S&W Model 60 Fit and Finish

[Alpha Wolf]

Had the two revolvers out at the range yesterday.
Put new Wolf spring kit into my Ruger GP100 and a new Hogue grip on my Model 60.

Loved the change the spring kit did for the Ruger. Need to do this to the Model 60 next.

Liked the way the new longer grip made the Model 60 point and feel in my hand.

But when I was home and had them partially apart I was a little shocked at what I take as poorer finishing on the S&W. I always thought of S&W revolvers as being a bit better on fit and finish than other brands. But my 60 has sharp over flash on the top strap opposite to the side the cylinder pops out to. Also the edges of the trigger are also very sharp. It became apparent to me when I was shooting and handling the two revolvers together. I noticed that the Ruger trigger was more comfortable for me to shoot and that it had no sharp edges when I popped the cylinder out when handling the gun.

I guess I will have a little hand filing to do as this bugs me.

Is this normal for 80s vintage S&W revolvers? Or is mine just the odd duck?

 

[Ashlander]

Normal?? I suppose so. I have bought three used S&Ws (as well as Rugers) that the original owner never deburred. They were all 80s vintage. I smoothed those edges and burrs with the lightest abrasive that would remove it. With new guns I do this before I even take them out to the range. My Model 60-14 which I bought new had a couple little burrs that I did not think twice and about after removing.

 

[Alpha Wolf]

I was just surprised that the Ruger, which has not been deburred (I am the only owner of it), never required any touch up by me. I also do not remember seeing sharp flash and sharp edges on the other older S&W I have handled or shot. Those were older Blued guns while this is a stainless model. Not sure if that matters. Makes it easier for me to touch up though.

While I do not mind it after I finish removing them. I just feel that S&W is supposed to be a premium manufacturer of revolvers. I expected it to have a bit better fit and finish than my Ruger.

My other Springfield, Kimber and Ruger pistols/revolvers did not have any over flash or sharp edges where my finger fits on the trigger. So I expected S&W to also be this way.

Just left me a little disappointed with S&W QA if this is normal for them.

 

[Tyrod]

Some of the S&W revolvers made in the 80s were "challenged" quality wise.

 

[powderburns]

I bought a GP100 last year and the trigger guard edge was so sharp I was nearly cutting myself. I sent it back to Ruger and they smoothed it out and it feels much better now. Never had the problem with any of my Smiths though.

 

[Alpha Wolf]

I just expect S&W pistols/revolvers to be a bit above the norm. I guess it was what I was raised to expect since my family has had S&W revolvers since I was a baby 50+ years ago. I expect them to have a bit nicer triggers and finish as that is why you pay a bit more.

I know all manufactures have the odd gun. My parents never really shot this gun as it was a home defense gun and they never took it to the range (Dumb I know). So they never sent it back to S&W etc or fixed this. It may be me, I have been told I am a bit anal with my stuff being in top shape so this bugs me a bit when it did not bug them.

Oh well it shoots fine.

 

[Alpha Wolf]

Smoothed the edges all out and did some polishing on the finish.

Good to go.

 

[WheelGuy357]

My Model 60 is a 2010 production and its flawless. I love the fit and finish on my revolver.

 

[wnc wheelgun]

I bought new 3" 60-15, a 640-1, and a 649-5 and they all were finished very well without any sharp edges. I am very happy with the fit and finish of my wheel guns and have not found a canted barrel on any of my new smith products. Only sharp edges are on my AR15/22, but rail covers solved that!

 

[Bud11]

My Model 60 is a 2010 production and its flawless. I love the fit and finish on my revolver.

Glad to hear that as I ordered one yesterday.

 

[Alpha Wolf]

Well after a little filing and sanding and polishing the only sharp edge still bothering me is on on the triggers bottom left corner.. So I need to sand that a bit more.

I now have a spring kit coming for it. I will update what that did when I get it installed.

 

[Alpha Wolf]

I bought new 3" 60-15, a 640-1, and a 649-5 and they all were finished very well without any sharp edges. I am very happy with the fit and finish of my wheel guns and have not found a canted barrel on any of my new smith products. Only sharp edges are on my AR15/22, but rail covers solved that!

Glad to hear... I assume it must have been due to some QA drop off in the 80's when mine was made...

 

[Stainz]

My two Bangor Punta era S&Ws had more QC issues than all of my myriad of '96 on production S&Ws combined. My only 60, a 60-15 3" 60 Pro puchased new a year ago, is flawless - a near work of art. Sadly, my Rugers all came, brand new, as 'works in progress' - and not just for spring changes! My finest Ruger was an early 7.5" .454 SRH; my worst ever firearm purchase, QC-wise, was a 4" .32 H&RM SP-101. My post '96 S&W's, over twenty of them, have had a total of one fault - a pinched ejector rod spring (S&W mailed me a spring!).

Stainz