| Smith & Wesson Model 60 | |
|---|---|
Smith & Wesson Model 60-10 with 3" barrel |
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| 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" |
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| 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.