Model 60-1 Target - Ashland???

[SFIDEC]

Just purchased M60-1 Target. Have not received it yet but have a question and would appreciate clarification. I've looked at several post about Ashland 60-1's and notice that most were serial numbered Prefix ALU. This one is #'d ALA6921. One of the pictures I've posted shows the ALA prefix. Please excuse me if this is a dumb question...Were there other shipments outside of Ashland on the Target 60-1's?
Thanks,
Ray

 

[colt_saa]

The Model 60 Chiefs Special Target was a Ashland Exclusive

Even though a distributor might order a total of 500 or 1000 or 5000 firearms of a single configuration, they seldom take delivery of all 500 in one day. Likewise, the factory does not manufacture the entire 500 or 1000 or 5000 in a single batch. They manufacture the amount needed for each delivery (+ a few extra for repairs/exchanges)

The factory does not want to keep excess inventory on the shelves gathering dust that can only be sold to one distributor.

Some distributor exclusives take years to complete the manufacture and sales of all pieces

So several serial number prefixes are known to be associated with this batch of firearms. The two that I own are AIV and ALU

The exception to this is when a Distributor specifically reserves a serial number prefix for their exclusive offering like using TRRxxxx for the Thunder Ranch Revolvers or HTRxxxx for the Classic Hunter revovler, etc.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I watched that one. Glad to know somebody here got it.

Congrats.

Bob

 

[Chubbo]

Those target 60 revolvers bring back memories from the early 1960 era. A deceased friend, custom built similar type revolvers to your 'target' mod. 60s. He had the topstrap of 1 7/8" Mod. 36 S&W revolvers milled to accept S&W adjustable rear sights. I presume they were Mod. 34 sights. I don't remember how he raised the front sight to the needed matching height, but the end result, was a beautiful belly gun, with adjustable sights. Those custom built revolvers only appealed to a few people, I was one of them, as I prefer all of my firearms to have adjustable sights. I wasn't able to afford one of those expensive custom revolvers, back then, being involved in more mundane things like raising Kids, making house & car payments, buying groceries, clothing, etc. Now almost 60 later, I'd still like to have a revolver of that type, and, still can't afford it. Some things just never change.
Chubbo

 

[colt_saa]

Those target 60 revolvers bring back memories from the early 1960 era. A deceased friend, custom built similar type revolvers to your 'target' mod. 60s. He had the topstrap of 1 7/8" Mod. 36 S&W revolvers milled to accept S&W adjustable rear sights. I presume they were Mod. 34 sights. I don't remember how he raised the front sight to the needed matching height, but the end result, was a beautiful belly gun, with adjustable sights. Those custom built revolvers only appealed to a few people, I was one of them, as I prefer all of my firearms to have adjustable sights. I wasn't able to afford one of those expensive custom revolvers, back then, being involved in more mundane things like raising Kids, making house & car payments, buying groceries, clothing, etc. Now almost 60 later, I'd still like to have a revolver of that type, and, still can't afford it. Some things just never change.
Chubbo

Smith and Wesson made a factory direct version of the Chiefs Special with adjustable sights. It was called the Chiefs Special Target and it was available in both a 2" and a 3" over the decades

When model numbers came in back in 1957 the 3" guns were called the Model 36 Chiefs Special Target as were some of the 2" guns. The bulk of the 2" revolvers were called the Model 50 Chiefs Special Target

I think the demand was greater than production because there were several gunsmiths adding the little J-frame adjustable sight to Chiefs Specials

I love that big SharkFin on the 2" guns 38 Special or 22LR