Model 60 No Dash

[Doug627]

I'm looking at a Smith Model 60. It says "MOD. 60" on the frame but the Serial Number is R241XXX. The no dash 60 ended in 1971 and the 60-1 started in 1972. The Serial Number R241XXX would put it being manufactured 1979-1980. Is this a left over 60 no dash frame used in 1979-80 or is there some other explanation?

 

[Loyaljeeper]

THE 60 no dash ran well into the 80's. They made 60-no dash and 60-1 at the same time.

 

[murphydog]

The first model 60 variant was produced from 1965 to 1988, spanning six digit, R and three letter SN prefixes. Just as with other revolvers (such as the model 10), an engineering change did not necessarily mean a replacement.

With the model 60, there were three guns with later "dash numbers" made during the same time frame - two model 60-1s (1972, 3" heavy barrel and fixed sights, and 1985, 2" Target sights) and a model 60-2 (made for the NYPD). The model 60-3 replaced the model 60.

 

[rockquarry]

I have a no dash 60 that I bought new in May, 1980.

 

[Doug627]

Thank you for the replies.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

Does it have a pinned barrel?

 

[kthom]

I have a no dash 60 with SN R217XXX that I have pegged as made in 1978. I wanted an M-60 pretty bad when they first came out but was pretty financially embarressed during those years. Just about every LEO I knew wanted one too, so the first ones I saw and held in my hands had been bought by other LEO's and they were not for sale. I soldiered on with my Model 36 until I found my copy some years later for sale in a used but great condition. The early copies were never available for any kind of discount and commanded a premium in most cases. Even so, my used one cost me more than those early high prices and I was glad to get it when I did. Mine isn't going anywhere. I did purchase a hammer from a revolver of the same vintage year that had been dropped and the hammer spur was broken off. I completely removed the remainder of the spur after checking it' fit in my copy. Dropped right in place and worked very well. I retained the double action function on my new hammer with no spur and that allowed me snagless carry in my coat pocket or carried between my Sam Browne belt and trousers at other times. That method of carry was pretty often used in those days. It was a great comfort to walk up on a vehicle that I had stopped with my left hand holding that revolver until I was satisfied that the occupants of the vehicle likely meant me no harm. I had used the M-36 in the same fashion with my thumb over the spur to prevent it from snagging.

It was my experience with the M-60 sans hammer spur that caused me to become enamored of the Centennial style J frames so I began to look for those for sale. I have some of those in both airweight as well as steel frames today that were also carried in the same way during my LEO days, both on duty as well as off. My favorite of those has been a Model 640-1.

Doug, my recommendation for you is to buy that Model 60 if it's in good mechanical condition. I don't think you will reget owning it!! They are very good gear!!

 

[Vistula]

One of my all time favorites, either revolver or semi auto. With a pocket clip, they are one of the easiest to carry in your front pocket.