Not sure what this Is ?

[Balkins]

Hi friends,

My dad left me a .38 snub nose special when he passed (many years ago) and it sat in the closet (never-used) although I have FIRED it a few times at the range.

ANYWAY, i'm not sure what model it is BECAUSE the serial number is hidden at the base of the handle (which is now covered by an extended after market grip (looks like a SW grip and professionally installed).

ANYONE know what model this is and approximately what its worth? (its Nichol Finish, in good condition WITH no marks, scraps or rust; although it could use a CLEAN up). The Gun shoots well and has quite a kick (with a loud bang i might add).

Thanks for your input....

 

[Usmc5811]

I believe it's a model 60 j frame 38 special made after 1980. It should say on the inside of the crane.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Yep! Looks like a 60 to me. Those grips come off pretty easily by the way. Just remove the screw and pull them apart from the top. Oh, and probably stainless steel not nickel. Welcome to the Neighborhood!

 

[MetalMan]

Yup....nice looking Model 60.

As previously posted, simply open the crane using the thumbpiece. The model number should be stamped on the frame.

It wouldn't hurt to remove the grips to locate the serial number and to be able to clean up any crud accumulated beneath them..

 

[kraynky]

You NEED to remove those grips and clean the frame underneath them. Clean them good before re-installing and keep a very thin film of oil under there. Stainless steel is very rust resistant, but not rust proof. Rubber grips are famous for trapping dirt and moisture beneath them.

Make sure you unload it first, and always if you are just looking at it or showing it. And always use ear protection when shooting, especially when shooting a snubby! They are loud!

Your Dad had good taste in firearms, and he left you a good'n. An old toothbrush will clean up those Pachmayr's pretty good, even with just plain old window cleaner. Congratulations!

 

[ABPOS]

Nice Model 60. Let us know if there is a dash and a number after the 60 in the yoke.

Clean her up and give her a go! Probably a real good shooter!!!

 

[Balkins]

Thanks Men..

The Serial Starts with 'R' then 286XXX

Anyone have an idea what this guy is worth?

 

[MetalMan]

Best guess from cosmetic condition as depicted in the photos would be $450-500, assuming the mechanical condition checks out as well.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! As others mentioned you have a model 60, probably made in about 1981.

The rubber grip on it is made by Pachmayr. This is usually solid on the back side of the grip frame, so all you need to do is remove the screw completely and spread open the two sides at the front wide enough to remove it. They may also be in two separate halves, so you can remove the screw and pull the two halves off.

Enjoy!

 

[jct5588]

S&W model 60

I would suggest you reconsider your intent to sell. J frames make excellent carry pieces. Probably carried concealed more than any other model. Very reliable and good defense choice with the right ammo and after all it was passed down from your father. Maybe a different set of grips would make it feel less bulky. I like Uncle Mikes boot grips on mine. No problem with pocket carry. Hard to beat belly gun.

 

[Balkins]

I see now the barrel is closer to 2" and not 3.

 

[ajgunner]

Thanks Men..

The Serial Starts with 'R' then 286XXX

Anyone have an idea what this guy is worth?

I just bought a model 60 in very similar condition and paid $475

 

[Balkins]

I just bought a model 60 in very similar condition and paid $475

Nice...was it Nichol Finish?

(did you publish a Pic of it)?

 

[Balkins]

Nice Model 60. Let us know if there is a dash and a number after the 60 in the yoke.

Clean her up and give her a go! Probably a real good shooter!!!

No Dash...just says Model 60.

I'm not sure if all Model 60's came with 2" barrel?

 

[murphydog]

No Dash...just says Model 60.

I'm not sure if all Model 60's came with 2" barrel?

It's a stainless steel gun, but brightly polished it can appear to be similar to a nickel plated example.

The vast majority of model 60s were 2". Currently available models are 2 1/8" and an adjustable rear sight 3" in .357, and there was a 5" adjustable sight version (.357) and fairly rare 3" fixed sight guns (.38).

 

[Wrangler Rich]

Treasure that Model 60! It came from your Dad. You may find that if you shoot standard 38's in it, you will enjoy your range time more. Save the hot ones for when you may need them.

WR

 

[Wrangler Rich]

Treasure that Model 60! It came from your Dad. You may find that if you shoot standard 38's in it, you will enjoy your range time more. Save the hot ones for when you may need them.

WR

 

[RonPagan]

All the randomly capitalized words in the first post made me hear it in Nicholas Cage's voice as I read it.

 

[shouldazagged]

My dad wasn't into guns and never owned one. If he had left me one, I most certainly would have kept it. But that's just me.

As others have said, the Model 60 is a fine, dependable, all-steel carry gun, much more comfortable to fire than one of the lightweight versions. It can be fun to shoot with ear protection and standard-velocity ammunition.

From your observation that it has "quite a kick", I suspect you're not very familiar with handguns. Excuse me if I'm wrong. But I think if you practice with that nice Model 60 you'll come to appreciate it.

Of course it's your gun, and your call.

 

[amazingflapjack]

barrel length is measured from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. Regards.