My second J frame Chief

[Bumpus13]

Picked this up locally from a forum member this morning. (Thanks Pat) The best kind of deal ... We were both happy @ $475

My new-to-me Model 60:

(With included leather IWB holster and original numbered Magnas)

The Serial # is R1759**, which according to SCSW 4th places it between 1974-77.

Can any of the experts here narrow that down further?

(With Magnas)



********************


Now I’ve got a pair of Chiefs for carry:

(With my Mod. 36-7)

For the time being, I’m keeping the Hogue grips on her - at least until I pick up another T-Grip.

 

[DuckBeav]

Nice you got a great deal!

 

[Bumpus13]

Then again, there’s also these J frame Altamonts that I had in the grip box to tide me over until I obtain a Tyler for using the Magnas:

 

[max503]

How does that blue one hold up for carry? I have a blue Chief's but I sweat so much I don't like to carry it except in the winter time.
I would grab a 637 if I could find a killer deal.

 

[sbrmike]

Not an expert , didn't play one in a movie, nor did I stay at a holiday Inn Express last night, but I have R1846xx from 1976.

 

[Bumpus13]

How does that blue one hold up for carry? I have a blue Chief's but I sweat so much I don't like to carry it except in the winter time.
I would grab a 637 if I could find a killer deal.

Pretty well. Of course, what appears to be a bit of bluing loss at the muzzle in the pic - unfortunately is. It wasn’t like that in October.

But, you know, if ya carry guns they’re gonna get some wear.

 

[Green Frog]

It strikes me as exceedingly ironic that the older brother of my Model 60 (a -4) is a Baby Chief! The older sibling, by at least 4 decades, is the "Baby." Regardless, I feel like Bumpus13 that just one Chiefs Special is just not enough! Oddly, the little old Baby gets the nod for EDCC a lot more often than its somewhat larger sibling, but if I want some quality range time (and if I really want to do some more precise shooting) the 60-4 gets the nod.

Regards.
Froggie

 

[Waveski]

Nice pair! (of revolvers)

In the interest of clarity - while the S&W m.60 is derived directly from the Chiefs Special , and is certainly very similar to a Chiefs Special , one cannot accurately call it a "Chief".

 

[les.b]

My model 60 is serial number R1498XX, and Roy says that it shipped February of 1976 ( which is very shortly before I bought it at retail). Hope this helps narrow down the date of shipping.

As far as calling the model 60 a "Chiefs Special", S&W called it the "Chiefs Special Stainless". So I guess that's acceptable.

Here's mine:

Best Regards, Les

 

[DuckBeav]

"S&W called it the "Chiefs Special Stainless".

I recall reading that also so, works for me!

 

[les.b]

Bumpus...

Since your serial number is between mine and sbrmike's, and his and mine are both from 1976, looks like yours is probably from 1976... I'm just guessing, but sounds like maybe mid year.

But with S&W, there are no guarantees... They sometimes shipped out of order.

Best Regards, Les

 

[Waveski]

So , the Chiefs Special being the first J frame production revolver , are the many variations we know today - such as the 442 - all Chief Special varieties? I've never thought of it in that perspective.

 

[Bumpus13]

So , the Chiefs Special being the first J frame production revolver , are the many variations we know today - such as the 442 - all Chief Special varieties? I've never thought of it in that perspective.

No. Just the Mod. 36 and the Mod. 60

 

[Waveski]

Ok , I stand corrected.

 

[9adam1]

It is a beauty!!! great EDC gun!!

 

[kthom]

My M-60 is a 1978 issue, purchased considerably used later than that. I wanted one from the first time I heard about them, but they were scarce as hen's teeth for a good long while after they became available for sale. I had an M-36 at the time which covered my need for that size revolver very well, and there were many other things that I wanted or needed much more than a second Chief. But the stainless frame of the M-60 always was appealing to me.

When I found my copy at a good price, I was able to buy it and have never regretted doing so. I bought a similar vintage hammer from another M-60 from a gentleman on this forum. The hammer spur had been broken in a fall, I believe. It fit my copy perfectly without any nudging to get it to do so. I completely removed the hammer spur and installed it since I only ever shoot these revovlers DAO, and have the original in my parts box for safekeeping. I am very glad to own this M-60 after lusting for it for several long years!

Congratulations, Bumpus13, for making a good deal on a very nice M-60 to keep that very nice M-36 company!

 

[Lady Smith]

Mine is serial number R136xxx and according to a member of the forum, it was purchased brand new in 1976.
I have a French custom declaration dated February 1976.

 

[Bumpus13]

Update:

This place is awesome!

A forum member (I don’t know if he wants to stay anonymous) mailed me a Tyler T-grip to complete my Model 60’s feel in my hand.

Now they’re both exact to my liking:

Thank you again!!!

 

[Muley Gil]

No. Just the Mod. 36 and the Mod. 60

Don't forget the Model 37-the Chief's Special Airweight and the Model 50-the Chief's Special Target. There are also a bunch of .32 Magnum Chiefs. Look them up in the SCSW.