Newbie With Mod. 60

[tmkwdi]

I posted a question on the New Members page, but figure I might have better luck at an answer here. I've a Model 60 I purchased used in Maryland a dozen years ago, S/N 388XX. No indication of case-hardening to trigger or to hammer spur. Can anyone come up with a date for this piece? It's a very nice shooter.

Thanks!

Tom

 

[murphydog]

Hi, check the number on the bottom of the frame with the grip off.

 

[tmkwdi]

Thanks, Alan. Had those grips on for so long that I'd forgotten there was a number down there. It's ANP77XX.

 

[murphydog]

This prefix/number lands in a hole in the SN database in the Standard Catalog of S & W - best guess would be late 1985 - early 1986. Hope this is helpful.

 

[tmkwdi]

Thanks, murphydog. I figured the 388XX was the serial number. What is the number on the bottom of the frame?

 

[murphydog]

If the 388xx is on the frame upright with the cylinder out, it is an internal factory code used during assembly. The ANP and number on the bottom of the grip frame is the true SN.

 

[tmkwdi]

I have been enlightened! Thanks much. Now, there's another set of numbers on the other side of the frame on the grip. More factory numbers?

 

[murphydog]

Yes, if they are letters or short numbers - more internal assembly or inspection codes.

 

[tmkwdi]

A benefit of learning this was to determine the revolver's ability to shoot +P ammo. I wrote S&W with this question:

"I have a safety question regarding ammunition to be used in my S&W Mod. 60 .38 special, S/N ANP77XX, produced (I believe) in the mid-1980s. May I safely use +P rated ammunition in this revolver?

"Some sources indicate that any S&W handgun produced in recent years is capable of handling the pressures involved. Since I cherish my Mod. 60, I am loathe to jeopardize it, or myself either for that matter.

"Thank you."

A day later I had my answer from S&W:

"The gun is from the 1980's and we would not recommend shooting plus p ammo in your gun. The gun was never pressure rated for the newer ammo."

So, there you older Mod. 60 owners, is your answer: don't shoot +P ammo in your snubbies made in the mid-'80s if they're not rated for it.

Tom

 

[CDMead]

The hammer and trigger on your pistol are chromed. My thoughts are they did it to reduce the possibility of galling, although aesthetics would be a good reason too.

By the 1980s, metalurgy had improved to the point galling wasn't an issue at all.

I carry Hornady 125 grain XTP standard velocity loads in my circa 1969 model 60 and don't feel undergunned at all.

I hope this helps,

Charlie

 

[tmkwdi]

For practice I use standard loads. But in the event TSHTF, I've loaded Federal Nyclad 125 gr. +P hollowpoints, despite the factory's advice. I'm sure I'd feel as well-armed with the standards, but the Nyclad's lethal expansion is (to me) a bit of insurance.