Need help with date of manufacture for two .38s

tcreight · #1 02-05-2016, 05:16 PM

Hello everyone!

I have a couple of .38s and any help in dating and identifying them would be much appreciated.

The first has a serial number of 72xxx. No model number. I saw a serial number list somewhere online and I think it might be from 1955 but I wanted to see what everyone thinks here. It has fixed sights and 4 screws. As you will see in the photos, my Grandfather replaced the original handles/grips with a pearl set.

The second one has a serial number of J11xxxx. It's a Model 36. It has fixed sights and I only see 2 screws.

Five photos are attached.

Again, any help is appreciated!

Travis

JP@AK · #2 02-05-2016, 07:01 PM

J119346 is a Chiefs Special Model 36 from 1973. It has three screws. The rear-most one is hiding under the Magna stocks.

72195 is a Chiefs Special that probably originated in 1955. It still has four screws, but the fifth one is gone by this time. The stocks on this one are not original.

Hondo44 is the acknowledged expert on J frames. Perhaps he will come along and nail things down tighter for you.

tcreight · #3 02-05-2016, 10:03 PM

Thanks for the info and quick reply! If anyone has some ideas on the value of each then that would be much appreciated. I'm hoping to find the original stocks on the snubby and I'm planning on keeping it. I may look to sell or trade the Model 36.

DWalt · #4 02-05-2016, 10:07 PM

I would probably do the opposite.

DocB · #5 02-05-2016, 10:31 PM

I'm always happy to find an M36 in the $300 range. . .that 3 inch barrel is a little tougher to locate. The other one that dates around 1955 is the much more desirable gun. I'd have a good day finding that one around $400. Period grips for those guns from the early to mid-1950's are very difficult to locate. . .at least for me.

Hondo44 · #6 02-06-2016, 03:03 AM

Welcome to the forum.

JP@AK nailed both of them.

When you find the correct J frame Magna grips with diamonds around the screw holes for the Model of 1953 pre model 36, you'll be happy the correct flat head screw in the rear of the side plate that's hidden by the grips, is still there. It's an early issue snubby with a pre 1953 early style hammer.

Both guns appear to be in very good condition. I'd say both are in the $500 range depending on location. The snubby because it's missing original grips, the 3" because it's much newer.