.

Dieseltech56 · #25 12-16-2018, 01:02 PM

A 60-7 is a great find ladysmith or not. They were the last small J frames to and had all the updates like a heat treatment package. They can safely fire 38 special +P.

ABPOS · #26 12-16-2018, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WCCPHD

First one: Model 65-5

Second: Model 631

I recently bought a 60-7 LadySmith, but have not photographed it yet.

Both are really nice. The top one especially for some reason. Just looks like it's mint I guess.

WCCPHD · #27 12-16-2018, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABPOS

Both are really nice. The top one especially for some reason. Just looks like it's mint I guess.

Pretty close to mint. The 631 has a different appearing finish. Its more like normal stainless than either the 60-7 or the 65-5. It is more of a matte finish than regular stainless but less than the others.

shouldazagged · #28 12-17-2018, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieseltech56

A 60-7 is a great find ladysmith or not. They were the last small J frames to and had all the updates like a heat treatment package. They can safely fire 38 special +P.

Could you clarify what you mean by "the last small J-frames"? S&W still makes J's by the carload, so I may have misunderstood what you meant.

It's my understanding that any Model 60 can safely fire +P ammo. They may wear loose a little faster if you shoot lots of +P as a steady diet for a long period, but you won't blow one up.

two-bit cowboy · #29 12-17-2018, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shouldazagged

Could you clarify what you mean by "the last small J-frames"? S&W still makes J's by the carload, so I may have misunderstood what you meant.

Mike, I'm sure by "small" he meant the last ones before the J-magnum frame came out in 1996. The 36-8s in 3" were the same frame as the 60-7 (and 36-7), but you don't see a lot of them. I suppose there was a Model 60 equivalent to the 36-8, but I don't track them so I'm not positive.