Model 60 No Dash R Serial Number

[Grimjaws]

Hello. I went back to an all steel j frame for EDC due to some wrist issues - the extra weight actually helps as the airweights were starting to hurt a bit. It is by no means a safe queen and have no qualms carrying it.
I was wondering about two things

1. Serial is R1600XX - can someone give me a ballpark date

2. And I’ve read about the desirability of an R prefix 60 and can’t seem to find out why. What’s the story behind R prefix 60’s?

Thanks in advance

 

[murphydog]

Regarding the serial number, my recollection is about 1974 but Bob will be along shortly to confirm.

The prevailing opinion among S & W collectors is “earlier is better”, and the R prefixes were before the three letter format. Many model 60s were also made in the 400000-700000 SN range with no prefix, so guess which ones go for more than the R prefix guns?

 

[ReloadforFun]

You're making me think my M60 SN: R7XXX has some value.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Model 60s with an R serial number might hold their value better
than other J-frames from 1969 through the early '80s.

The R serial number began in 1969, although the first one -- R1 --
shipped on May 22, 1970. The last one -- R322516 -- shipped on
April 4, 1983.

I don't buy into the R serial numbers being more "desirable"
theory because that's a mighty long run to make such a bold
statement.

Besides being stainless, another thing that helps is the barrel pin.
S&W began to be eliminate it around '81.

S&W likely shipped yours (R1600xx) in summer '76.

 

[N7BLW]

My early Model 60

I bought my 60 on 2/18/68, altho I had ordered it one year before - to the week. The first of the series were sucked up by police officers, so a one year wait was very much in order. I still have the box and paperwork for S/N 657xxx. The skinny wood grips make shooting it for very long no fun. BTW - purchase price was $100.

 

[ajgunner]

Just thought I would share this early advertisement.
April 1966 American Rifleman.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I bought my 60 on 2/18/68 ... S/N
657xxx.

Yours was from the sixth regular production run, 655001-658000.
A very elusive run.

 

[cmansguns]

R prefix worth 4X a 3alpha!

I owned one of each, a Model 60 no-dash w/ 3 alpha prefix(1984) and a Model 60 w/ R prefix (1979) and both were sold on this Forum several years ago, to still current Members.

The R prefix brought 4 times what I got for the AES prefix.

They are basically the same gun so check the pictures and see if you can spot any reason why the R was worth so much more.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Might as well post my Pre -R Model 60.
As I have posted, it was the very first one I ever saw.
Bought it in Ft. Collins, CO in 1968?

 

[Adster]

I have always believed the Model 60 staiinless was one of the prettiest little snubbies one could own. I have a No Dash with a S/N of R1021XX. Can anybody please tell me what year it was manufactured? Thanks!

 

[Frailer]

I have always believed the Model 60 staiinless was one of the prettiest little snubbies one could own. I have a No Dash with a S/N of R1021XX. Can anybody please tell me what year it was manufactured? Thanks!

As is often said, S&W did not ship guns in serial number sequence, but I can say guns with serial numbers a few hundred digits above and below yours shipped in April, 1974.

 

[HMMurdock]

Old thread. New member. I recently picked up model 60 no dash serial R84xxx. It has the 5 digit # (usually i see 6) and also has the smaller S&W trademark and the preggo ampersand leading me to believe it is a late 69 early 70s model? Thanks for any help. God bless.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I recently picked up model 60 no dash serial R84xxx.

Based on others in the database Smith & Wesson likely shipped
your Model 60 in summer 1973.