Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 60, The .38 Chiefs Special Stainless.
Serial Number: AFP6537
Year of Manufacture: 1985-1986 / Modern
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 5-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to the rib. The rear sight is a square notch in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood Round Butt Magna stocks with S&W medallions. There are a few scattered little marks. The checkering is strong. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scuffs and light draglines. The most noticeable wear is on the cylinder. The cylinder has a thin crisp turn-line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has very faint play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory box, owner's manual, and cleaning tools.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 60 was introduced in 1965 as the stainless-steel counterpart to the Model 36 Chiefs Special and became the first production revolver manufactured from stainless steel, an important milestone in modern handgun development. Built on Smith & Wesson's compact J-frame, the original Model 60 combined a five-shot .38 Special cylinder, fixed sights, and compact dimensions with significantly improved resistance to corrosion, making it immediately attractive for concealed carry, law-enforcement backup use, and outdoor service. Smith & Wesson notes that the Model 60 began the company's era of stainless-steel handguns, and demand quickly established the little revolver as one of the classic J-frame configurations.
This late-production no-dash Model 60 remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 97% of its original stainless finish with scattered light scuffs, draglines, and a thin cylinder turn line. The round-butt walnut Magna stocks remain Excellent, while the bright bore has sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9/10. The action functions correctly in both double and single action, with a smooth DA pull, crisp SA break, and only very faint cylinder play with the trigger depressed. Its factory box, owner's manual, and cleaning tools add welcome completeness to an already well-preserved example of Smith & Wesson's landmark stainless Chiefs Special.
