Model 60-15 date, key and rifling?

SLCDW · #1 05-17-2020, 06:26 PM

Just purchased a used 60-15 with serial number CZV6XXX. Could some one provide an approximate date of shipment?

This is the first S&W revolver that I have purchased with an internal lock. The key will not be included with the gun. From a forum search, I understand that, at least 4 years ago, S&W would provide a new one on request. Is that still the case?

The gun has seen use, but appears in good shape. Timing and cylinder gap are good and lock up is as it should be in both single and double action. One thing I noticed was that, even accounting for a heavily leaded barrel, the rifling did not seem to be as crisp as that of any of my older Smiths or even two revolvers that date from 2016 and 2017. Is that unusual?

Thanks

Targets Guy · #2 05-17-2020, 06:39 PM

Mine shipped 3/2015, s/n is CXX01xx so I'd guess yours is a 2015 as well. I really enjoy mine. It is a little snappy for me shooting .357's but loves .38 specials and +P's.

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I used the key when I first bought it to see if it worked and haven't touched it since. I don't know why S&W wouldn't send you one.

SLCDW · #3 05-17-2020, 07:33 PM

Mine is just the standard version that is no where near as nice as yours.

Started looking through blue boxes and found a CZN5XXX that I purchase new in 6/2016 that shipped in 4/2016. So in all likelihood my 60-15 shipped in Summer 2016.

I will find out for sure tomorrow when I call customer service to ask for a key. Don't intend to use the key and understand that the locks don't have a history of failing, but still want the key just in case.

How deep is the rifling on yours?

MetalMan · #4 05-17-2020, 08:03 PM

Mine is also a CXX prefix serial number; 2015 DOB and purchased NIB in Feb 2016.

Perfect mechanicals and a tack-driver at 10yds with .38Spl

Sharp rifling....

Great carry gun, and my current EDC, in a Milt Sparks VMII.

scooter123 · #5 05-17-2020, 08:14 PM

Most likely your model 60 has an ECM rifled barrel. Note that is Electro Chemical Machining. On my 2008 vintage model 620 with this style of rifling the lands and grooves are blended together by radii. Best way I've heard to describe this type of rifling is "shot out and over polished". However I've shot under 7/8 inch at 50 yards with my 620 so it does NOT perform like a barrel that is "shot out".

I will also note that the one time I tried using some unplated lead ammo I had to spend more than 12 hours scrubbing the barrel to get the lead out. IF that leading in your new model 60 is as bad as I suspect you have a lot of work ahead of you. Only shoot ammo with a copper jacket or plating in an ECM barrel. BTW, American Eagle 158 grain Semi Jacketed Soft point IS jacketed where it matters and safe to use in an ECM barrel. I'll also note that particular 357 Magnum load is quite stiff in a 38 ounce model 620 and I wouldn't even think about shooting this ammo in a model 60.

Targets Guy · #6 05-17-2020, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLCDW

Mine is just the standard version that is no where near as nice as yours.

Started looking through blue boxes and found a CZN5XXX that I purchase new in 6/2016 that shipped in 4/2016. So in all likelihood my 60-15 shipped in Summer 2016.

I will find out for sure tomorrow when I call customer service to ask for a key. Don't intend to use the key and understand that the locks don't have a history of failing, but still want the key just in case.

How deep is the rifling on yours?

This is the best I can do.

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Manual says it is 5 RH

slickracer · #7 05-17-2020, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter123

Most likely your model 60 has an ECM rifled barrel. Note that is Electro Chemical Machining. On my 2008 vintage model 620 with this style of rifling the lands and grooves are blended together by radii. Best way I've heard to describe this type of rifling is "shot out and over polished". However I've shot under 7/8 inch at 50 yards with my 620 so it does NOT perform like a barrel that is "shot out".

I will also note that the one time I tried using some unplated lead ammo I had to spend more than 12 hours scrubbing the barrel to get the lead out. IF that leading in your new model 60 is as bad as I suspect you have a lot of work ahead of you. Only shoot ammo with a copper jacket or plating in an ECM barrel. BTW, American Eagle 158 grain Semi Jacketed Soft point IS jacketed where it matters and safe to use in an ECM barrel. I'll also note that particular 357 Magnum load is quite stiff in a 38 ounce model 620 and I wouldn't even think about shooting this ammo in a model 60.

Horse feathers. I've shot thousands of rounds of unplated lead .38 Specials out of a 686 with ECM rifling with no leading.

SLCDW · #8 05-17-2020, 09:05 PM

Took another look at the rifling in my Smiths that are from 3 to 4 years old in comparison to the rifling in my others from the 60s and 70s. I see the difference now. The 60-15 is likely ECM rifling, because looking shot out and polished over with lead would describe it. Good thing that I enjoy cleaning guns and sheltering at home has given me extra time to do so.

SLCDW · #9 05-18-2020, 12:46 PM

For those who keep track, per S&W Customer Service, CZV6XXX was manufactured in June 2016. Also, replacement internal lock keys are still available for free on request.

cmj8591 · #10 05-18-2020, 02:41 PM

Why can't I shoot lead in my ECM barrels? I own several and have been shooting lead out of them since forever. I have a 500 that gets a steady diet of lead driven at speeds I don't want to mention because you would think I was making it up. Never a problem. Of course they get dirty but I never have a problem cleaning out the barrel. In fact, I think the ECM is a little easier to clean because the lead tends not to build up against the lands and there are no tool marks to get filled up. I'm not sure where that admonishment comes from.