Stupid Question from a Newbie
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catdad
Member
Welcome to the forum, and there are no stupid questions, but sometimes you might get a uneducated answer.
No dash usually means the first models made, unless they made some pre-model 60's.
I have two and they are wonderful guns.
Someone here will jump in with more knowledge and tell you if I'm correct or not.
Enjoy
No dash usually means the first models made, unless they made some pre-model 60's.
I have two and they are wonderful guns.
Someone here will jump in with more knowledge and tell you if I'm correct or not.
Enjoy
In general, engineering changes were and are indicated by a "dash-number" following the model number stamped on the frame. Sometimes model variations that were/are NOT engineering changes were so indicated. In some cases, minor variations were even indicated by model number. In the case of the model 60, I believe that the first real change indicated by a dash-number was in 1988, when the 60-3 came with the new large spring-loaded yoke screw. The 60-1 was a limited-production 3" SB, and the 60-2 was a 3" for the NYPD. Meanwhile, deletion of the pinned barrel, and a run with adjustable rear sights, both took place unnoted by a change in dash-number. This apparent inconsistency was and is typical of S&W numbering systems. I don't say that as a criticism, merely as a statement that their practice has not produced a consistency that some of us would prefer.
For all practical purposes, a no-dash Model 60 is simply a model 60 with the pre-88 yoke screw.
For all practical purposes, a no-dash Model 60 is simply a model 60 with the pre-88 yoke screw.
Andy Taylor
Member
S&W began issueing model numbers in 1957. Prior to that the models only had names, such as Chiefs Special, Combat Masterpiece, Military & Police (M&P) etc. These guns are sometimes refered to as pre models. In the case of the Combat Masterpiece it might be refered to as a Pre-M15.
The first model number guns of any given model are considered "no dash". IE: M15. When S&W would make an engineering change they would add a dash number to the model number. IE: M15-1 would be the first engineering change since the M15 was introduced.
In the case of the M60, it did not come out until sometime in the mid 1960s so there are no "pre-M60s"
As with all things Smith & Wesson these are general guidelines. S&W was and is in business to make money, not to make things easy for us collectors and enthusiests.
The first model number guns of any given model are considered "no dash". IE: M15. When S&W would make an engineering change they would add a dash number to the model number. IE: M15-1 would be the first engineering change since the M15 was introduced.
In the case of the M60, it did not come out until sometime in the mid 1960s so there are no "pre-M60s"
As with all things Smith & Wesson these are general guidelines. S&W was and is in business to make money, not to make things easy for us collectors and enthusiests.
Thnaks Guys for such a quick and informative response. I've had a few model 60's, but since I've been looking at this forum, I noticed the "no dash" statement. Learn something new everyday.
I hope this next question doesn't get me barred from the forum, but here goes...
How does the model 60 compare to the Colt detective special. I have a friend that constantly tells me his is better.
I hope this next question doesn't get me barred from the forum, but here goes...
How does the model 60 compare to the Colt detective special. I have a friend that constantly tells me his is better.
In general, the better gun is the one you already own and the inferior gun is the one you would have to lay down more money from a tight budget to acquire.
Less cynically, the better gun is the one you can use more effectively. If you have one already that you can use effectively enough, then the question should never come up.
And welcome to the forum.
DCW
swamp creature
Member
Welcome to the forums Vistula,
Be sure and tell your insecure buddy that Colt no longer makes revolvers and generally does not accept them for repairs. Your Smith has a well respected repair network in place. Colt is a fine gun, but give the Smith its credit. Gun prices are not necessarily reflective of quality.
Swampy
Be sure and tell your insecure buddy that Colt no longer makes revolvers and generally does not accept them for repairs. Your Smith has a well respected repair network in place. Colt is a fine gun, but give the Smith its credit. Gun prices are not necessarily reflective of quality.
Swampy
Andy Taylor
Member
I have owned both and both are quality firearms. I like both of them for different reasons.
The Colt carries 6 rounds the Smith 5 rounds. Advantage Colt.
The Smith is narrower and easier to conceal due to the afformentioned 5 shot cylinder. Advantage Smith.
I could go on and on all day pointing out trivial differences between the two.
I would not feel undergunned with either as a backup to a larger firearm or even as a primary if not going on LE patrol or into battle, in which case, I would feel equally undergunned with either.
The Colt carries 6 rounds the Smith 5 rounds. Advantage Colt.
The Smith is narrower and easier to conceal due to the afformentioned 5 shot cylinder. Advantage Smith.
I could go on and on all day pointing out trivial differences between the two.
I would not feel undergunned with either as a backup to a larger firearm or even as a primary if not going on LE patrol or into battle, in which case, I would feel equally undergunned with either.
BillCa
Member
Another point in favor of the S&W revolver over the Colt is the trigger. Colt revolvers have triggers that tend to "stack" as the trigger is pulled further to the rear. In short, the pull gets heavier and heavier. S&W on the other hand, seems heavy at the outset and is then more consistent thru the hammer release. This is the reason many competitors in the 70's had gunsmiths build them "Smolt" revolvers - a nice tight .356" Colt barrel on a S&W frame for the consistent trigger.
Another reason: Colt's timing is very precise and the actions are finicky. The Colt cylinder does not lock up in DA mode until just prior to the hammer releasing - within about a 1/32" to 1/16th movement of the hammer. S&W locks up earlier. While the Colt cylinder bolt doesn't drag on the cylinder like the S&W, as the Colt wears it can get out of time faster than the Smith.
Colt made some fine revolvers in it's day and I would welcome them back if they could be anywhere near price competitive. But they can't with the UAW controlling their labor. I'd love to have another 2.5" Diamondback and a Colt Trooper. But the lack of a modern repair network and spare parts would relegate these guns to safe queens.
Another reason: Colt's timing is very precise and the actions are finicky. The Colt cylinder does not lock up in DA mode until just prior to the hammer releasing - within about a 1/32" to 1/16th movement of the hammer. S&W locks up earlier. While the Colt cylinder bolt doesn't drag on the cylinder like the S&W, as the Colt wears it can get out of time faster than the Smith.
Colt made some fine revolvers in it's day and I would welcome them back if they could be anywhere near price competitive. But they can't with the UAW controlling their labor. I'd love to have another 2.5" Diamondback and a Colt Trooper. But the lack of a modern repair network and spare parts would relegate these guns to safe queens.
It won't get you banned, or even get your friend banned, from what I can tell. But it will put him in the same wing with the 9mm vs 45 Auto crowd.
Nice to have you with us.
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