Model 60 confusion

[Theodoric]

So, I just got this Model 60 and I'm trying to figure out when it was made. It's a no dash but isn't pinned and doesn't have diamond grips. The S&W book says those changes came with the dashed models. The serial number begins with ACA. Can someone explain this for me?

Thanks,

Theodoric

 

[pasound]

ACAxxxx may have started about mid-1983. I have ADKxxxx, and I'm waiting on a letter to confirm the date. It also has a non-pinned barrel. The diamond grips were discontinued long before either of ours were made, if I remember, from the 3rd Edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

 

[Greymann]

I'm no expert, but diamond grips stopped being offered in 1968 without showing as a dash change. And I believe also stopped in like 1981 again without dash. I think your s/n puts your M60 about late 80's. Someone will chime in with more knowledge than me. Enjoy that 60, put whatever grips on YOU like.

 

[Theodoric]

I thought that when a new updated version was created that it was given a dash number and it replaced all previous types. I didn't think a no dash could still be made in the 80s. I guess I was wrong.

 

[pasound]

Dashes only happened when some new design was released. Grips are not a design change.

 

[Theodoric]

I would think that going to a non-pinned barrel would have been a design change. Evidently not.

 

[AZretired]

The M-60, no dash was made from 1965 to 1988 when the 60-3 replaced it. the 60-1 was a 3" barrel version and came out in 1972 the pin was deleted in 81 without a model change. the 60-2 came out '87 also a 3" for NYPD, then the 60-3in 1988. Confusing yes as the 60 no dash was made along with the -1 & -2.

 

[Theodoric]

Thanks for that explanation. I had always thought versions were stopped in manufacturing with the creation of a new version.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

In addition to AZretired's list there were 660 2" target model 60-1s made in 1985 as an exclusive for Ashland Shooters Supply. ALU was the serial prefix on most of those, but there was at least one known outlier with another serial prefix.

For some odd reason there have been quite a few of those Ashland Model 60-1s on the auction block lately.

 

[greenmachine]

I'm beginning to think these inconsistencies were carefully planned to drive future collectors crazy.

 

[ken158]

I'm beginning to think these inconsistencies were carefully planned to drive future collectors crazy.

Seriously, the factory could care less about collectors as there was no idea what someone would start collecting years down the road. If they wanted a collector gun, they made a commemorative. Make it, invoice it and get it out the door is the bottom line.

 

[NevadaBob]

Just bought my model 60 no dash three weeks ago from Cabela's. SN ABU05XX. The rep said it's a 1983 model.

 

[black1970]

I have a Model 60 no dash no pinned barrel with R prefix serial number. I am not home right now and cannot furnish the remaining serial numbers. But from time to time I see Model 60's for sale and the seller goes out of his way to tell me it is an R prefix. What gives?

 

[murphydog]

I have a Model 60 no dash no pinned barrel with R prefix serial number. I am not home right now and cannot furnish the remaining serial numbers. But from time to time I see Model 60's for sale and the seller goes out of his way to tell me it is an R prefix. What gives?

It just means it is an earlier gun, 1968 to about 1983. Some associate earlier production with higher quality and this holds...sometimes...

The really early ones with six-digit SNs starting in the early 400,000s bring a premium.

 

[greenmachine]

I'm beginning to think these inconsistencies were carefully planned to drive future collectors crazy.

Uh, this was actually a joke. At least Devildog got it.