? on value - Model 60 357 - 5" barrel J Frame

[bedbugbilly]

I have run across a lead on what is supposed to be a Model 60 J Frame - 357 with a 5" barrel. I'm not really up on Smiths - I know the 60 is currently made in the snub and the 3" barrel -

were they made with a 5" barrel? I haven't seen it yet so am just going on the description that I have of it. It's supposed to be in excellent condition and have the box.

Can anyone give me a price range on what would be a fair price of one? Does anyone have a photo of a Model 60 with a 5" barrel they could post? I know that it's hard to put a value on something you can't see - sorry I don't have photos of it. Just looking for what would be a fair price range to pay - say from VG to Exc?

I just found a Model 36 snub and I love the size of it - if indeed the 60 was made with a 5" barrel, I might pursue it for a range gun but don't want to overpay. Unfortunately, I don't have access to any price guides or reference books that would show the various Model 60s. I'm assuming that if it is a 60, it would be SS?

Thanks.

 

[Ed333]

I used to own a 5" model 60, as well as a snub. Still have the snub, didn't see the point of the 5" after shooting it a bit. Blue book says made from 2005-2008, says add $71. Says $325 for a 95%, $400 for a 98%, that is without adding anything for either 3" or 5" barrel. Yes, it is SS. If I were looking for a model 60 right now, I would go after a Pro series piece. But that's just me.
btw, the 5" did not have a full length underlug, more like a half length.

 

[ken158]

Yeah - talk about a gun without a purpose - a 5" model 60 on a J frame... no doubt discontinued due to lack of sales. Im thinking $300 value.

 

[shouldazagged]

I'm trying to visualize a five-inch J-frame, and in my decrepit mind it just looks unbalanced and wrong.

I imagine finding a holster for it could be an interesting challenge.

 

[sqhead]

kinda rare gun,they are fetching 550 to 750,it maybe kinda useless but a collecter non the less.I had one and let it go ,if I see another i'll grab it.

 

[dotdsd334]

Paid $475 for one with box etc about a year ago. Balances nice, great j frame shooter...... And I'll second the fact that it may be "useless" but due to low production numbers will be a collector at some point.



Should also add.... I just added a 5" m63 to the collection. Matches the 5" 60 all to well and is one hell of a tack driver. I like the 5" 63 better than my 4" 63

 

[Iggy]

I kinda figured it would be a handy gun for back packing and hunting in addition to a rifle.

Light, with a long enough sight plain to be accurate for roundin' up something for the stew pot, and powerful enough for pokin' a little fun at one of them bitin'/growlin' critters.

My only objection was the sleeved barrel.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Paid $475 for one with box etc about a year ago. Balances nice, great j frame shooter...... And I'll second the fact that it may be "useless" but due to low production numbers will be a collector at some point.



Should also add.... I just added a 5" m63 to the collection. Matches the 5" 60 all to well and is one hell of a tack driver. I like the 5" 63 better than my 4" 63

5 inch 63? Never even heard of it! Now I want one! I love 63s.

 

[Ed333]

surfing model 63

The reference to the Model 63 is probably very appropriate, the kit guns have always been popular, the idea of a light, 'throw it into your pack' plinking, campfire or small game. I didn't hate mine, I was range shooting and just liked K frames better for .38 special.

 

[bedbugbilly]

Thanks all for your responses. I'm still learning Smith models - seems like they could have come up with a better way than all of the numbers and dashes but it's their gun so their right to call 'em whatever they want to.

I'm looking at a 5" 60 as being a good "kit gun". I like J frames and only shoot 38 spl. - it seems like it would be a good light weight open carry - I'm in AZ in the winter. A couple of Speers snake shot cartridges in warmer weather followed by three 38s gives a person "options". It would sure be a lot lighter than my Ruger NV.

The shop has $550 on it. I'm thinking they might come down on it - I bought a 36 snub from them last week and they gave me a decent/fair price OTD. I at least want to take a look at it with an open mind and see what I think and how it feels.

Where I am, I'm not seeing many Smiths in the gun shops I've stopped at - some new J frame snubbies and 1 or 2 vintage - not like it used to be. Before I got the 36, I was looking for a 36 with a 3" barrel - none to be found. I called around to a number of shops - one on the other side fo the state - to see if they had any new 60s with a 3". One shop did and when I asked the price, it was $75 over the MSRP. Supply and demand! When I see the prices on some of the vintage Colts, etc. I wish I had picked some up before all the crazy gun rush started!

Thanks again for the info - greatly appreciated!

 

[murphydog]

kinda rare gun, they are fetching 550 to 750, it may be kinda useless but a collector none the less. I had one and let it go, if I see another I'll grab it.

Agree with my shipmate here...no one wanted them when they were being produced, now they are sought after. Both the 5" 60 and 63 have the dreaded internal lock.

 

[steamloco76]

I just had have one of the five inch Model 60's and a 63. Guess what? I didn't like the way either one handled and sold both here on the forum a while back. The 63 was particularly odd feeling.

Agree the five inch is an uncommon model and they seem to go for $600 and up when offered on the internet.

 

[H Richard]

The reason they aren't made anymore is they weren't popular, barrel not proportionate to frame size. But, this means they made very few of them so in our crazy hobby they will eventually gain a semblance of collectibility. It may be a long time, and you would need to keep it in pristine condition with all the box etc. If you desire to shoot it, get something else you would enjoy more.

 

[bobf]

60-18 and 63-4, the 63 is an 8 shot. I like mine and wouldn't part with either.

 

[dotdsd334]

60-18 and 63-4, the 63 is an 8 shot. I like mine and wouldn't part with either.

I'm with him! I'm not a huge fan of the lock but these are too nice to sell. I would probably sell my 4" 63 no dash before the 5" 63.....