New to me M60

[riverrat38]

I bought a 1985 2in M60 on Gun Broker. Its in transit to my LGS. I talked to the seller, and he said that it is from a collectors large gun estate. The collector was a dealer, and put some stock in the safe in original boxes over the years. The gun is unfired, and may never have been unwrapped from its protective paper.
I am wondering what kind of shape the gun will be in after 27 years. The safe was temperature controlled. The gun will still have the original oil from the factory, if that is what they used. Should I expect gunk, or corrosion? I think the action is not stainless, so I am a little concerned. Any one have an idea? Also, the gun appears to have a high degree of polish. Did they do that to some guns at the factory? If not, then the part about the gun being new, old stock, is probably Bravo Sierra! But, the seller seemed sincere and knowledgeable about the history.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[kdailey]

The big question.....are you gonna shoot it??? We would love to see some pics.

 

[riverrat38]

The big question.....are you gonna shoot it??? We would love to see some pics.

Yes! I am not a collector, and I only have 2 guns, by choice. Both are new, but no box for my 35 year old M67-1. I have not shot either yet, but that will change when the M60 gets here. It will replace my M442 for every day carry. The M67 will be a range and home defense gun, and replaces a Ruger SP101, which didn't work out for me. It is a well made gun, but I can't shoot it as well as the several S&W's that iI have owned. The trigger end seems to jam into my finger. Which probably means I am doing something wrong.
I think I like the older revolvers better than the new ones I have owned. Most have been new. I looked for new, old stock, guns this time, as I like to put the round count on them myself. Since I only have two, I can splurge on the price. But, I may add a third, a 3in M64, if I can find one. This will be for carry when clothing permits, and might be a police trade in. I may need to cut a 4in model down. We will see. Both guns will get about the same use, as I enjoy shooting the snubby's. Even the M442, with light loads. I will use BB 150 gr hardcast WC's in both guns for defense. My practice ammo is 158 gr plated SWC with 4.5 gr Universal. I will switch to plated WC's when the SWC's are gone.
I don't have a digital camera. Actually, both my cameras are about the same vintage as my guns. I would like to know if it is permissible to post a link to sold Gun Broker listings. I know its not for active listings.

Rick

 

[murphydog]

As you describe the storage conditions, I doubt it will have any cosmetic or mechanical issues, assuming it was not originally stored wet. Generally model 60s of that era were not bright polished but never say never with S & W; the box may have a Product Code or be otherwise stamped indicating it was a special order.

Links to ended auctions are allowed, as far as I know. Hope this is helpful.

 

[riverrat38]

OK, here are the photos on the closed auction site.

S & W Model 60 38 cal.. New OLD Stock in Box : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Rick

 

[mg357]

HOLY COW! that is a Very Nice S&W Model 60

 

[wproct]

Very nice! You are going to be happy with it.

 

[jpwhel]

The Mod 60 looks to be in great shape.

You have to realize that to a lot of S&W collectors on this forum a 27 year old revolver is fairly new. I think you are going to like it.

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

I have a couple of SS's from the late 60's-70's that are in the box and have never been fired. Their finish is nothing like the one pictured.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I bought a 1985 2in M60 on Gun Broker. Its in transit to my LGS. I talked to the seller, and he said that it is from a collectors large gun estate. The collector was a dealer, and put some stock in the safe in original boxes over the years. The gun is unfired, and may never have been unwrapped from its protective paper.
I am wondering what kind of shape the gun will be in after 27 years. The safe was temperature controlled. The gun will still have the original oil from the factory, if that is what they used. Should I expect gunk, or corrosion? I think the action is not stainless, so I am a little concerned. Any one have an idea? Also, the gun appears to have a high degree of polish. Did they do that to some guns at the factory? If not, then the part about the gun being new, old stock, is probably Bravo Sierra! But, the seller seemed sincere and knowledgeable about the history.

Thanks,
Rick

Well, here's a 1985 Model 60 -- mine, bought new. It's been on 12 day river raft trips, 3 day salt water trips, spent many Winters in a truck console in a leather holster, been rained on (hard) dozens of times, been so dirty from 4 wheeler trips that I cleaned it with compressed air. Once a horse went down (with me on it) in a creek and the 60 was underwater for almost too long. I shook the water out of it the best I could. Days later when I got home I sprayed it hard with WD40. There is no corrosion on it or in it ---- I can't even see a scratch.
PS: Yours looks like a nickel 36. I've never seen a 60 with such a high polish, at least from the factory. Pretty.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You can expect the action to be very tight or frozen up. I was at the LGS a few days ago and they were working through a large collection of unshot revolvers from an estate sale. All the lubrication had turned into varnish or very thick gum. The good thing is that it all cleans up nicely. Use some Winchester Gun Wash on the action and it should all flush out quickly. Or, you can soak the gun with the grips off in mineral oil and then clean it normally.

 

[riverrat38]

You can expect the action to be very tight or frozen up. I was at the LGS a few days ago and they were working through a large collection of unshot revolvers from an estate sale. All the lubrication had turned into varnish or very thick gum. The good thing is that it all cleans up nicely. Use some Winchester Gun Wash on the action and it should all flush out quickly. Or, you can soak the gun with the grips off in mineral oil and then clean it normally.

As long as its not rust, I will be happy.

Rick

 

[sipowicz]

I had one from the same year and it didn't shine like that! My guess is the owner shined it up a bit....looks great...but is that a dark spot on the frame behind the cylinder???

 

[riverrat38]

I had one from the same year and it didn't shine like that! My guess is the owner shined it up a bit....looks great...but is that a dark spot on the frame behind the cylinder???

I took it to be a reflection. I know that mirror like finishes are hard to photograph well. Perhaps I will find out tomorrow. The gun should have been received by my FFL today. I hope so, as I am leaving for several days tomorrow night. Tuesday, I hope to take the M60 and my new M67 to the range. I have 200 rounds of 158 gr plated SWC loaded with varying amounts of 231 and Universal, to see what works, or doesn't.

Rick

 

[Az Rick]

I've had my Model 60, circa 1972 or so, don't really know except for the warranty card for several years.

I bought it at an LGS, hidden in the corner of the case. I was looking at a newer model. I asked to see it. It was definitely never shot except for the factory. One cylinder had a faint ring.

I could hardly open the cylinder, it was so stiff, it wouldn't spin.
The trigger was stiff. I kept looking at it trying to figure out if someone had bent the gun somehow.

I decided it was probably bought as a house gun and put away.

I even got the box and papers.

Flame on,... but I brought it home took the grips and side cover off and hosed it with WD40, not once but several times. I let it dry and lubed it with Break Free worked the action many, many times. I also dry fired it hundreds of times.

It's my carry gun now. I know it says mdl 14 and I know I put Goodyears on it. I do really carry it though. It's an awesome gun.

Best, Rick