Model 60-18 - HELP serial number post # 25

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Belgian686

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According to my previous post about a model 63-3 2inch, it seems luck often come in 2 ;)

I stumbled into an opportunity to get a model 60-18 (I believe, not completely sure about the -18), with the 5" barrel. This time the price is a 'bit' harder than for the 63, but it's only the second time I've known about an opportunity to this 5 incher, and have never seen one in real life. It does not have the rosewood grip, which I believe was standard, but it would be a shooter so the rubber grips are ok. No box or papers. This long barreled 60 has always put a spell on me.

At 750 € (plus some fees, so around 875 $ equivalent), I need to sell something else. I am thinking to sell a Tanfoglio Limited Custom (nice target 9mm) I bought new about 20 years ago for the equivalent price of a new 686 (about 1200 $). The Tan almost never comes out of the safe and should break even with the model 60. I am however a bit in doubt, for a strange reason still liking the Tan.

Would you go for it ? Is the 5" 60 worth it, knowing I will shoot the gun more often ? I have another 60 3" (357 Mag too) which I like to shoot, and that comes out much much more than the Tan does.

I am aware we are S&W addicts, but still ... your applause would be very appreciated.
 

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The 5" model 60-18 has a small following here. It is odd as a longer than 3" modern centerfire J frame.

The rubber Uncle Mike's grip was standard on the gun for the US market.

Unlike some of the other gun bargains you've described from your country, $875 is at or above what you would pay here for a nice example. Don't know what to advise about having to sell another gun to buy it as I have tried to avoid having to do that. Good luck in your decision.
 
murphydog said:
The 5" model 60-18 has a small following here. It is odd as a longer than 3" modern centerfire J frame.

The rubber Uncle Mike's grip was standard on the gun for the US market.

Unlike some of the other gun bargains you've described from your country, $875 is at or above what you would pay here for a nice example. Don't know what to advise about having to sell another gun to buy it as I have tried to avoid having to do that. Good luck in your decision.
Click to expand...

Thanks - good to know about the grip - the seller (a gun shop) didn't know about the supposed rosewood grip, but he knew he had something rare.

As we can only use guns for range shooting, and liking the handling of a J-frame, the longer barrel makes some sense I hope. I admit the 5" looks strange at first sight, but it's a bit my Black Swan.

You are absolutely right about the prices, this one being higher than our usual prices. Wheelguns seem no longer trendy for many, and that explains the lower prices on second hand.
New Smith & Wesson however are very expensive compared to the US. A new model 63 3" has a MSRP of 859$ in the US and here they sell up to 1700 $ (and delivery takes 6 to 10 months). More 'common' models like a standard 4" 686 go for about 1400 $
 
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The 60-18 is the only internal lock S&W I have ever owned and I really did like it, except for one thing! Contrary to the claims many others make that their never having experienced an auto-locking incident with their internal lock models, I did have that issue with my 3-19, TWICE in one day. It was easily cleared, just physically pushed down the lock flag that was extending above the frame and that allowed the gun to continue. But, twice in one session for a gun intended as a self-defense tool, was too much so I sold it!


There was a certain allure of the 5" J-frame .357, but I totally lost confidence in the gun with this experience! It was enough to cause me to remove anyinternal lock S&W from future consideration for purchase.
 
60-18

This is my 60-18 as it came from S&W. I have never shot this one so it is NIB and a safe queen. I thought I had to have it but when I got it home it just wasn't what a mod 60 should be! I like the 3" barrel length better!
gNhvyg6.jpg

jcelect
!
 
B686, I wish you well in your quest for this unusual configuration of 60–18.

Ever since this model came out, I have thought that it hearkened back to 100 years ago or so, when longer barreled target-sighted moderate caliber small frame revolvers were quite in style.

That style could be either for a little target shooting or for longer range hunting, it occurs to me. or just for the joy of owning such a creation. As for me, I would certainly reach out to it, even with sacrifice of trading or selling a lesser desired item.

Wishing you all the best and hoping for a little range report sometime in the future, should that be possible.
 
I don't have a 5 inch Model 60 although I did have a chance to buy one once and passed. That said, I do have a 63-4 which is a 5 inch eight shot 22LR and I like that one a lot. It's my grandsons favorite for a sidearm to carry while deer/pig hunting. I have the Tanfoglio Limited 9mm too and I wouldn't give it up to get a 60-18. At the price you're considering, I'd probably buy it. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
The general idea seems to be inclined to a 3" and to be honest, I have already a 60-10 and 36-6, both adjustable sights, 3", no lock and they are indeed ideal - I wouldn't part with these at all. This would rather but a further 'study' on the J-Frame adjustable sights (if ever one needs an excuse to buy another gun, I think this is certainly well phrased ;) ).

Having the internal lock does not bother me at all (anymore). I got used to that and with the use I have of guns (only range shooting allowed over here) this is a none-issue.

As we speak, my wife in fact already convinced me to go for it, keeping my Tan and just buy the 60-18. So I guess this is should be a almost done deal.

I will keep you updated when I have it, but that will be easily another two months seen the paperwork here.

Thanks for your insights, and take care.
 
22hipower said:
I don't have a 5 inch Model 60 although I did have a chance to buy one once and passed. That said, I do have a 63-4 which is a 5 inch eight shot 22LR and I like that one a lot. It's my grandsons favorite for a sidearm to carry while deer/pig hunting. I have the Tanfoglio Limited 9mm too and I wouldn't give it up to get a 60-18. At the price you're considering, I'd probably buy it. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
Click to expand...

We seem to share some same tastes :D
 
colt_saa said:
That is a revolver that we rarely see come up for sale over here. In your neck of the woods I have to think it is a Unicorn

You are at a 99% of a yes

That is a lot closer than I ever get on a purchase

Go with your gut and do the deal, forget about what a group of random guys across the ocean would do
Click to expand...

Many guys from across the pond do have some good taste and advice, you know :cool:
 
DGNY said:
B686, I wish you well in your quest for this unusual configuration of 60–18.

Ever since this model came out, I have thought that it hearkened back to 100 years ago or so, when longer barreled target-sighted moderate caliber small frame revolvers were quite in style.

That style could be either for a little target shooting or for longer range hunting, it occurs to me. or just for the joy of owning such a creation. As for me, I would certainly reach out to it, even with sacrifice of trading or selling a lesser desired item.

Wishing you all the best and hoping for a little range report sometime in the future, should that be possible.
Click to expand...

Thanks - I surely will
 
60-18

Reading the other responses, mine will probably not be that popular.

I had the very similar 60-15, beautiful revolver, looks like a mini 686.

But you said you would be shooting this gun, a J frame .357 magnum can be unpleasant to shoot. I found it so and eventually got rid of mine, as I want to carry and use whatever revolvers I own.

For actual shooting, you might be better served with a K or L frame.
 
I really like mine. I also have a 3" in .357 and one in .38 Spec. I find myself carrying the 5" more than the others. I use a Simply Rugged pancake holster in cross draw fashion that works well while driving a tractor and just poking around the woods. To me there is a noticeable difference in shooting the 5" vs 3" as far as accuracy goes. With top drawer loads they are a handfull but you can't have everything.
 
adwjc said:
Reading the other responses, mine will probably not be that popular.

I had the very similar 60-15, beautiful revolver, looks like a mini 686.

But you said you would be shooting this gun, a J frame .357 magnum can be unpleasant to shoot. I found it so and eventually got rid of mine, as I want to carry and use whatever revolvers I own.

For actual shooting, you might be better served with a K or L frame.
Click to expand...

I fully agree with you, but my 3" (indeed a mini 686) and my soon to come 5", (will) shoot a vast majority of .38. Shooting .357 is indeed more pleasant in a model 27 or 686. But we are accumulators, and that why one of each is so much fun ;)
 
Nimrod44 said:
I really like mine. I also have a 3" in .357 and one in .38 Spec. I find myself carrying the 5" more than the others. I use a Simply Rugged pancake holster in cross draw fashion that works well while driving a tractor and just poking around the woods. To me there is a noticeable difference in shooting the 5" vs 3" as far as accuracy goes. With top drawer loads they are a handfull but you can't have everything.
Click to expand...

That exactly summarizes what I hope the 5" will be, except for carrying. Thanks
 
Serial number query

I have just received the serial number by email from the seller of the gun, as I need to start the paperwork before picking it up (involving a drive of about 120 miles one way). If the number is wrong, I have to start the paperwork again, and that takes an extra four to six weeks.

They quote a serial number 5CU63xx, which seems very odd to me. I will ask to double-check, but wouldn't it rather be DCUxxxx than 5CUxxxx ?

Thanks again for all the help on this - B686
 
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Belgian686 said:
I have just received the serial number by email from the seller of the gun, as I need to start the paperwork before picking it up (involving a drive of about 120 miles one way). If the number is wrong, I have to start the paperwork again, and that takes an extra four to six weeks.

They quote a serial number 5CU63xx, which seems very odd to me. I will ask to double-check, but wouldn't it rather be DCUxxxx than 5CUxxxx ?

Thanks again for all the help on this - B686
Click to expand...

To be safe, since an error can cause such complication for you, I suggest you ask the seller to photograph the SN on the gun and e-mail you the photo!

You are correct though, 5CU is not correct. The most common mis-reading would be the letter S mistaken for a 5, but I am positive SCU is not correct either for that model! Let us know how it works out.
 
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