Need help identifying revolver

[tmckay2]

Got this from a great uncle that passed. Dont know anything about it. Looks barely shot but I did shoot two cylinders of 38 special and it shot well. Serial number starts with BDY. Paperwork makes it appear like its 1980s? Looks like a Smith and Wesson model 36 maybe?

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[ray1970]

Looks like a 36. The model should be stamped on the inside of the crane area when you open the cylinder.

[tmckay2]

Thanks for the info when I opened the cylinder it says mod 60-3. So I'm guessing a model 60 instead of 36. Now I just need to figure out the year!

[Gman]

I think the 36 was available in blued or nickel finish. This looks like a Model 60 in stainless. There should also be any revisions (dash) and the serial # located where Ray mentioned. S&W has well documented serial # information if you want to get an idea of when it was made. They can even provide a 'letter' (for a fee) that will tell you when it was made, which distributor purchased it, etc.

It's a nice pre-Saf-T-Hammer S&W. Just a SWAG on my part, but maybe 1980s?

ETA: Damn, I got distracted away from posting this response and now it's kinda' moot. Squirrel!

[.455_Hunter]

Nice gun!

Model 60-3 made roughly 1988-1990.

Keep it- everybody should have at least one classic J-frame snub.

I bought my NIB .38 60-12 in 1998 with one of my first 2LT paychecks.

[Gman]

The first gun I ever bought was a 686 (armed security work) during that same time period. I was thinking a 60 like this would make a great companion. See that ugly zit (hammer lock) on the post-Saf-T-Hammer .38 below?
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