Serial Number Info on Model 60 Chief's Special

[alabeagle]

I have a SS Model 60 Chief's Special .38 Special. It's serial number is a single letter and two numerical digits. Sorry to be so cryptic but I'm new here and I was reading how everyone says post xs for the last three of the serial number.

I was hoping to get some information of the production numbers and dates for the Model 60 Chief's Special. I caled S&W and I guess they are off today because I was on hold forever.

Any information would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum. If the letter of your gun's SN is an "R", it was shipped in 1969. It's difficult to estimate total production numbers because different models have used the same letter prefix and have been called Chiefs Specials, but I think it is safe to say well over 500000 have been made, perhaps closer to a million with all variations combined. Hope this is helpful.

 

[alabeagle]

Thanks. That helps. It is an R. Does that mean that it was in the first 100 made for 1969?

Thanks again.

 

[murphydog]

Yes. The only single-letter prefix for the model 60 was an "R", just so you know I'm not a mind-reader . Enjoy!

 

[diamonback68]

Thanks. That helps. It is an R. Does that mean that it was in the first 100 made for 1969?

Thanks again.

Beagle are you sure you are getting the serial number off the butt of the gun? An R serial number should have at least three digits starting with R001, R002 etc.

 

[alabeagle]

I was wondering how you figured the "R." One out of 26 other letters. Dang. Thanks again for your help.

 

[s&wchad]

Beagle are you sure you are getting the serial number off the butt of the gun? An R serial number should have at least three digits starting with R001, R002 etc.

I'm not so sure. One of out members posted a 29-2, number N3. There's a photo here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/181472-40-year-old-29-2-a.html

My R prefix Model 60 isn't as early as the one alabeagle has, but I still like the number.

 

[diamonback68]

I'm not so sure. One of out members posted a 29-2, number N3. http://

Yeah, but N serial numbered N-frames started with N1 a one digit, R serial numbered J-frames didn't, they started with three R001.

BTW, that as neat serial number chad, let's see 18 and 18 eguals 36, ah the model number of its granddaddy Model 36.

 

[alabeagle]

I don't know where else to look for the serial number. I'm very new here. Like really, really new. I am posting a photo of the butt of the pistol and the box that it came in. It's still in the grease.

This is supposed to be the photo here.

 

[diamonback68]

I don't know where else to look for the serial number. I'm very new here. Like really, really new. I am posting a photo of the butt of the pistol and the box that it came in. It's still in the grease.

This is supposed to be the photo here.

Thanks for posting the pic, that is the serial number and I stand corrected. The first stainless steel revolvers ever made by S&W were the model 60s started in 1965 with no prefix letter around S/N# 401754. The Gun Control act of 1968 required a change in how guns were serial numbered. Yours is in the first 100 made in 1969. Hope that helps some and sorry for any confusion.

 

[murphydog]

You're welcome. The standard S & W reference states these started with SN R 001, but this is what happens when you believe everything you read!

 

[vrichard]

Thanks. That helps. It is an R. Does that mean that it was in the first 100 made for 1969?

Thanks again.

I would say it was one of the first one in 1969 with that ser.#.very nice.

 

[alabeagle]

Thanks to all for the information and education.

This is supposed to be a pic of the numbers on the inside of the part that swings out and holds the cylinder. (What's the name of the part?)

The numbers are 35402. Does that mean anything?

Thanks again.

 

[diamonback68]

A photo of the numbers on the inside of the . . . part that swings the cylinder in and out. I had to wipe it off to see the numbers. The numbers are 35402.

That number is an assemblers number to keep parts together during manufacturing. Once the gun leaves the factory it has no meaning. You also see inspectors stamps there too. Thanks for posting though.

That part is called a yoke.

 

[timba48]

s&w model 60 serial numbers

my wife just bought her sisters ss mod60 trying to find out when it was made can any one help serial reads AFS1xxx if any one can shed some light on this that would be great.

 

[had3nuf]

Here is another early R serial # model 60.

[/IMG]

[/IMG]

 

[hotrod150]

SCSW indicates 1984-85 on the AFS s/n. Those 2 digit R s/n's just go to show you that the SCSW is not infallible.

 

[timba48]

sn# mod 60

thanks for info

 

[Dannydeanfrancis]

My S&W model 60?? AES' serial#

S/N: AES4966

I have tried vigorously to find out what year my model 60/38 spl. was made, by reading this forum I see its not a 60's model but it has the firing pin attached to the hammer with the wooden handle, Can someone please give me an idea on the value and the year my revolver was made? I paid 500 for it

 

[Dannydeanfrancis]

Care

Also what is the best recommended method for cleaning the stainless?