Info on Mod 60 (no dash) 3"

[OctopusHighball]

Greetings... just acquired this Mod 60 (no dash) 3" with serial number "BAD0506" in a multi-gun trade. I asked for an extra $200, he threw this in instead on the condition I give him dibs if I ever go to sell it.

This is my first S&W revolver, so I have read the sticky and know some basics now. But looking for general info on desirability and general value. Not looking to sell anytime soon, just wondering what I have here. Would appreciate any extra info, and thanks in advance!

Pics:

 

[linde]

. . . Mod 60 (no dash) 3" with serial number "BAD0506" . . . looking for general info on desirability and general value . . . Would appreciate any extra info, and thanks in advance! . . .

You have a very desirable Model 60 but . . . other than to report the serial number dates to 1988 . . . I don't have much more to offer. Two 3" round butt product codes (102318 and 102320) listed in the Standard Catalog of S&W in the '88-'89 timeframe were double-action only with a bobbed hammer.

As for general information: Any 3" J-frame is good . . . one with a heavy barrel is better . . . and one in stainless is best!

Congratulations on a great find,

Russ

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congrats on a great revolver! I have a 60-15 with a 3" barrel that is a wonderful shooter!

 

[OctopusHighball]

Thanks for the info! On another forum, one guy says the 3" Mod 60 is pretty uncommon. Can anyone here expound on that?

 

[murphydog]

It's an interesting gun. The two known 3" model 60 variants were a 60-3 DAO from 1988 and a limited run of 3" square butts from 1985, so this one doesn't fit either of those categories. This one may be another special order gun, or the barrel may have been swapped. A letter of authenticity from the SWHF may be needed to determine if it is original. Hope this is helpful.

 

[kthom]

That's a dandy Model 60, Sir. I think you ought to think long and hard before you ever decide to let it go. You did good!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

That is one "bad" Chiefs Special, and you got it in lieu of $200 cash? You thief! (Read: Go to jail and don't collect....)

If your friend ever finds this thread I hope he remains your friend.

Congrats on obtaining one of the oddballs.

 

[OctopusHighball]

Sounds like a letter is in order! Thanks again.

 

[GerSan69]

I don't know about "uncommon".... fewer 3" than 2", but still not really rare.
BTW I have one of those 3" DAO 60-3s. They put the "frosted" or "vapor-hone" finish on them, supposedly around 2000 made. The hammer came bobbed from the factory. Mine is not in pristine condition. It looks like it was dropped on pavement once or twice. But due to the unique finish, I'm not inclined to try to polish out the scratches.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

With that serial number and ship date it would be expected to be marked as a -3. I believe it is a -3 that is unmarked.

It's general appearance and features are similar to the 102309 Ladysmith that was in production at that time, which had a 3-inch traditional style barrel. But is lacking the LS marking and frosted finish.

Perhaps it is a "de-badged" 102309. Which wouldn't be hard to do with some 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper, and a little elbow grease.

Or, more likely, a low volume uncataloged factory Special of some kind, done for an Agency or at a distributor's request.

It's an interesting piece. A member post a picture of an identical gun awhile back and it was a mystery then as well.

 

[The_Truth]

Beautiful piece