HELP !!! Model 60 Finish

[EGAD]

Hi ... I'm a bit under the gun (yeah, I know ...) regarding the purchase of a revolver that fills a vacant niche (actually the # three spot) in my list of sentimental must-have guns.

A 70's or earlier model 60 was the third gun I bought in January 1978 when I began my now-over, humble, 32-year LE career. It was preceded by models 18 (practice) and 19 (carry).

The model 60 in question is owned by a friend who describes the finish as "nearly like nickel." It comes in the properly serial numbered box with accessories, some speed strips, etc. and is supposedly in excellent condition. Although I have yet to see it, I trust my friend's assessment of its condition.

My problem is with the "nearly like nickel" finish. Since its serial number (R25212), according to Jinks, puts it's birthdate well into 1969, it should not the "bright polished frame, barrel, and cylinder" that this one seems to have.

According to my friend, it also has the flashed chrome hammer and trigger age appropriate to this gun. Again per Jinks, a gun of this vintage and serial number series should also have the more common satin finished stainless steel finish.

So that's my dilemma. My friend is asking $600, which, if the gun is a factory original, excellent-in-the-box, etc. late '60's model 60, it's priced at high retail - at least from what I've seen around. He recently got it himself and knows nothing about its history.

However, it's exactly what I am looking for. Particularly with the box. As mentioned, it's part of a sentimental trifecta that I plan on keeping. I've owned several of each of the above now sought-after revolvers and foolishly sold or swapped them away; we all know that tune ...

So, can you help me? Did the the "bright polished finish" as described by Jinks extend beyond 1967, possibly into mid 1969?

Would there be anything marked on the factory box that might indicate the "bright polished finish" ; BSS, BPS, etc. in the Finish box on the end label?

Anyways, I'd appreciate any insight anyone could offer. I do remember over the years, back when the S&W model 66 was the hammer of the gods, some officers working theirs over with the same Simicrome polish they used on their shiny uniform decorative items, to obtain a bright chrome- or nickel-like finish on their model 66's, 60's etc.

It could be that that's what this is. If so, I'm not sure how that would affect the current value of the gun.

So, any thoughts, opinions, guesses, or input of any kind would be greatly appreciated. Hope your current weather is half as nice as we're experiencing here in Minnesota today. Time for the lawn's final mowing of the year.

Thanks again ...

 

[murphydog]

It should not have a bright polished finish, which was present only on the first few thousand or two in 1965-'66; if it does, it is almost certainly not original. I say "almost" because the factory 'might' have done it on special order. Photos of the gun and box label would help here if you can post them.

 

[Sgt 127]

If someone polished it with Flitz, it's overpriced but, salvageable. Grey Scotchrite pads will bring it very close to its original finish with just a little work

If its been buffed on a buffer, it's overpriced. If edges are rounded and letters washed out, it's way overpriced and, though (likely) a perfectly good firearm will never look quite right again.

 

[H Richard]

There's nothing wrong with a well used, well cleaned Mod 60 that has had the finish worn so much the owner finished it up with some polish. Can be quite attractive and does nothing to it's intended purpose as a SD firearm.



Maybe not valued as a collectable, but no less valued as a shooter.

 

[adwjc]

EGAD,

I think you said it yourself, some guys polished with Simicrome polish - I picked up a nice 640 that someone had done that to, and it is one of my favorites.

The only question really is, do you want to pay top dollar at $600 or not, seems a little high from my point of view. But on the other hand, they are not making them like that anymore.

Best of luck which ever way you decide.

 

[Ranger514]

So, I guess I have to ask you what purpose you have in mind for this Mod. 60? It seems the information coming from others is that your friend's has been polished beyond its original finish. Were you planning on collecting, or were you looking for a cc and a shooter?

About a year ago, I traded a rifle valued at about $500 for the present Mod. 60-no dash snubby (circa 1982) I like to keep handy. No box, paper, or cleaning kit were included in the deal. I gave it a good cleaning and lightly polished it with Simichrome to give it a fresh appearance, but I stopped way short of giving it a nickel finish.

You have to decide how much you're willing to pay. A mod. 60 is a great little gun, and they sure don't make them like they used to. If you want an original LNIB, expect to pay high dollar; otherwise, all prices are negotiable, and your friend should know that.

 

[old bear]

EGAD, form my understanding of your post you want a reminder of the “Good old Days” and there is NOTHING wrong with that. If the M-60 you are thinking about will scratch your itch, go for it. I might be tempted to offer the seller $525.00 and go from there, if needed.

 

[jimmyj]

If it is what you are looking for, stop over thinking the issue ----BUY IT !!

 

[KSDeputy]

I bought a new model 60 just after they were introduced. When the semi-auto craze started I foolishly sold it, along with some other fine revolvers, to be able to buy the semi-autos. I regret most selling the model 60. I am looking for another. Though they may not be as well made, you can buy a new one for just over $ 600. I bought a model 637 airweight and love it. The model 60 is next on my list. If I can find a mint condition original model I would buy it, but I would have to handle it first, and check it over completely.

 

[Nightowl]

My guess would be that many, if not most of the early model 60s went to LE officers and departments, that issued the guns and threw away the boxes. Or the boxes were issued with the guns, but did not return when officers retired or left the dept. So, my thoughts are that finding a nice model 60 with box and contents may not be easy!

 

[Ranger514]

EGAD: Once you look it over and pick it up, I bet you'll be hooked. I've seen some for sale at gun shows with $450-$500 price tags, with no box , and after market and beat up grips. I don't think your friend's 60 is hugely overpriced for its stated condition, and the goodies that go along with it. If you like what you see, follow Old Bear's advice and see if your friend will lower the price. Cash in hand could make a differenc, and don't forget to update us with pics of your new snubby

 

[TAROMAN]

I purchased this one new. $123 at Jensen's in Tucson.
Pretty shiny as issued, but a long way from nickel.
Never buffed it up, either:

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I looked at an early Model 60 a few years ago that appeared to be unfired and had the box, papers and tools. Got the seller down from $600 to $550 and he wouldn't budge any further. I left it on the table because I thought it was $50 too high.

I still think about that gun some nights when I can't sleep.

 

[rburg]

I generally respect those here at the forum. Most show good common sense. But first, understand the OP said it was a friend. You can "negotiate" or "cheat him down" all you want, but its also a good way to lose a friend. If you read closely, you'll see he said the friend hasn't had it long. It worries me when someone tries to put a loss on a friend.

As for the original finish, who knows. I have a ratty old one with a 410,000s serial. Its got a bright finish, and I assume it came that way. I had an R212,000s gun that I gave to my oldest son. Its bright because I spent endless evenings polishing on it. I used automotive rubbing compound because I wanted the abrasives to bring it to a real polish condition. In the end, it looked better than my very early one that came polished.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

I purchased this one new. $123 at Jensen's in Tucson.
Pretty shiny as issued, but a long way from nickel.
Never buffed it up, either:

Beautiful!! Tyler-T makes it complete to me. $123 was quite a commitment in these parts in 1973. In 1973 a SCHP officer took home less than $400 a MONTH!

 

[TAROMAN]

Beautiful!! Tyler-T makes it complete to me. $123 was quite a commitment in these parts in 1973. In 1973 a SCHP officer took home less than $400 a MONTH!

I was a 2nd Lieutenant under 2, so my take-home was about the same! $123 did seem like a lot back then!

 

[jimmyj]

Question:
When you find a weapon that you really want, and the price in within reason, why can one only enjoy it, if the buying price is absolutely rock bottom ?
REMEMBER-LIFE IS SHORT- EAT DESSERT FIRST !
At your grave side, no one is going to remark, " See that revolver in his hand ? Well He really got that for a really low, low price".

 

[cmansguns]

Like said above.......life's too short, if you like it, buy it, you won't go wrong at whatever price.

Pics my 2 M60 no-dashes. One factory whatever finish as issued, other with finish "embellished" by Ben Shostle.......both "way too high" price wise? Probably, maybe, who cares, not me.....but satisfied the itch, and the "holes" in collection (some of them anyway).

 

[rburg]

Hey Charlie B., if its a Shostle, where did he sign the work? I like it, but there are a bunch of guns around that resemble his style. Many we can't find anything to prove it. Should be enough just to see the quality of the workmanship.

 

[EGAD]

Thanks so much for all the help and replies.

One of my main criteria is that the gun be original.

I am a bit baffled by what my friend describes as the "almost nickel finish." Like many of us, he has been quite an avid gun enthusiast for many years, has owned a number of model 60's , and wouldn't have noted the finish condition to me unless it was truly noteworthy (read: really bright).

While first looking into this gun, I learned that the first model 60's were released with such a finish, although with black or case-hardened hammers and triggers. Consequently I was hoping against hope that someone might have had information that the bright finish was commonly released into the year of the gun in question's birth: 1969. Perhaps to use-up leftover parts or something. So far, that seems unlikely.

As suggested though, when I do see the gun "in the flesh" in a couple days, I'll check the end label on the box in the off chance that there is some indication of a "bright stainless" or similar custom or optional notation in the finish category. Not likely, but worth a look.

My friend, also a retired officer, bought the gun last week at a gun show from yet another retired officer for $500. He said that he wants to make $100 on it.

When it comes to matters such as these, he is always quite firm. That's his choice - personally, I usually take the other track when I do sell the occasional gun, but so be it. However, if the gun is not original, I wouldn't even give him $500 for it.

So, time will tell. I greatly appreciate all the information so far, and welcome any more that may be forthcoming. I will update this post with what I find out when I finally meet this mystery gun face-to-face.

However, I got a feeling that this blind date may not end up with a "walk down the aisle."

For social occasions, among others, (I'm not defensively monogamous) I have an S&W Model 360 which more than fills any need that this Model 60 would.

The Model 60 would be mine for sentimental reasons; I hate to use the term, "collector". While I certainly would shoot it, it's main purpose would be to fill the aforementioned niche in the "guns of my past" assortment I'm trying to complete.

So, thanks again. As I've learned over the years, the chase is often just as rewarding as the catch. Be safe ...

 

[lawdog530]

Since several members have posted their pay scale from back in the 1970's... I was employed with the Indiana State Police (ISP) in 1977 and starting pay was $341 bi-weekly. Tough as hell trying to make a living with only one working (wife was prego and stayed home with child after birth). How in the hell the Dept. could expect someone to live on that is beyond me!!

 

[jimmyj]

Since several members have posted their pay scale from back in the 1970's... I was employed with the Indiana State Police (ISP) in 1977 and starting pay was $341 bi-weekly. Tough as hell trying to make a living with only one working (wife was prego and stayed home with child after birth). How in the hell the Dept. could expect someone to live on that is beyond me!!

The "Bi Weekly paycheck learn one to "REALLY BUDGET "one's money.
The second week we would hunting down change to purchase milk and bread. AND outsiders would wonder why Jimmy worked as many part time jobs as I could handle.

***THE POWERS (aka Desk Bound Commandos) really didn't give a hoot how you managed to survive, because THEY were the ones making the "Big Bucks" and had the best vehicles and equipment. How ever the "Street Cops" walked tall and cast a giant shadow and were known as "REAL COPS"

 

[John Fugate]

I purchased this one new. $123 at Jensen's in Tucson.
Pretty shiny as issued, but a long way from nickel.
Never buffed it up, either:

If that gun was manufactured in 1973 , it has been polished by someone other than Smith and Wesson. I am just stating the obvious. It may have never been on a wheel , but years of rubbing the gun with a flitz cloth would produce that shiny finish. Maybe the experts can put in their two cents. John

 

[vrichard]

Orignal S&W mdl.60 finish

2 early mdl.60 like they left the factory.1965 Bright polished finish.
Dick


1966 maybe 1967 (ser.# 478891) Bright finish.

 

[dcopper]

In 1975, we called them Delta Whiskeys! (Desk Weinies). lol Best Equipment, ie cars, hand helds etc!

 

[kthom]

If you like the way this revolver looks in it's present condition, and everything else about it checks out good, AND if it will scratch your itch, then I say get it. Model 60's of older vintage ain't layin' about these days, especially that haven't been carried and used a lot. You get the box and all the stuff with it, which is pretty rare as well most of the time with older models. The price is on the high end, but how many others have you had the opportunity to buy these days? Especially that you can look and hold in your hand before you lay down your money?

I agree that I would not lean on a friend as I might some one that I don't know over the price. However, my real friends who know me know that I am not in the habit of buying a gun anywhere anytime for the asking price. I may pay that for it but I'm gonna ask. In your case, if this is a good friend, I would still probably ask him (after I had carefully inspected his revolver), "Would you consider taking any less for it?" You know him better than we do. If you think he would be offended, don't do that. But surely he knows, as we all do, that most of us buy high and sell low, or at least a bit lower than we gave unless we bought something nice and older (this is!!!!!) for a price that might have been considered high ten years or more ago (maybe less!).

It's my feeling that you intend to keep this particular revolver. That means it will have a chance to appreciate in value. But what is it worth to you to fill that spot in your "collection"? How much pleasure will you get from owning and having it? If you like it, that's all that matters. And if and when you decide to sell it, remember to figure what it was worth to you to have and enjoy the gun for whatever time you had it. Personally, I own some revolvers that don't owe me a dime! They've already paid for themselves times over by just being in my possession. And they are not for sale. So what I gave for them is not a consideration for me today! Good luck to you with this deal. I hope it works out well for both you and your friend!