New Nambu M60
Minebea Co., Ltd. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1960
Also known as: Minebea M60, Shin Chuo Kogyo M60, New Nambu Model 60
Overview
The New Nambu M60 is a Japanese double-action revolver chambered in .38 Special, developed by Shin Chuo Kogyo (later absorbed into Minebea) and modeled closely on the Smith & Wesson Model 37 Chief's Special. Adopted by the Japanese National Police Agency, it features a five-round swing-out cylinder, a short 51 mm or 77 mm barrel, and fixed sights. It served as the standard Japanese police sidearm for several decades until production ended in 1999.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 670 g (23.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 198 mm (7.80") |
| Barrel Length | 77 mm (3.03") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 341 J (252 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Double Action Trigger, Rebounding Hammer
- Features: Swing Out Cylinder, Fixed Sights, Lanyard Ring
Service history
Operators
- Japanese National Police Agency · adopted 1960
- Japan Coast Guard
Production
Estimated total produced: 133,400 · Production years: 1960-1999
Approximately 133,400 M60 revolvers produced from 1961 until production ended in 1999.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Discontinued: 1999
Notes
Produced in two main barrel lengths, roughly 2 inches (51 mm) and 3 inches (77 mm). The cylinder is slightly larger than an S&W J-frame, so it does not accept standard J-frame speedloaders.
Background
Carrying the Nambu name after Japan's most famous firearms designer Kijiro Nambu, the New Nambu M60 became the iconic sidearm of postwar Japanese police and a fixture of Japanese crime films and television.