S&W Model 60 Identification Assistance Requested

[ThirstyRoozter]

S&W Mod 60 SN R842xx.

Belonged to my wife's grandad. Any information would be appreciated, but I'm specifically looking for production date. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[OutAtTheEdge]

Standard Catalog 5 puts that gun at 1970-'73.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Welcome to the Forum! Lots of Model 60 fans here.
They started production in 1965 as their first stainless steel revolver, and is still being made today (in .357 magnum only beginning in 1996). The R prefix began in 1969.

Todd

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

A stainless steel Chiefs Special is a terrific heirloom.

We're not privy to production dates.

Based on several others bracketing your wife's Model 60 in the
database I'd say it's a good bet Smith & Wesson shipped it in the
summer of 1973.

 

[ThirstyRoozter]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I was thinking late 70's or early 80's just based on what I know about her late grandad, so that would seem to check out. Really appreciate the info. Will definitely be something I hang onto.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Oops. I made a huge typo.

Should be "summer of 1973."

I've fixed it in my original post.

 

[HKSmith]

Welcome to the Forum! Lots of Model 60 fans here.
They started production in 1965 as their first stainless steel revolver, and is still being made today (in .357 magnum only beginning in 1996). The R prefix began in 1969.

Todd

There was actually a special run of the Model 60-15 chambered in .38 Special made in collaboration with Talo around 2015. I don't know how many were made, but I've got one. It's the Pro Series with a 3 inch barrel, adjustable rear sight, and front night sight, and very nice wood grips. The barrel is marked "S&W .38 Special +P". Current production is only .357 Magnum.

I remember the introduction of the original Model 60. It was priced at $110; at the time, a blued Model 36 was $65. In spite of this, supply could not keep up with demand and there were 6 month waiting lists to get one. It was not unusual for Model 60's to change hands for $200 in 1966. That's close to $2000 in todays dollars. I acquired a 1967 vintage Model 60 about 5 years ago that I shoot frequently. In like new condition with diamond stocks, I considered it a bargain at $650.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I remember the introduction of the original Model 60. It was priced at $110

In reality the October 1965 S&W catalog listed Model 60 for $85.

It went to $90 in the March 1966 catalog, $100 in March 1968, and
hit $110 in the October 1969 catalog.

 

[ajgunner]

April 1966 American Rifleman.

The itty bitty print shows $90.

 

[shovelhead]

There was actually a special run of the Model 60-15 chambered in .38 Special made in collaboration with Talo around 2015. I don't know how many were made, but I've got one. It's the Pro Series with a 3 inch barrel, adjustable rear sight, and front night sight, and very nice wood grips. The barrel is marked "S&W .38 Special +P". Current production is only .357 Magnum.

I remember the introduction of the original Model 60. It was priced at $110; at the time, a blued Model 36 was $65. In spite of this, supply could not keep up with demand and there were 6 month waiting lists to get one. It was not unusual for Model 60's to change hands for $200 in 1966. That's close to $2000 in todays dollars. I acquired a 1967 vintage Model 60 about 5 years ago that I shoot frequently. In like new condition with diamond stocks, I considered it a bargain at $650.

Also a special run of 500 60-3 with a 1 7/8” barrel, non fluted cylinder and smooth medallion grips. Ordered and sold through a distributor ultimately to the Michigan State Police.

 

[dobegrant]

Welcome from Arizona, very nice heirloom

 

[HKSmith]

In reality the October 1965 S&W catalog listed Model 60 for $85.

It went to $90 in the March 1966 catalog, $100 in March 1968, and
hit $110 in the October 1969 catalog.

Thanks to Two-Bit Cowboy and ajgunner for the correction. That's what happens when an 82 year old is trying to remember events from 60 years ago without checking the source material.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Bought this one in 1968 I think.
As I have posted, I bought the first one that I ever saw.
Don’t remember the price, probably in the $100+ range.