New member, 60-4 model year question

[Jlew]

Recently purchased a 60-4, 38 special, 3 inch barrel, target hammer, adjustable rear sights model. Serial number BNF8013, product code 102298, special order 2196 4263. Having difficulty identifying the age of this and would appreciate any help.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The Special Order code is usually one four-digit sequence that tells you the day the gun was packed for shipping. Which number is it?

 

[Jlew]

2196 is below the special order heading on the box.

 

[murphydog]

Cool. The code means it was ready to go from the factory on the 196th day of 1992, or July 15. Depending on the model (and the gun market at that time) this may be very close to the sales or ship date, which is how S & W tracks a gun's age. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Jlew]

Great!, thanks for your help. It was my first revolver purchase, gun is in pristine condition, and I couldn't walk away from it!

 

[murphydog]

Very few of us would have either . Enjoy!

 

[Lobster Picnic]

You got a very fine revolver. The 60-4 is one of the hidden gems of the firearm world.

 

[Jlew]

Thanks for the info and feedback. $400 seemed like too good a deal to pass up for this.

 

[Green Frog]

Yes, $400 was "too good a deal to pass up." I was happy to pay half again that amount for mine several years ago... OK, not happy to pay it, but happy to get it and willing to pay that much.

I regard this as the most versatile all around revolver that I own and would be hard pressed to find anything I would be willing to accept to replace it. Congratulations on a great buy and a stylish entrance to the forum. BUT... you must post pictures. We love pictures here!

Froggie

 

[H Richard]

That's 2/3 of what it's worth. Excellent firearm.

 

[white cloud]

I have the .357 version of your revolver. I will never get rid of it.

 

[rwsmith]

And a...

And a Hound Dawg Howdy to you from SC!

Congrats for you purchase and finding this forum. Stick around, you'll learn a lot here.

 

[roguegamma]

Congrats for you purchase and finding this forum. Stick around, you'll learn a lot here.[/QUOTE]

...and once you learn even a little, you may spend a lot. I had two J-Frame revolvers when I started skulking around on the forum a couple of years ago, now I have seven.

 

[nbedford]

I got mine on January 14, 1991. One note, mine for some reason is more accurate with semi-wadcutters than wadcutters.

 

[mike from st pete]

Did all 60-4 model revolvers come with target hammers and triggers?
Mine has both TT & TH so I bought a round butt to square butt set of grips for it, handles way better for me that way.

 

[lkabug]

Great gun at a great price.
Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

[Jlew]

I got mine on January 14, 1991. One note, mine for some reason is more accurate with semi-wadcutters than wadcutters.

Any recommendations on ammo types and brands?

 

[murphydog]

I would start with standard pressure 158 gr lead round nose or semiwadcutters. A good practice round is 130 gr FMJ but it is not known for spectacular accuracy. A good defensive load is the Speer 135 gr Gold Dot + P Short Barrel. Try several and see which one your new gun likes.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Jlew.
A pic of the gun is obligatory.

Any 38spl ammo you can find runs fine.

 

[Jlew]

Thanks for the info. Here are 3 pics of my Xmas gift, from myself!

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun, with the original rubber grips. Too bad the previous owner(s) didn't look as though they shot it, but it sounds as though you will fix that soon.

 

[Green Frog]

Thanks for the info. Here are 3 pics of my Xmas gift, from myself!

Yep, you got one all right! I couldn't warm up to the rubber grips that came on mine and tried first the factory target style grips (from a Model 34) but then found I was more comfortable with an aftermarket set of smooth finger grip combats in a dark, ebony-like wood. You'll need to see what you like best. Congratulations again and I don't have to say I hope you enjoy it as I'm sure you will. Santa really nailed it this time.

Froggie

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from Wyo!

Great find, great price. I keep looking for one to go with my 60-10, but they allude me. Congrats.