Crazy Price for a S&W "Old Model" 60?

[November]

I found a place locally that has an "old" model 60 (smaller than current model 60) in .38sp that is used but like new with all original papers and box. Nice little checkered factory walnut grips. Looks like it spent it's life in a safe deposit box or something. They are asking $400 before tax, etc. Is this price out of line?

 

[HSMITH]

I think so. I would not go over $375 out the door and then only if it was PERFECT with all the papers and cleaning tools and box in perfect shape.

Take a look at the auction sites to see what they are going for.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Folk's-

While a $400 price tag seems a little excessive; you got
to remember this model is now discontinued, and there
won't be any more new ones coming our way!

If the firearm is truly in GEM MINT state, being really
clean and without any scars-marks-or abrasions; and
complete with all tools, warranty card, and near perfect
box, I'd probably go the $400 price tag. After
all, it was and is the very first handgun to be made
from stainless steel; way back yonder in good ole' 1965.

*FootNote- the original .38 Special model 60 remains
as MY all time favorite snubby. Tucked away in an old
rucksack in that far away land called Viet-Nam; the S&W
model 60 was a very valuable life insurance policy!

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

 

[FPrice]

"Is this price out of line?"

It depends on a lot of factors, but in general I agree with HSMITH. This is high unless there is something very special about this pistol or if small handguns just are not readily available in your area. The Model 60 just is not collectable enough to command a high price even with the box and papers.

I might arrange to go see it and bring say $300 in $100 bills. See how loudly cash speaks.

 

[November]

I hear all of you. I like it because of it's very small size and feel in the hand, but $400 has me saying, "What gun can I take in to trade?" and I don't wanna go down that road. Current J-frames aren't quite this small are they? I just want the smallest 5-shot snub in .38 of decent quality that I can afford. They have a brand new SS Taurus 85 in .38 also for $260 or so. If this Taurus is as small as current snubbies get, I'll have to take a look. Granted, it's not a vintage model 60, but that's a significant price difference. Another place has a Charter Arms (old version) Off Duty in .38 that's in decent shape but has some end shake for $199 and won't come down in price. Maybe I'll bite the bullet for the nice Smith. It would take some very creative household bookkeeping to pull that off, though.

 

[PlayTheAces]

I agree $400 sounds a bit high, but you might ask yourself what it could be worth in five or ten years from now, as older S&W's seem to gradually appreciate if they're in nice shape with original papers and box. What would the Charter Arms or the Taurus be worth in five or ten years? I can remember when many of the guns we consider collectable today weren't worth too much.

 

[MR.G]

Compare it to what is made today, that you can buy for $400.00. I would take a like new model 60.

 

[Old Fuff]

The origina model 60 (no dash number)was offered in .38 Special and adapted from Smith's earlier "I" frame which had a shorter cylinder and was chambered in .32 S&W Long and .38 S&W.

Not long after its introduction the handle was lengthened about 1/8" This size butt is still used on the "J" frames, but they look larger because now oversized boot grips are in favor. I think if you buy a regular .38 Special "J" frame with the old-style Maga grips (or replace the boot grips on a later gun) that small size you are looking for will happen. There is no reason to buy a collectable unless you see it as both an investment as well as a carry gun.

 

[JNewell]

I regularly see earlier Model 60s at prices that surprise me, often $100-150 above (say) a very clean Model 36 sitting next to it in the case. My guess is that people think they can price them higher because everyone and his cousin reads about the Model 60 several times a year -- that it was the first stainless handgun, that it was prized in Viet Nam, that for several years it sold well above list price if you could even get someone to sell it to you...I think that recognition and the earlier history makes people think they can price 'em higher. Whether people actually pay more for them, dunno. They do seem to linger in the case when priced like that.

 

[Ala Dan]

Took mine (S&W "old model" 60) home for $249.95,
back in Oct. of 1998.

Of course, this is the 3rd one I've owned since
their inception. FWIW, I bought 2X at one time in
1973; giving $185@ for them. A little while later, I
turned them for a small profit. This one is
not going anywhere!

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