info on older model 60 38 special

[il Padrino]

I was looking at what appered to be a 2" snub nose S&W revolver for sale at a lgs, the tag they had on the gun stated it was a model 60, but upon opening the cylinder I was unable to find any stamping of model number. I have another one just like it at home and it clearly has "60" stamped on it. I believe its a no dash model 60, it does not have a pinned barrel (neither does the one I currently own). I thought the original no dash versions had pinned barrels...
I'm not all to familiar with the history of the early model 60's.
Did later versions of the no dash 60 go to a non pinned barrel before the -1 versions came out.
I'm still debating on purchasing this other one, its in better condition than the one I own, and appears clean, with a minor turn line and still nice and tight, probably fired very little with original grips but no box, asking price $400, but I don't think they are going to budge on the price.

 

[murphydog]

If it is a stainless Smith & Wesson J frame, it might have missed being stamped MOD 60. These were produced from 1965 to '88 and replaced by the -3, so were made for about 6 years with the unpinned barrel. There were two 60-1s and a -2 that were limited production special runs, and did not replace the 60. If it is not an S & W all bets are off .

As you describe it, $400 is an excellent price in the current market.

 

[palmetto99]

If it is a no dash model 60, $400 is a good price. That's what I paid for one six years ago.

 

[K-framer]

A no dash model 60 in fine condition is an excellent shooter/ carry gun. For $400, I'd buy it in a New York minute.

 

[billwill]

So did you buy it yet? You will not loose on that one.

 

[il Padrino]

Picked it up today, it is in fact a model 60, was able to see the "mod 60" very faintly stamped able too see after I put on my glasses. Wish he had the box for it, it would pass as a new in box pistol. This thing must have been shot very little, the action seemed kind of dry. I didnt want to pull the side plate, so I only removed and polished the hammer spring guide rod, put a few drops of oil in the action and cycled it a few times, its better but still a little gritty feeling pulling the hammer back in single action at the last 1/4 of hammer travel. I'll run a couple hundred rounds through it, if it doesn't smooth out I'll polish the rebound slide and give the internals a good cleaning.

 

[il Padrino]

Anybody have a pet load for this? I have a variety of powder including Win321, bullseye, red dot, 700X, 125 and 158 gr cast and some 125 158 gr plated bullets, and many empty .38 brass cases. I don't need anthing hot, just looking for a light and accurate target plinking load run through thisgun to see how it performs. I know its only a 2" snub nose and don't expect to make any long rang shots, just looking for something that shoots decent groups within 5 -7 yds.

 

[Pef]

Picked it up today, it is in fact a model 60, was able to see the "mod 60" very faintly stamped able too see after I put on my glasses. Wish he had the box for it, it would pass as a new in box pistol. This thing must have been shot very little, the action seemed kind of dry. I didnt want to pull the side plate, so I only removed and polished the hammer spring guide rod, put a few drops of oil in the action and cycled it a few times, its better but still a little gritty feeling pulling the hammer back in single action at the last 1/4 of hammer travel. I'll run a couple hundred rounds through it, if it doesn't smooth out I'll polish the rebound slide and give the internals a good cleaning.

That is a very good price for the model 60 shown. Nice acquisition made nicer by a nice price...