Was at the LGS today and saw a nice Model 60-4. No box or papers, and original grip. It's in decent shape with some carry wear that should polish out. They are firm at $450. I like the feel of the gun and don't own a "J" frame. Is $450 a reasonable price?
Model 60-4 Value
- Thread starter r100rsman
- Start date
A new Model 60 is MSRP over $700 and on line for $600 is easy to find so $450 is not too bad. I would have said $350 to $400 but there is a premium on concealable handguns. That started when concealed carry became all the rage across the country.
THE PILGRIM
Member
Yes indeed!
60-4 as you described will probably go quick at $450.
60-4 as you described will probably go quick at $450.
WCCPHD
Member
I realize they made a "bunch" of them; however, in my neck of the woods I've only seen two. The first had a gouge in the side plate that would have required replacement as it was too deep to polish out. The owner had $400 on it and would not consider a penny less.
The second was for sale for $900, but the seller reduced it to $750. Probably too much, but I paid it. Its a great gun and I tell people it is a Model 686 that was washed in hot water.
While I probably paid too much at $750, I have not seen another one locally for any price.
That said $450 is a very good price.
I also have its fraternal twin, the 36-6 which I believe was made in smaller quantities.
The second was for sale for $900, but the seller reduced it to $750. Probably too much, but I paid it. Its a great gun and I tell people it is a Model 686 that was washed in hot water.
While I probably paid too much at $750, I have not seen another one locally for any price.
That said $450 is a very good price.
I also have its fraternal twin, the 36-6 which I believe was made in smaller quantities.
white cloud
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You will never see a nice one around here for $450.
Green Frog
Member
I’m guessing at that price it will probably be gone by the time you get back to the gs. That’s about a retail price for a normal (2”, fixed sight) Model 60. For a Model 60-4 with heavy underlug 3” barrel and adjustable sights, it’s a steal.
Froggie
Froggie
Well I made it back to the LGS in time and bought the Model-60. Very happy with the purchase and now I have to wait a week (waiting period) before I can bring it home. Below is the GB ad, but not sure if I am permitted to post it here. Thanks everyone for helping me make the right decision.
Smith & Wesson 60-4 .38 Special SPL - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 839941635
Smith & Wesson 60-4 .38 Special SPL - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 839941635
Yes, it is perfectly OK to post a closed/ended auction listing.
Good taste in motorcycles too
. Enjoy!Texas Star
US Veteran
If you can personally shoot worth a dang, I think you're going to be astounded at the accuracy you'll get from this handy little revolver. Mine thinks it's a K-38 firing match ammo.
It especially likes Speer's 125 and 135 grain Short Barrel ammo.
I had to sell my first M-60-4 while I was out of work, but replaced it ASAP. Both examples were amazingly accurate and far easier to shoot well than the normal snub M-60, which I also love, in its proper role.
Some M-60-4's have color casehardened hammers and triggers and some have flash chromed ones. I think it varied with the production run.
It especially likes Speer's 125 and 135 grain Short Barrel ammo.
I had to sell my first M-60-4 while I was out of work, but replaced it ASAP. Both examples were amazingly accurate and far easier to shoot well than the normal snub M-60, which I also love, in its proper role.
Some M-60-4's have color casehardened hammers and triggers and some have flash chromed ones. I think it varied with the production run.
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GerSan69
Member
OP, that is an outstanding buy!!!
Don't let anyone fool you, with prices on older handguns going crazy, $450 was a STEAL. Remember, they may still be cranking out Shields by the millions or 442s by nearly as many, they will never make another 60-4. Congratulations!!!
Don't let anyone fool you, with prices on older handguns going crazy, $450 was a STEAL. Remember, they may still be cranking out Shields by the millions or 442s by nearly as many, they will never make another 60-4. Congratulations!!!
Green Frog
Member
r100rsman, I'm pleasantly surprised that you were able to get back to the GS and get it before somebody else snapped it up. That is one of the most versatile and useful 38s that ever came out of Springfield (IMHO, of course!) As I have mentioned previously, I could never warm up to those synthetic grips that Smith was using at the time, but a pair of smooth wood finger groove combats made my hand happy and is easy on the eyes as well. Mine are a dark wood like ebony.
Since the j-frame grip doesn't offer you a whole lot to hang onto, it's imprortant that you get used to the grips on your gun or change them to fit you better (or both) which will require that you go out and do a whole lot of shooting with it. There you go; now you have the perfect excuse to demand more range time of yourself. Enjoy!
Froggie
Since the j-frame grip doesn't offer you a whole lot to hang onto, it's imprortant that you get used to the grips on your gun or change them to fit you better (or both) which will require that you go out and do a whole lot of shooting with it. There you go; now you have the perfect excuse to demand more range time of yourself. Enjoy!
Froggie
D Brown
Member
Congratulations on the new acquisition r100. That's a nice one!
Here's mine that shipped from the factory on March 24, 1992, and that I subsequently purchased new on June 13, 1992.
These are really great guns. There have been several attempts over the years by individuals trying to talk me into selling mine. It's not going to happen.
Here's mine that shipped from the factory on March 24, 1992, and that I subsequently purchased new on June 13, 1992.
These are really great guns. There have been several attempts over the years by individuals trying to talk me into selling mine. It's not going to happen.
Dale53
Member
I bought my 60-4 when they first hit the market. At first, I was slightly disappointed that they didn't come with a four inch barrel. I wanted mine for field use and the extra sight radius would be appreciated.
However, after I got it home, I went to my home club indoor range (it was COLD out). There were a few of the regulars shooting. I put a 50 ft. target up at 50 feet, and using a make shift rest, shot a tight group while sighting in. Then, I stood up and shot a score in the 90's. Yeah, with a 3" barrel. Some of the guys put a scope on my target and came running to see what I was shooting. They were fully blown away. In spite of the short sight radius, those excellent target sights and the forward weight of the double underlugged barrel really works to gether to make tight holding a breeze. That translates to real performance on the target.
I used to do a lot of bird hunting in rugged country (grouse in the hills of Eastern Ohio and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan). The 60-4 was carried cross draw and I didn't know it was there until I needed it. I took many a sitting rabbit (both cottontails and snow shoe rabbits) as well as sitting and wounded grouse. I could hardly believe the precision shooting I was able to do with my "toy" 60-4.
I also have a 631 (4" barreled target sighted revolver in .32 H&R). I can actually shoot the 60-4 a bit better than the 631 due entirely to the weight forward balance of the 60-4. "Who wudda thunk it?"
My most used load is a full charge wadcutter (H&G # 50 wadcutter mold ahead of 3.5 grs. of Bullsye). This shoots under an inch at 25 yards off a Ransom Rest.
Yeah, I REALLY like my 60-4. And-d-d, for the record, I LOVE the issue rubber grips!
Dale53
However, after I got it home, I went to my home club indoor range (it was COLD out). There were a few of the regulars shooting. I put a 50 ft. target up at 50 feet, and using a make shift rest, shot a tight group while sighting in. Then, I stood up and shot a score in the 90's. Yeah, with a 3" barrel. Some of the guys put a scope on my target and came running to see what I was shooting. They were fully blown away. In spite of the short sight radius, those excellent target sights and the forward weight of the double underlugged barrel really works to gether to make tight holding a breeze. That translates to real performance on the target.
I used to do a lot of bird hunting in rugged country (grouse in the hills of Eastern Ohio and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan). The 60-4 was carried cross draw and I didn't know it was there until I needed it. I took many a sitting rabbit (both cottontails and snow shoe rabbits) as well as sitting and wounded grouse. I could hardly believe the precision shooting I was able to do with my "toy" 60-4.
I also have a 631 (4" barreled target sighted revolver in .32 H&R). I can actually shoot the 60-4 a bit better than the 631 due entirely to the weight forward balance of the 60-4. "Who wudda thunk it?"
My most used load is a full charge wadcutter (H&G # 50 wadcutter mold ahead of 3.5 grs. of Bullsye). This shoots under an inch at 25 yards off a Ransom Rest.
Yeah, I REALLY like my 60-4. And-d-d, for the record, I LOVE the issue rubber grips!
Dale53
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Lobster Picnic
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Sweet. I paid $600 for my 60-4 several years ago. It included the box & papers, original Uncle Mikes grips and a set of Pro Series grips.
I couldn't believe I got this one for a hammer price of $350 on Proxibid Saturday. By the time I pay shipping, buyer's premium and FFL transfer, I'll be into it for about $450 also. I scored my existing 60-4 on GB for $400 about 10 years ago. That one got me hooked. Now I have 2 60-4s, an Ashland 2" 60-1, a 60-10 and a custom 60-14 with the lock removed. Sounds like I need to put together a 60 target family portrait soon.
(R) Smith & Wesson 60-4 38 SPL Revolver |
Firearms & Military Artifacts
Firearms
Pistols
Revolvers
| Auctions Online | Proxibid
(R) Smith & Wesson 60-4 38 SPL Revolver |
Firearms & Military Artifacts
Firearms
Pistols
Revolvers
| Auctions Online | Proxibid
Attachments
Dieseltech56
Member
I’m alone here but I have never seen a 60-4 let alone had the opportunity to buy one 
Congratulations on the new acquisition r100. That's a nice one!
Here's mine that shipped from the factory on March 24, 1992, and that I subsequently purchased new on June 13, 1992.
These are really great guns. There have been several attempts over the years by individuals trying to talk me into selling mine. It's not going to happen.
That's awesome!
target tech
Member
I just saw a 60-4 at a local shop, but out of state, for 525.00 and thought that was a good starting point for bargaining. I just bought my second one for 535.00 with shipping. So at 450.00, iwould now own three.
You know there is one in the classifieds?
My 3-inch 60-4 J frame is with me every night when I walk my dog after work for coyote protection .
Great revolver. Shoots very well. You got yours for a nice price. Nice snag.
I use a Hunter Mfg leather holster for mine. Don't remember the model number, but it is the same one that fits my Ruger gp100 4" revolver. The 60-4 sits lower in it, but it gives more protection to the rear sight like a Simply Rugged holster. The 60-4 three inch fits snug- no slop in that holster.
The best part, is the low cost. <$15 delivered from the big auction site. The only drawback to Hunter holster is that they position the original snap right on top of the cylinder. I hate that. Don't want to scratch the gun. So, I move the male side snap location to over the middle of the trigger area. I drill out the original snap ( on the holster), punch a new hole over the trigger area ( no metal contact there), and place a new male snap base ( from my local hardware store, from the section with all the draws for nuts/bolts etc. ). I use a snap placement peening tool purchased from Home Depot ( by General Tool). I have done the snap relocation technique to 4-5 Hunter holsters.
Other than the original snap location, it is a terrific holster. I use a simple 1 inch wide nylon strap and thread it through the holster loop ( and tie the ends of the strap in a square knot) to make a quick over-ths-shoulder holster to carry under my coat ( yes I have a concealed carry permit). Works well. Loaded with full charge 148 grain wadcutter (3.5 grain Bullseye + H&G 50 mold).
You will enjoy your 60-4, 3 incher.
Great revolver. Shoots very well. You got yours for a nice price. Nice snag.
I use a Hunter Mfg leather holster for mine. Don't remember the model number, but it is the same one that fits my Ruger gp100 4" revolver. The 60-4 sits lower in it, but it gives more protection to the rear sight like a Simply Rugged holster. The 60-4 three inch fits snug- no slop in that holster.
The best part, is the low cost. <$15 delivered from the big auction site. The only drawback to Hunter holster is that they position the original snap right on top of the cylinder. I hate that. Don't want to scratch the gun. So, I move the male side snap location to over the middle of the trigger area. I drill out the original snap ( on the holster), punch a new hole over the trigger area ( no metal contact there), and place a new male snap base ( from my local hardware store, from the section with all the draws for nuts/bolts etc. ). I use a snap placement peening tool purchased from Home Depot ( by General Tool). I have done the snap relocation technique to 4-5 Hunter holsters.
Other than the original snap location, it is a terrific holster. I use a simple 1 inch wide nylon strap and thread it through the holster loop ( and tie the ends of the strap in a square knot) to make a quick over-ths-shoulder holster to carry under my coat ( yes I have a concealed carry permit). Works well. Loaded with full charge 148 grain wadcutter (3.5 grain Bullseye + H&G 50 mold).
You will enjoy your 60-4, 3 incher.
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