[drod]

My father passed away last week. I miss him like my right arm, but that's another story. I inherited his S&W revolver. He carried this gun back in the 70's. The S/N is 4758xx. Can anyone here tell me when this gun was made, or any other information about it?

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid65/p4c1c58c4c9ebeccb0220f24c0baddd64/fbecfae6.jpg

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's drod-

First, I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your
family; upon learning of your dad's passing. It looks
like he left you a treasure, in the form of the little S&W
model 60. According to the book, Standard Catalog Of
Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition by Supica and Nahas your
firearm was manufactuered some time between 1967
and 1968; most likely during the spring of 1967? In 1969
model 60's were designated a "R" serial prefix; so guns
made from that point will be found with that designation.
Your weapon should have a "bright" stainless finish, and
case color hammer and trigger; and from the pic, it looks
like it might have these features? The book say's value
is rated at $375 for NIB, and $300 for excellent. If I were
you, I would keep it for a family memorial; as money
couldn't touch it! Hope this helps some?

Best wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Jim March]

Condolences here too. Sigh.

Re: the gun - if I recall correctly, early S&W stainless steel wasn't the greatest grade in the world. I believe you should avoid 38+P in it except for very small amounts to see where they shoot, and for actual defensive use should you choose to press it into that service. Which it most certainly can, BTW.

[drod]

Thanks for the responses. I think I will clean this gun up and put it away. I have a new S&W 642 that is rated for +P, so I will carry that. The model 60 is important to me because I remember my father carrying it in the 70's. I thought it was the coolest thing in his sholder rig (which I also have). There is no amount of money that I would take to part with this gun. You can't really tell from the pic (crappy digital camera), but the finish on this gun is almost perfect. There are two little marks on the underside of the handle. I think I can take care of that. The wood handles need to be shined. I think I will use a little linseed (sp?) oil on them to bring back their luster, as they have become a little dull over the years. Should I try this, or should I just let it go? I don't want to do more harm than good.

[Serpico]

Sorry about your dad...I would leave the grips as is...oil may darken them too much...my dad carried a dick special for the past 40 years and someday it will be passed on to me and I will leave it just as it came from his holster.....

[PlayTheAces]

I too am terribly sorry to hear about your father. My own dad passed on six years ago and also left me his 60, which he carried as back-up. I never dated it, but from what Ala Dan posted, it came from the same era as yours. Whenever I handle it, I think of him and the times we spent together. I think as the years go by, you'll find it increases in personal value to you. Best wishes to you and your family.

[drod]

Sorry about your dad...I would leave the grips as is...oil may darken them too much...my dad carried a dick special for the past 40 years and someday it will be passed on to me and I will leave it just as it came from his holster.....

That pretty much does it for me. I'll just leave the grips as they are. I don't want to do anything that will alter the appearance of the gun. I want it just like he left it. It does my heart good to just sit and look at it.

[Standing Wolf]

Losing a father is never easy, and it tales a long, long time to accommodate oneself to the loss.

It might be worth your while to pick up a pair of new factory stocks or after-market stocks so you can keep the originals untouched.

[AngryBassets]

I am very sorry for your loss.

I now have my father's model 60, which was his carry gun from the late 70's to the late 90's until he retired(he was a police chief).

I carried that while in plainclothes for a short time until I realized that it's more of an heirloom to me. It's now a safe queen; I still have his ankle and belt holster for it somewhere.

Not that there is anything wrong with the .38 j-frame; I now have my own 337PD I carry.


He hasn't asked for it back yet...I am sure my son will 'steal' my snubbie from me someday...

Again, my condolences....