M60-4 Questions

[VarkDrvr]

New to this forum, so apologies if this has been covered before (a lot) . . .
Wife's high school friend (many years ago) has a pistol for a LONG time - never fired by her - looked it over, this is what I know so far:
Model 60-4 above yoke, SS, 3" full under-lug barrel, pin under the lug and between the barrel & under lug, round butt with rubber grips, S/N on right side of grip frame (under grip panels) is 'H21128' with a small space and then 'D88'.

Any ideas on year of production? Value?
Real nice gun, I'm wondering if I need another revolver . . . .
Appreciate any assistance!

 

[gdogs]

These are nice little J frames, almost like a mini 686 in 38 Special. I've been looking for a reasonably priced one for a while. They were in production starting 1990. Not super rare, but they don't show up all that often. There was a blued version as well, the 36-6.

 

[326MOD10]

The 60-4 is a great little revolver.

I picked mine up out of a pawn shop for $500 several years ago. That price was good for then and great for now. I have seen them go for $700 to $800 range in current times.

If it is like new in the box it could be higher.

The rubber grips should be the Uncle Mikes and are correct for this model.

Made roughly late 80's to mid 90's.

You might double check your SN posted. The SN should be on the bottom of the grip metal. Other numbers could be parts and manufacturing codes.

Here is mine with some J Frame Targets.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

You'll find the serial number on the bottom of the butt. It will be
alphanumeric (like BND1101). The number you provided is an
assembly number along with what sound like inspectors or fitters
marks.

S&W made the Model 60-4 from 1990 through 1996. It was the
only Chiefs Special of the era with a serrated trigger. Very nice
revolvers--of course you should have another! (I never considered
need a factor when I bought one.)

Did you ever fly the ardvarks at Nellis?

 

[22hipower]

A fair friend to friend price might be $500; probably worth $600-$700 retail. And yes, you need another revolver. If I could only have on J frame it would be one of these or the 357 version the 60-10.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Frailer]

The Model 60-4 holds a special place in my heart. It is my favorite “tromping around outdoors” gun. It is small and light enough to ride easily on the hip, but the sights and barrel length permit accurate shot placement. I’m not the first to make this comparison, but it is very much like a downsized 686.

This particular example was a a pawn shop find from 15-20 years ago. Best I can recall, at the time it cost me the princely sum of $350. I wouldn’t take twice that for it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Wife's high school friend (many years ago) has a pistol for a LONG time - never fired by her ...

Appreciate any assistance!

35 or so years old.

It has likely has not been properly maintained in all that time. So it will need a good cleaning and properly lubricated.

 

[white cloud]

These are really sweet shooting revolvers. I have the 60-10 .357 version and will never sell it.

 

[jculloden]

Sold mine last year $650 BSC2824 Shipped 9/3 94 Julian date on box

 

[chief38]

To me, the answer to your question depends on what the main purpose would be for this revolver. For CCW purposes, you would more than likely be better served with a standard vintage model 60 without the full under lug and a 2" tube. It is quite a bit lighter, smaller and less bulky in that configuration vs the model you are referring to.

If you are looking to use this as a nightstand house gun, range plinker or maybe a small/light hiking gun, the it would be great! The 3" tube, full under lug and heavier weight would help control even Buffalo Bore +P's.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I love mine! For a woods-walking gun, it is pretty hard to beat.

 

[cgt4570]

I have a 2" 60-1, three 60-4's, a 60-10, and a de-locked 60-15. I have a weakness for target sighted Model 60's!

 

[VarkDrvr]

Wow, thanx all! Two-bit cowboy - arrived Nellis, 5 July 1975 for initial training in F-111A. They were grounded, but those headed to England were flying, so after a year, headed to 77th TFS, RAF Upper Heyford, UK. Sorry all, its in the blood. Appreciate all the comments - greatly appreciated actually. Every time I pick the 60-4 up I like it more and more! Just feels right in the hand!
Took advice of other more experienced S&W folks on here and there it was - serial number on the bottom of the grip frame: BPT 5298. I had seen that number above the model number on frame under the yoke, but other internet sites said that was a part #. S & W Forum is my GO-TO site from now on. So, estimate of production year now that I have the correct serial number and approximate value? My wife won't let me forget this for her high school classmate!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Hmmm. I got to Nellis (that time) on May 5, 1975. I worked in the
control tower. Saw the 'varks grounded many times through my
three tours there. Did Heyford have the spark varks?

Based on others in my database I'd guess S&W shipped the Model
60-4 you're looking at in late 1993 or early 1994.

Ah, prices. I've had both of mine for a few years. I paid $735 for
the one shipped in 1992 and $795 for the one shipped in 1995.
Each has the box and all the paperwork.

There's one difference in the two. The earlier one has the flash
chromed hammer and trigger; the later one does not.

 

[WCCPHD]

Great little guns. Just a 686 and 586 washed in hot water.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I shoot carpenter bees(flying) with mine........Coarse my shells are loaded
with #9 shot.

 

[toddimusnimski]

You've found a great revolver. I bought mine about 2 years ago after reading all the positives here on the Forum (ya'll are a bunch of enablers, you know that? lol). My BPY was shipped in 1993. I totally get not wanting to sour things with your wife's friend. I insisted on a higher selling price on mine for the same reason. Relationships are more important than saving a few bucks. I paid $650 with box and an extra set of factory target stocks and still felt it was a decent deal.

Welcome to the Forum!

Todd

 

[VarkDrvr]

Many thanks to you all! Two-bit -- When I was @ Heyford, we flew the 'E' model - iron bombs, nukes and 20MM. The S&W 60 grows on ya' really quickly. Appreciate the shipped info - wife's friend said she thought her X gave it to her in about '93. Some beautiful hardware - especially like the wood grips - just like them better . . .

 

[RubEric]

A couple of my J's. 60 w/ mini-cokes; Chiefs Special Target: