Thanks for the dating info and the added bonus of veteran fellowship. And thanks Linde and Kernel for the dates, I suspected as much. I was mostly curious. I had a choice of two, I only went on the newer as it appeared to be in slightly better condition, but one simply can't tell from pictures. Still happy about it.
I cut my teeth on a model 10 that my uncle had, with a snub nose barrel. Incidentally, he was a fighter pilot in WWII and Korea. He liked Model 10s from his experience as a Victory model totin' hotshot pilot for the AAC and Air Force. He passed that S&W fondness on to me. Both my grandfather's & father were dyed in the wool 1911 fans, having carried them in WWI and II, Korea and Vietnam. I inherited that fondness as well. I have the normal gang of autos, Colt, Glock, SIG and some others. But I really have more S&W revolvers than any other brand. In fact, I have four .45 ACP firing handguns (one that my granddad carried in WWII), but my favorite these days is a 22-4.
However, in recent years, I have really regained an interest in S&W revolvers. I've had quite a few over the years and am rebuilding a little collection. Until recently, I had no interest in J-frames. I got a really good deal on a 3" RB 36 last summer, and then got hooked. It was such a good deal, it takes a the sting out of what I just paid for that Jovino. I figured they won't get any cheaper like that great deal Jeepin' just got.
I'd like to thank the original OP, Paints-n-cows for this thread. I was looking for a 3" model 60, the newer models, but don't like some of the features of them. I couldn't seem to find a fixed sight, 3" anywhere and kept looking when I found this thread. It helped me know better what I was looking at.
I notice that the forum has lots of military veterans and LEO, another pretty good feature or bonus depending how one views it. I also have a great respect for the LEO world. Funny how a little known revolver can bring some S&W fans together. I worked with all branches during my service, always interesting to me the "small" world the military is. I worked pretty closely with 19Ds in my day, Kernel, but they were mostly the ground kind, and rode around in big loud armored vehicles, just like me. It is kind of an irony that after all these years that we are all still playing with M 60s
I'd like to hear more range reports and favored loads for those who have these 3" model 60s. Fortunately, I've had some good experience in terms of loads with my 36, another J that works well with a 3". I'll return to handloading here soon and I already have a suggested load from Jeepin'. And of course, more eye candy is always a bonus!