Some questions about a new (to me) S&W 60

[sttaffy]

I recently got my hands on a S&W Model 60, 38 special. I don't know but it might be a 60-7 (this is meaningless to me so far). The serial number is BNA25xx. The gentlemen I traded with (96D on these forums, a very nice guy and a pleasure to deal with) said it was probably about ten years old. It has a 2" (or thereabouts) barrel. It has a square butt.

This is my first revolver and I know much less about them than I do semis, so I have a few questions. I was wondering when it was made and whether or not it is rated +p. Also, what are the general do's and don't's? I know basic things, like don't whip the cylinder back into the gun, and don't whip it out, but what else could I do to damage the gun inadvertently? How do you clean one properly?

Also, the devil on my shoulder is yelling at me to unscrew everything and see how it all works - I'm fairly technically competent and mechanically inclined, but is it like opening up a bees nest of springs and precision components that I would automatically screw up?

On a side note I hope 96D is liking his new K9 as much as I'm liking this little Smith!

[GRIZ]

Call S&W customer service and they will tell you if it's +P rated and I'm told will give you a born on date.

Don't take the gun apart. You can easily damage it. More guns are damaged by people taking them apart than by shooting. If you still are so inclined have someone knowledgable show you or buy a video.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3703978/Sm...-owners-manual

Here is a link for S&Ws manual. This will also give you tips on handling your revolver. For more cleaning instructions google "revolver cleaning".

[96D]

That is a Model 60-7 round butt j-frame. Any other questions you have my #.

[indiandave]

The 60-7 was made from 1990 until 1996.