1983 Model 60 ?

[GB3FTW]

Last weekend at 1 of my local stops. I picked up a used model 60 no dash 2”. Didn’t ask many questions and honestly didn’t inspect as close as i usually do. Because of price ($350) I just swiped the credit card. I knew it was older, And I knew I was lacking this model in my collection. Sometimes you just have to roll the dice. Any thoughts on this little j frame or information is welcomed… didn’t even know they made 60’s w/square butt frame. Been researching finding some interesting info. Diamond checkered grips are too early but nice. I assume this was special order originally. Should I get a letter to find out more or just enjoy for what it is? Thanks in advance

 

[robertrwalsh]

My inclination would be to go with the flow. If it had any departmental markings or suspected connection I would probably pursue that, but lacking that just go with it. (My opinion, for what that might be worth to you.)

 

[robertrwalsh]

According to the 4th edition the Diamond grips were deleted in 1968 and the R series serial numbers began in 1969. The 60-1 began in 1972. I am confident the local expert, TwoBit Cowboy, will jump in with much more solid information than I have. He is the expert. He wrote the book. Literally.

 

[Retired W4]

Looks like a smooth (combat?) trigger. I like that and the square butt.

 

[Retired W4]

According to the 4th edition the Diamond grips were deleted in 1968 and the R series serial numbers began in 1969. The 60-1 began in 1972. I am confident the local expert, TwoBit Cowboy, will jump in with much more solid information than I have. He is the expert. He wrote the book. Literally.

And the pinned barrel was deleted in 1982 ( under the -1).

 

[Retired W4]

Serial number would help Bob. I believe John Jovino had some 2" SB's.

 

[cmj8591]

It's not so unusual that I bother with a letter but it is a very nice gun. Just right to stick in your waist band when you go to the grocery store.

 

[GB3FTW]

Thanks for the quick replies Gents! Serial is AEB2044. A.I. says 83’ and Jovino’s were 84’, from what I’m seeing. It came with the pachmayr’s. I just put the diamond walnuts for pics they are little off around edges. I’ll prob shop for some period correct grips I bet they will fit cleaner.

 

[tabora]

Serial is AEB

I would say 1984...

 

[Retired W4]

I sent Two-bit Cowboy a DM. He can clear this up for us.

 

[L-2]

AEB equates to 1984 according to my book, too. That Mod. 60 looks very nice. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know what grips were commonly used at that time.

1984 – AAU, ABV, ABZ, ACZ, ADE, ADM, ADR, ADT, ADW, AEA, AEB, AEC, AEF, AEL, AEM, AEV, AEZ, AFA, AFJ, AFK, AFM

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 491). (Function). Kindle Edition.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

According to my database, the 1984 2" Jovino Special, Dr. Roy Jinks name for them, had AEB and AEC serial numbers. The earliest ones in the database show February 1984 SPEC ORD codes on the box labels, meaning that's when the gun was completed, boxed, or ready for shipping. The AEC models came a bit later in the spring/summer of 1984. The run was 600 of 2" models.

Later in the year Jovino ordered 1,000 3" models with a Heavy Barrel. Those fall in the AEU, AEV, and AEW serial ranges.

 

[Retired W4]

Well those diamond magnas are pre~'68 but they do add a touch of class to the gun.

 

[Retired W4]

I would be applying for a Letter of Authenticity.

 

[Obe]

Serial number would help Bob. I believe John Jovino had some 2" SB's.

They did (Jovino).