Model 60 no dash

[Rocketman1954]

Trying to determine the date of manufacture on a Model 60 no dash, serial number AES3XXX. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[PeteC]

1984~85. If you have a box with a label, there will be a Julian-style date code in one of the fields on the label.

Post a pic or a description, some Model 60's from that period are not like the others...

 

[two-bit cowboy]

With an AES serial number yours is likely a 2" round butt with fixed sights -- standard Model 60. Others with that serial number are known to have shipped early in the second half of 1984.

 

[Rocketman1954]

Thanks! That helps a lot!

 

[65Whelen]

Something isn't right. The triple alpha serial numbers didn't start until 1980.
A no dash model 60 would range from '65-'72

 

[Rocketman1954]

I haven't acquired the revolver yet, hopefully this week. Asking $400, no box.

 

[Rocketman1954]

65Whelen, that's what's puzzling….the AES serial number is not specifically listed in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson.

 

[PeteC]

Something isn't right. The triple alpha serial numbers didn't start until 1980.
A no dash model 60 would range from '65-'72

S&W continued to ship no-dash Model 60's well past 1972, and past the year when the pinned barrel was eliminated. There are examples on gunbroker currently. One with a BBA s/n prefix, Model 60 no-dash visible in the pics, and likely a 1988 ship date.

 

[PeteC]

65Whelen, that's what's puzzling….the AES serial number is not specifically listed in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson.

No, but not all of the three letter prefixes are listed there. Sometimes you have to guess. $400 is a very good deal, if the gun is not beat up.

 

[Rocketman1954]

Thanks PeteC, the revolver is about 95%. Excellent shape. I'm also looking at his Detonics Combatmaster also 95% ser number 3XXX for $600.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Something isn't right. The triple alpha serial numbers didn't start until 1980.
A no dash model 60 would range from '65-'72

PeteC's reply in post #8 is spot on.

The first Model 60-1 parts were produced in 1972, but that model did not replace the Model 60. According to Dr. Jinks, it is a new model with a 3" Heavy Barrel and square butt. A few experimental models shipped in 1972, but S&W assembled and shipped most of them in 1978.

The second Model 60-1, a limited edition 2" round butt Target model from 1985, also did not replace the Model 60.

The Model 60 was manufactured and shipped through 1988.

The Model 60-2 is an NYPD-exclusive (with a few later exceptions made with leftover parts), and the 60-3 in 1988 was available with 2" and 3" barrels.

The first Model 60 with an alphanumeric serial number is AAL0963, and it shipped in March 1983. The last Model 60 with a pinned barrel is AAS2345, and it shipped in February 1983.

 

[rockquarry]

I have a 60 that I bought new in May, 1980. The serial # is R245642.