Tag Archives: Smith Wesson Model 60

For Those Salty Days

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In May 1965, production of the Model 60 J-frame 38 began. The Model 60 was the first stainless steel handgun manufactured by Smith & Wesson.

Originally available in a highly polished finish, the finish was changed to a satin polish on the recommendation of law enforcement agencies.

I recently ran across this vintage one, complete with Tyler T-grip, and I have to admit, it’s nice, especially for a 57-year-old design.

Gotta love a T-grip

My grandfather, who recently passed, carried a personal Model 60 in Vietnam for two tours as an adviser for those up-close and personal moments, something that seemed to be a very popular thing to do as witnessed by this a recent posting from RIAC. 
 

This well-documented historic early “R” serial prefix Vietnam War Smith & Wesson Model 60 double-action revolver was carried in a sweltering tour in Vietnam. It stands as a memorial to a 501st Infantry, 101st Division unit commander, Lieutenant William L. Sullivan, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord, serving as a vivid reminder of the tragic human cost of war.

Myself, I’ve carried a very similar 642 (Centennial Airweight– lighter and with a shrouded SAO hammer) for years while on duty as a BUG, then in quieter times since, kayaking and fishing, and it has held up.