The 686 I've had, the 60-4 is "new"

[winchester62]

I found this 60-4 recently (on GB) and found the grips to replace the original uncle mikes rubber ones the following week (also GB). They make a nice pair, huh? The gun was a little high, but the grips were pretty decent at 85 bucks shipped. They look like they're new!

The previous owner of the gun polished the trigger and it didn't come with the box and paperwork. Guess this one will be the shooter and I'll have to find another one. Offhand at 25 yards it put 5 shots in 3-4 inches at 25 yards. I'll have to try it off a rest one day

 

[GerSan69]

Can't believe I missed that! I've been looking to unload my 60-10 and get a 60-4.
Congratulations, good score!!!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I recall seeing the auction on that one. Congrats. Hope you enjoy it.

 

[Green Frog]

Yep, the 60-4 is a very miniaturized version of the 686. When I first got mine I tried all manner of grips on it to replace the hated "tire remnants". I kinda liked the fake ivories and the J frame targets, but what really "turned my crank" was a set of dark rosewood finger groove combats, the best combination (for me) of concealability and control. When I had a six inch 686 I put a pair of the factory fgsc grips on it, and my 4" custom K-327 has a pair of the dark rosewood combats on as well. The targets look nice but just aren't right for my hand. Not suggesting this is the only solution for you, as with all things Gun Related, YMMV. But in the words of the great detective Rick Hunter, "Works for me!"
Froggie

 

[reccpd101]

Is the 60-4 38 or 357?

 

[StakeOut]

OP,I think the checkered square butt(will also fit RB) target grips on the 60-4 are an excellent choice as you have on the revolver in photos.
If I saw nicely grained ones like that I'd snatch them up quickly.
The original Uncle Mike's combat style grips are good at the range if they fit your hand.
I shoot plated 148gr DEWC over 3.5gr to 4.0gr of W231/PB38 in mine.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Is the 60-4 38 or 357?

.38 Special

The first 3" Model 60 in .357 Magnum was the Model 60-10.

 

[swagmeister]

Great looking pair of revolvers. Thanks for showing.

 

[winchester62]

Appreciate the replies, everyone. The trigger is marvelous in single action on this model 60. The trigger release back to the rest position on the other hand, was somewhat goofy. Therefore, I just spent the last 2 hours taking it apart and removing the most amount of grease I've ever seen in a S&W revolver. I'm sure they could have packed more in there, but it was pretty nasty. I took "before" pictures but got kinda into the act of putting it back together and didn't get any "after" pictures of the internals.

Regardless, it is now lubed appropriately and feels as it should. For a gun that was marketed as "new old stock," it sure has been fired a lot. Fortunately I didn't believe that line in the add and bought it anyway. Besides a little bit of buggered screws, it has cleaned up to look good as new. Now it's my turn to make it filthy.

 

[Green Frog]

Appreciate the replies, everyone. The trigger is marvelous in single action on this model 60. The trigger release back to the rest position on the other hand, was somewhat goofy. Therefore, I just spent the last 2 hours taking it apart and removing the most amount of grease I've ever seen in a S&W revolver. I'm sure they could have packed more in there, but it was pretty nasty. I took "before" pictures but got kinda into the act of putting it back together and didn't get any "after" pictures of the internals.

Regardless, it is now lubed appropriately and feels as it should. For a gun that was marketed as "new old stock," it sure has been fired a lot. Fortunately I didn't believe that line in the add and bought it anyway. Besides a little bit of buggered screws, it has cleaned up to look good as new. Now it's my turn to make it filthy.

Wow! That looks almost like it was packed in Cosmoline for long term storage! Your pictures don't show any wear or powder fouling of course, but I've never seen any S&W revolvers come from the factory packed in grease.

The good news is that the finish and workings weren't damaged by the gunky grease, you just need to remove it. Heck, the grease may even have protected it.

And yes, it's a lot more fun to be getting it dirty than it was getting the gunk out! I hope you'll enjoy it to the fullest.

Froggie