Model 60 with R prefix

[bnitch]

I've got a model 60 no dash with a R xxxxxx serial #. When looking through some grip sites I saw a comment that referred to the R prefix as being looked for. Is that an unusual serial # or the first ones made?
When I got this it only had about 50 rds through it,came with box and all papers, maybe I shouldn't be shooting it or carrying it as my CCW, it is a little heavy anyway.

 

[s&wchad]

The Model 60 was introduced in 1965. The earliest guns had no serial number prefix, diamond grips, a factory high polish and a stainless trigger and hammer. Those are collectable and can get pricey, especially if LNIB.
The "R" prefix started in 1969, a result of the requirements of the GCA-68. S&W went to the three letter prefix around 1982, so the "R" guns were produced for over a dozen years. Do what you want, it's a good gun and they're not hens teeth!

 

[bnitch]

Answers my question, thanks.

 

[brianNH]

It's an old thread, but my question is in the same line. I have a Model 60 that I thought was "no dash", because I see no sign of a dash number. But my serial number has a ABR prefix - ABR17xx
I'll put up a picture or two of the area where it says the model. It's also .38 Special; not .357 Mag. Can anyone help and tell me what I have?

I have other numbers under the grips, if the above isn't enough information.
Thanks,
Brian

 

[murphydog]

The model 60 (edited to add - “without a dash or additional number”) was made from 1965 to 1988, so serial numbers went from six digits to the R prefix and well into the three letter/four digit format.

 

[Alk8944]

The only significance of the "R" is S&W ran out of combinations which included the previous "J" prefix letter and had to choose another.

To my knowledge S&W has never duplicated prefix letters across models or frame sizes except for the post WWII use of "S" on both K and N Frames.

 

[brianNH]

So is mine a "no dash" even though it seems to have been made well after they started adding dash numbers? If it's not "no dash", I'm trying to figure out what dash it is. I thought "no dash" only went up to 1972.
Thanks,
Brian

 

[murphydog]

See post #5, edited for clarity.

Also in clarification, many S & W revolver models are made with multiple engineering change numbers at the same point in time; they do not replace an earlier version. The first model 60-1 from 1972 was made at the same time as the model 60, and currently both the model 60-14 and 60-15 are in production.

 

[MetalMan]

So is mine a "no dash" even though it seems to have been made well after they started adding dash numbers? If it's not "no dash", I'm trying to figure out what dash it is. I thought "no dash" only went up to 1972.
Thanks,
Brian

I have 2 three-letter prefix Model 60's that date from 1986 and 1988 respectively. Both are "no-dash".

 

[brianNH]

Now I understand. I had thought they were all exclusive, one-at-a-time. Thanks for the help!
Brian