Smith & Wesson Model 60

Last updated
Smith & Wesson Model 60
S&W 60 3in.jpg
Smith & Wesson Model 60-10 with 3" barrel
Type Service revolver
Place of originFlag of the United States.svg United States
Service history
In service1965–present
Production history
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
Unit cost$727.00
Specifications
Mass~19 oz (1.875 in),
22.58 oz. with 2.125" barrel,
23.99 oz. with 3" barrel,
30.50 oz. with 5" barrel (unloaded)
Length6.625" with 2.125 barrel,
7.5" with 3" barrel,
9.0375 with 5" barrel
Barrel  length1.875" (original), 2.125", 3", 5"
Caliber .38 Special
.38 Special +P
.357 Magnum
Action Double Action
Feed system5-round cylinder
SightsFixed (1.875in or 2.125in barrel), Adjustable (1.875in (60-1), 3in & 5in bbl)

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a 5-shot service revolver introduced in 1965 chambered in .38 Special or .357 Magnum calibers.

Contents

Design

A stainless steel development of the Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special revolver, the Model 60 has a swing-out cylinder, and features an exposed hammer.

Sights

With the exception of the Model 60-1, the vast majority of first-generation Model 60 revolvers were produced with fixed sights; modern production revolvers are typically offered with either a fixed or adjustable rear sight and a fixed sight in front.

Construction

It has been in production since 1965, and was the first regular production all stainless steel firearm made. [1]

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. [2]

Popularity

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.

Despite the reduction in effective range due to the short barrel and its reduced sighting accuracy, the 2" barrel version is one of the preferred backup and concealed carry weapons for law enforcement officers and civilians alike to this day. [3]

Variants

Model 60 Chief's Special [4]

Model 60-1 Chief's Special Target

Smith & Wesson Ladysmith

"NY-1"

Users

References

  1. ↑ Petzal, David (1995). "More Bang for the Buck". Field & Stream. 100 (6): 44.
  2. ↑ Supica, Jim (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (3 ed.). Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media. p. 222. ISBN   978-0-89689-293-4.
  3. ↑ Ayoob, Massad (2010). Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World. Gun Digest Books. pp. 218–220. ISBN   978-1-4402-0825-6.
  4. 1 2 Hartink, A.E. (2003). The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers. Edison, New Jersey: Chartwell Books, Inc. pp.  225. ISBN   978-0-7858-1871-7.
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