Smith & Wesson Model 60 .38 Special Stainless J-Frame Revolver, 1.875 in Barrel, 5-Shot, DA/SA (1980s)
This Smith & Wesson Model 60 is a classic J-frame .38 Special from the 1980s, built in stainless steel with a 1.875 inch barrel and 5-shot fluted cylinder. The AES-prefix three-letter/four-digit serial format indicates mid-1980s production. It carries the Model 60 lineage as the first regular-production all-stainless handgun, paired here with checkered walnut Magna stocks and fixed sights.
Stainless steel construction extends to the frame, barrel, and cylinder, finished in a satin/brushed stainless. The revolver features a double-action/single-action system with a smooth-face trigger and an exposed, checkered-spur hammer for confident manipulation. Its round-butt grip frame wears factory checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions.
The 1.875 inch barrel is non-pinned and fitted with a serrated ramp front sight. The rear sight is a square-notch milled into the top strap for a fixed-sight arrangement well-suited to the J-frame format. The unshrouded, knurled ejector rod reflects the period-correct configuration for this era of Model 60 production.
Factory markings include "SMITH & WESSON" on the left side of the barrel, ".38 S&W SPL." on the right side of the barrel, the S&W trade-mark logo with "TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF." on the left frame, and "MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS." on the right frame.
Made in the United States, this revolver presents as a straightforward, stainless J-frame with the key features collectors and shooters expect from a mid-1980s Model 60.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
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 scattered surface rust spots, scratches, and blemishes visible throughout. See photos for reference.
What's Included
- Allen soft pistol case (black with red accents)
The stainless steel frame, barrel, and cylinder provide durable corrosion resistance with a uniform satin/brushed finish. This configuration underscores the Model 60’s hallmark as an all-stainless revolver introduced to regular production in 1965.
Its compact J-frame architecture uses a 5-shot fluted cylinder chambered in .38 Special. The round-butt frame with checkered walnut Magna stocks offers a classic factory grip profile with S&W medallions.
The action is double-action/single-action, combining a smooth-face trigger with an exposed, checkered-spur hammer. The 1.875 inch, non-pinned barrel retains the era-correct unshrouded, knurled ejector rod.
Fixed sights consist of a serrated ramp front and a square-notch rear milled into the top strap. Period markings and the AES-prefix serial format align with mid-1980s production from Smith & Wesson in Springfield, Massachusetts.