Smith & Wesson Model 60 no-dash Chiefs Special Stainless .38 Special, 2-inch J-Frame, 5-Shot DA/SA (1977–1978)
This Model 60 no-dash "Chiefs Special Stainless" is a late-1970s J-frame revolver with a 2-inch barrel and five-shot fluted cylinder, built in stainless steel throughout. It falls in the R-prefix serial range placing manufacture in 1977–1978 and represents the first mass-produced stainless-steel revolver line from Smith & Wesson. It retains period-correct checkered walnut Magna grips with gold S&W medallions and features the classic DA/SA action with an exposed, checkered-spur hammer.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are light scratches and small blemishes consistent with normal handling over time. There is light pitting on the cylinder release. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson factory cardboard box
- Cleaning rod and brush
The revolver is correctly marked, with the yoke cut stamped "MOD. 60" and the barrel rollmarked ".38 S.& W. SPL." Its configuration is archetypal for the era: a round-butt J-frame, 2-inch barrel, and a five-shot fluted cylinder chambered in .38 Special.
Construction is all stainless steel with a brushed/satin finish, including the barrel, frame, cylinder, and receiver. The unshrouded ejector rod has a knurled tip, and the standard checkered cylinder latch provides positive operation.
Controls and sights are straightforward and period-correct: an exposed hammer with a checkered spur for DA/SA operation, a narrow smooth trigger, a serrated ramp front sight, and a fixed rear topstrap groove.
This no-dash Chiefs Special Stainless is part of Smith & Wesson’s historically notable stainless line introduced in the 1960s, with this example dating to 1977–1978. The round-butt walnut Magna grips with gold medallions add an authentic late-1970s presentation to the compact J-frame platform.