Question on a 60-1 Ashland 2"

[GPJohn]

I am researching a 60-1 that the seller says is one of the 660 revolvers produced for Ashland in 1985. The serial number seems correct, ALU40XX, but the followng items seem wrong.
1) The front sight has a red (orange) insert.
2) The grips are highly figured and smooth with S&W medallions instead of the checkered magnas.
3) The box is a two piece Bangor Punta instead of the one piece 'Revolver' box with the printed label and product code information.

The grips and box aren't major issues but I am concerned about the front sight. Has anyone ever seen an Ashland with a front sight insert? The ones that I have seen in person and in pictures do not.

Any and all information is appreciated.

Thanks - Mike

 

[BUFF]

I assume you are talking about the 2 inch barreled M-60-1 with adjustable sights. I bought mine in July, 1985, having my dealer order one for me from Ashland, so they were made a year earlier than "the book" says. They have plain sights, the front one being a really tall, "shark fin-looking" ramp; the rear sight blade has no white outline. They came in the one piece box. Checkered, round butt, walnut Magna stocks. The prefix of the serial numbers is usually ALU for these guns.

Red inserts, smooth stocks, different box are most likely post-factory.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I assume you are talking about the 2 inch barreled M-60-1 with adjustable sights. I bought mine in July, 1985, having my dealer order one for me from Ashland, so they were made a year earlier than "the book" says. They have plain sights, the front one being a really tall, "shark fin-looking" ramp; the rear sight blade has no white outline. They came in the one piece box. Checkered, round butt, walnut Magna stocks. The prefix of the serial numbers is usually ALU for these guns.

Red inserts, smooth stocks, different box are most likely post-factory.

My sentiments, exactly. When I ordered this one I had my FFL inquire about RR and WO as I had a Model 34 with those options and liked them. As I remember, the FFL was told that they weren't available. I carry my 60 some and still blacken the front sight as best I can.

 

[GPJohn]

Thanks guys. The seller doesn't want to hear this but I had a feeling that his 60 wasn't an Ashland.

 

[BUFF]

It may very well be an Ashland gun but has had a red insert added and the stocks changed out. Gunsmiths and hobbyists did this all the time. Adding an insert is not hard to do at all and swapping stocks takes a screwdriver and ten seconds.

The best way to establish what it is or isn't is a factory letter from Roy Jinks, the company historian. You could offer to buy it if it letters correctly.

 

[GPJohn]

Thanks Buff. I already sent him an email offering to reimburse the cost of the letter if it turns out to be an original Ashland.

Thanks again - Mike

 

[deanodog]

The Ashland 60 that I bought from Shotgun News was advertised as a run of 5000 in the 80s. I never could warm up to the tall front sight and sold it a year or so later.