Smith & Wesson Model 60
Encyclopedia
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. 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.
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.
"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.
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson is the largest manufacturer of handguns in the United States. The corporate headquarters is in Springfield, Massachusetts. Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson's pistols and revolvers have become standard issue to police and armed forces throughout the world...
Model 60 revolver
Revolver
A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
is a 5-shot snubnosed revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special
.38 Special
The .38 Smith & Wesson Special is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round...
or .357 Magnum
.357 Magnum
The .357 S&W Magnum , or simply .357 Magnum, is a revolver cartridge created by Elmer Keith, Phillip B. Sharpe, Colonel D. B. Wesson of firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. It is based upon Smith & Wesson's earlier .38 Special cartridge. The .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in...
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. 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.
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.
"Subway vigilante" Bernhard Goetz
Bernhard Goetz
Bernhard Goetz is an American man best known for shooting four young African American men who tried to mug him on a New York City Subway train, resulting in his conviction for illegal possession of a firearm. He came to symbolize New Yorkers’ frustrations with the high crime rates of the early...
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
Stopping power
Stopping power is a colloquial term used to describe the ability of a firearm or other weapon to cause a penetrating ballistic injury to a target, human or animal, sufficient to incapacitate the target where it stands....
from the weapon.
Variants
- S&W Model 60 Chief's Special: .38 Special, J-frame, 5-shot revolver
- S&W Model 60 LadySmithS&W LadysmithThe S&W Ladysmith and LadySmith are a series of handguns manufactured by Smith & Wesson starting early in the 20th century. Early models, branded Ladysmith, were .22 caliber....
: .38 Special, J-frame, 5-shot revolver; known as Chief's Special LadySmith