The blind pig who finally found an acorn!

[3S16]

So, I was perusing a "guns for sale" site on the computer two weeks ago and came across a rather innocuous ad that read "Beretta and Smith and Wesson" - that was it. Not really a fan of Beretta, but what the heck, let's see what the S&W is. I opened the ad and it listed a Beretta 92 and the S&W was a 3" Model 60. I assumed it was one of the current series - probably had a "Hillary Hole" in the side (this is Ca.). Then I saw the photo. It was not a newer model! It had an older original box, paperwork, and tool set. It was wearing a set of rubber Pachmeyer grips. The box label said 3" barrel. Square butt frame. Product code 102304. S/N AEV64xx. Date code of 4289 (Oct, 15, 1984?) Holy Mackeral - I know that gun! A John Jovino! I just read a thread about these 3" square butt model 60's a short while ago The price was VERY reasonable. I bought it and DROS'ed it the next day. It's in amazing condition. The seller said he will look at home for the original grips for me.
So here are some photos, I'm afraid I'm still not very good with photography, but you get the idea. I put a nice set of J frame grips I had.

 

[RKmesa]

Congrats!!!

Thanks for sharing that beauty,

 

[BC38]

How cool is THAT?!?
Congratulations on finding such a rare gun for a discount price.
Thanks for sharing.
Stories like this are what keep some of us "on the hunt" hoping to find that kind of deal!

 

[jordan57]

That is a beauty, small frame perfection!

 

[M29since14]

Very nice looking little Model 60. Congrats on your new revolver.

 

[josp]

Very cool! I also recently lucked into a "used S&W" that turned out to be a near mint model 60, though it's a standard round butt 2" and no box or papers but I couldn't say no. Something classic about a Chief Special.

 

[MajorD]

Great snag especially in commie- fornia!
I prefer square butts and would snap that up myself ( though not a big fan of stainless)
Revolvers of any sort seem to be getting scarce, at least in my area.

If I travel to a half dozen gun shops in my area ( we are in gun heaven here in northern AZ for the most part) if I can find even a dozen classic S&W’s to examine that is a number crop.

 

[LAH]

You did good.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

That's a great find. Congratulations.

Here's an excerpt from one of Dr. Roy Jinks letters about the square butts Model 60s and a S&W ad, which I received from another forum member.

The serial number prefixes I've documented for the 3" models are AEU, AEV and AEW.

Hope the previous owner finds the original stocks for you.

 

[3S16]

Thank you Cowboy for the interesting information from your S&W letter regarding the production number totals of the "Jovino Specials". Previously, I read numbers of thousands made. Then 1000 total produced with more 3 inch guns than two inch guns.
Your letter appears definitive that there were two separate special orders placed by John Jovino for these square butt model 60 no dash guns. The first in July 1984 of 600 2" guns, and a second later order in Sept. 1984 for 1000 3" guns. Excellent info!