Presentation of my 60 “no dash”

[teteDeBrique]

There are a lot of revolvers like this, but I am happy to present my model 60 no dash.

Pinned barrel so older than me… The serial number R18### indicate that the gun was produced in 1969.
They are interesting marks in the barrel and the frame:
-The cool eagle marks with the "N" indicates that the firearm has passed a safety inspection by an official proof house in Germany ("N" is for standard smokeless powder cartridge).
-The deer antler on the frame tells the city: Ulm.
-"70" marks don't need explanations…

It is clearly the gun I have the most difficulties to shoot correctly. But I like it, it challenges me.

 

[MajorD]

I would expect living in Switzerland you see a lot of German proofed guns.
J Frames ( a lot of people have forgotten) used to be called " experts guns" as they are well known to be difficult for most to shoot accurately, so yes they do challenge you. The lighter weight alloy frame J's are even worse.
While I am not sure of the German market at the time this gun was proofed, it is my understanding in that era a lot of guns were imported into Germany for use or sale at U.S. military installation gun clubs.
In any event a nice looking 60 ( even though I don't personally care for stainless)

 

[teteDeBrique]

Thanks MajorD for the comment. Yes you are right I see a lot of German proofed guns. I keep learning how to manage this J-frame, I neglected shooting in double action, but with this kind of revolver it's the best solution. Sadly I don't know the story of this gun, if it was used at U.S. military gun club or directly sold for civil people...

 

[ImDrRich]

So I'll bite: If the gun was made in 1969, what does the "70" mean? Very nice Model 60, btw.

 

[Crazywader]

Very interesting - thank you for posting the pictures and providing an explanation of the proof marks. My guess is that your gun shipped directly to the proof house in Ulm. Would S&W have shipped it to fill an order by a law enforcement office or a gun shop (a letter would likely confirm that)? Whatever the story is, you have a nice gun.

 

[Crazywader]

So I'll bite: If the gun was made in 1969, what does the "70" mean? Very nice Model 60, btw.

The gun shipped from S&W in 1969. It probably went through the proof house in 1970.

 

[teteDeBrique]

Thanks ImDrRich and Crazywader for the comments.
Like Crasywader I suppose the gun was shipped from S&W in 1969. And for sure went through the proof house in 1970. I have no idea who was the first buyer (law enforcement, army, gun shop...). I bought it longtime ago in my local gun shop. I made the mistake to don't ask the seller what was the story about this gun. Now he is retired...