Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Smith and Wesson Model 60

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Type
  
Service Revolver

In service
  
1965–present

Unit cost
  
$727.00

Place of origin
  
United States

Manufacturer
  
Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Model 60

Used by
  
National Police Agency(South Korea)

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver is a 5-shot revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum calibers. It was the first revolver produced from stainless steel.

Contents

Design

The Model 60 has a swing-out cylinder, and features an exposed hammer. It has been in production since 1965, and holds the distinction of being the first regular production all stainless steel revolver ever made. The 1965 model's stainless steel production proved so popular that there was a waiting list at gunshops for up to six months to purchase one. At that time the Model 60 featured a 1.875" barrel and was chambered solely for the .38 Special. In 1996, the stronger J-Magnum frame was introduced and the cylinder was lengthened to support the .357 Magnum round, (as well as the .38 Special). The new model replaced the .38 Special-only version and is available in either a 2.125" or a 3" barrel, with a 5" barrel introduced in 2005.

Sight Systems

Older versions of the Model 60 were produced with only fixed sights; modern productions are typically made with an adjustable rear sight (3" and 5") and a fixed sight (1.875" and 2.125") in front. Despite the reduction in effective range due to the short barrel and consequently reduced sight radius, the 2" barrel version is one of the preferred backup and concealed carry weapons for law enforcement officers and civilians alike to this day.

Model 60 Engineering and Production Changes Timeline

As the Model 60 evolved, the following Engineering and Production Changes were made:

  • 60 - introduced in 1965
  • 60-1 (1972) 3 in square butt limited production
  • 60-2 (1987) DAO NYPD?
  • 60-3 (1988) New yoke retention system
  • 60-4 (1990) 3 in target sights full underlug barrel
  • 60-5 (1990) DAO for NYPD with new yoke retention
  • 60-6 (1989) Ladysmith version
  • 60-7 (1990) front sight 1/8 inch wide, new heat treatment
  • 60-8 (1990) same as 60-7 for NYPD
  • 60-9 (1996) change to J magnum frame
  • 60-10 (1996) Target variation on J magnum frame
  • 60-11 (1996) New frame design for.38 Special version only
  • 60-12 (1996) new frame nose cut
  • 60-13 (1996) same as 60-12 but target version
  • 60-14 (2001) Ladysmith with internal lock
  • 60-15 (2001) internal lock on 357 mag target version
  • 60-16 (2001) internal lock on.38 Special 2 in
  • 60-17 (2001) internal lock on 38 Special 3 inch target
  • 60-18 (2005) internal lock 357 Mag 5 inch target 2 pc barrel

    • Variants

  • S&W Model 60 Chief's Special: .38 Special, J-frame, 5-shot revolver
  • Smith & Wesson Ladysmith: .38 Special, 357 mag (60-14), J-frame, 5-shot revolver; known as Chief's Special LadySmith

    • References

    Smith & Wesson Model 60 Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA


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