Smith & Wesson Model 60

Smith & Wesson Model 60
Smith & Wesson Model 60-10 with 3" barrel
Type	Service Revolver
Place of origin	USA
Service history
In service	1965–present
Used by	South Korean National Police
Production history
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Unit cost	$727.00
Specifications
Weight	~19 oz (1.875 in), 22.58 oz. with 2.125" barrel, 23.99 oz. with 3" barrel, 30.50 oz. with 5" barrel
Length	6.625" with 2.125 barrel, 7.5" with 3" barrel, 9.0375 with 5" barrel
Barrel length	1.875" (original), 2.125", 3", 5"
Caliber	.38 Special .38 Special +P .357 Magnum
Action	Double Action
Effective range	22.86 meters
Maximum range	45.72 meters
Feed system	5-round cylinder
Sights	Fixed (2" barrel), Adjustable (3" & 5" barrels)

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver is a 5-shot snubnosed revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum calibers. Like nearly all other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, it 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.^[1] 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, and until 1996, only the 1.875" model was made and chambered only for the .38 Special caliber. In 2006, a .357 Magnum was introduced based on a larger "J-Magnum" frame. It replaced the .38 Special models and is now the only caliber produced for the Model 60. The "new model" is available in either a 2.125" or a 3" barrel, with a 5" barrel introduced in 2005. ^[2]

Older models of the gun 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.^[3]

"Subway vigilante" Bernhard Goetz used the 1965 model .38 special in self defense against four would-be muggers on the Seventh Avenue No. 2 express subway train in Manhattan on December 22, 1984. Goetz was able to deliver 4 out of 5 stopping shots from the weapon.

Variants

• S&W Model 60 Chief's Special: .38 Special, J-frame, 5-shot revolver^[4]
• S&W Model 60 LadySmith: .38 Special, J-frame, 5-shot revolver; known as Chief's Special LadySmith^[4]

References

1. ^ Petzal, David (1995). "More Bang for the Buck". Field & Stream (6): 44. 
2. ^ Supica, Jim (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson (3 ed.). Iola, Wisconsin. p. 222. ISBN 9780896892934. 
3. ^ Ayoob, Massad (2010). Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World. Gun Digest Books. pp. 218-220. ISBN 9781440208256. 
4. ^ ^{a b} Hartink, A.E. (2003). The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers. Edison, New Jersey: Chartwell Books, Inc. pp. 225. ISBN 9780785818717. 

External links

• Modern Firearms page
• Smith & Wesson official page
• The Snubnose Files
• Shooting Times review