Hi Gang,.... its been quite a while, hope I didnt miss anything really fun. Came across and oldie and moldie and hoping to get some info from you guys on this model 36. Let it rip guys...

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Well, working backwards -

Before 1968 because of the diamond grips. Before 1966 because of the flat latch. After 1957 (IIRC) because it has a model # designation inside the crane. A SWAG re the serial number - 1961 made maybe?

A clean up is in her future?

clean up is right! dsf. I posted the images just as I first saw it...

I missed this one till today.

Thanks for posting it.

Based on four others in my database that bracket your serial number (two lower and two higher) that all shipped in March '63, I'd say there's a good chance that's when yours shipped, too.

The most distinctive feature of yours is that flat latch with 12 ridges. It came into use in the spring of '61 and was the seventh and last style flat latch I've observed before S&W gave up the flat latch for the "new" (old, really) contoured thumbpiece in February '66.

Is the inside of the right wood grip stamped with the same serial number as the butt?

I bet it'll look like a whole different revolver after a good cleaning. Please do post some "after" shots.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Hey gang.... been locked in the gun safe with the collection,... man, was it HoT! in there.... How the holster hangin'? Would the round butt be considered more desirable than the square butt editions of this pistol? .... and Yes, TBC, the serial is stamped inside the right grip.

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Nice gun.

Shoot it and keep it clean.

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USAF, Ret.

I see that the assembly number is stamped on the frame at the bottom of the butt as well as the inside of the side plate. I knew about inside the plate but thought that the frame was stamped in the yoke area fooling many into thinking it was the gun's serial number.

Is the butt marking in addition to the yoke marking or was the assembly number moved from the yoke to the butt?????

Over 40 years in this hobby and I am still learning things or perhaps at my age and mental prowess it is just that I am forgetting stuff!!!!!

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James Redfield
LM #497

S&W moved the frame assembly number from the yoke cut to the lower left side of the grip frame with the advent of adding model numbers on the frame in the yoke cut (ca. September 1958).

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

The 3” j frames are great little revolvers! I have the same model/version and much prefer the RB version along with the appropriate Tyler T-Grip.

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BCCI Life Member #2068

This gun, indeed this whole thread reminds me of the Marine corps mantra that begins, “This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine...”
The short barreled, round butt Model 36 is pretty ubiquitous, but now fleaflop is associated with this one and it will serve him long and well if he continues to feed and care for it.

I would guess the round butt is more desirable and more common. When I was in the gun business we saw more round butts and they sold quicker than the square butts.

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David Reynolds

I have 3 of these. Square butt 2” blue purchased new by my father in December 1968. He bought it from an LGS with a great inventory of new and used stuff. I remember that he ordered the square butt as he thought this would handle better. I also remember that the dealer had no SBs in stock and it took awhile to get one from the distributor. As much as I like this gun my preference for a J is the round butt version for the 2” guns. However the preference is a small one.The other 2 Model 36s are 2” blue from 1971 and 1975.

I also have a 2” RB model 34 and a Pre model 30 .32” HE 2” blue RB.

As far as handling goes in my experience the extra size in the lower frame of the j square butt does not make any real difference in handling.

These older j guns were the best in there Class although I have a pre barrel shroud Cobra that I really like and have had for a long time. Looking to add a few .32 and .38 S&W Js to go with my old I frames and Colts.

You have a great looking Cheifs Special that doesn’t to a back seat to any of to new stuff.

I like the RB for C Carry for obvious reasons,...I dont cary this guy,... it fits better in a pocket, easier to get out, smaller overall size ,.. on and on. The square butt for me is easier to shoot because of the larger purchase in my hand. I like both looks, just a matter of what the function is in this case for me.... How do you guys feel about waxing a blued gun after cleaning. I have read this adds a level of protection for the bluing if its in the safe or on the range... do any of you practice this maintenance process? and, hows it workin for ya?

Also to add a responce to Green Frog.....

SIR!,.... yes SIR!!!