Model 60 First Production Run Question

[model3sw]

Ok, thank you for the info. Since it is a Bangor Punta box with a 4102xx serial number Model 60 all the more reason to shoot it.

You can't hurt it. In recent years some newer collectors focus in on only stainless steel guns because they are least likely to show wear & tear of normal usage.

 

[rburg]

I would be interested in them Dick, please email me at: [email protected]
Thanks

OK, before I do anything else, I'm going to dig out my M60 and test fit them to it. My caution is because they could be from an I frame (or improved I) that may make them too short.

 

[smith17]

Here's a photo of the sticker.
Ed

 

[KSDeputy]

I had an original model 60, brand new. I never had any problems with it. I later sold it to buy a semi-auto. I missed it more than any other gun I sold, so I just bought another brand new one.

 

[Frank237]

My uncle was a Cop in NJ and he had THE first M-60 that came into the local gun shop. I recall the USS sticker on the box and the near mirror finish on the gun. I shot it with him the day he picked it up. Forget the year though.

It was a big deal that it was stainless steel.

 

[model3sw]

For the past few decades the mistaken of the high polished 409xxx - 410xxx high polished models, and the less buffed that followed all the way up to the R prefix numbers have caused the values to be all over the place.

Surely the very early, high polished in the ANIB (or even without the box) command a premium, next in line seems to be the 490xxx to 6xxxxx range, then came the R prefix.

Model 60s (no dash) can be found in a variety of Serial numbers. Some later Model 60s as low as $450 ANIB to the very early models in the $1000 range, ANIB.

I think the earlier the Model 60 the more sound the investment, whereas, a good, clean, undamaged, practical Model 60 has to be worth at least $400, I think.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

You said, shoot a few standard loads a year to stay in practice. I don't know how old you are BUT you won't live long enough at that rate to ever hurt it.

 

[crsides]

I've seen several nice in the box later model 60's sell within the last year and all were in the $500 to $550 range.

Charlie

 

[handlebar]

Here is my Model 60 with an R-prefix (R2xxxx). I polished it with Mother's Mag wheel polish and had it engraved.
Mine forever unless your initials are MAG. It was imported to Germany and then back to the USA.
First pic is of the proof marks and dull finish. Second pic is after polishing and engraving.
The grips are diamond wood, but I have original on it for carry purposes.

 

[mtice]

Thank you smith17 for posting a picture of the US Steel sticker on the early Model 60 boxes. Looking at my box closer I see it does have the sticker and it is a Smith &Wesson box and not a Bangor Punta box. I have owners manual and warranty card but not tools or packing paper. The grips are not the original serial number matching diamond grips but the gun is in excellent condition. Serial number is 410121. Would anyone be able to give me an idea of value?

 

[murphydog]

With the original box, and the stocks and cleaning kit easily replaced, I would guess about $600-650. Some are crazy about having the box and gladly pay extra.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

The sticker on the end label is not USS Steel. The steel symbol placed on the label on the early boxes is the symbol of Carpenter Steel Corporation, Reading Pennsylvania. It’s the only time that Smith & Wesson used another company’s logo on any of their boxes. They were manufactured with a polished bright finish on the frame as well as the hammer and trigger. In the spring of 1967 the factory changed the Model 60’s finish to satin, which is still used today. For a short time, hammers and triggers were case hardened.