38 Special J frame model 36

[RJKobza]

Good morning folks, my wife and I inherited a Model 36 j frame 38 Special. It appears to me to be a police chief special with a 2 inch barrel. I have a couple of three questions I hope some one can help me with.

1. What is the approximate age of the gun, someone told me they thought it was about 1955 ish.

2. If there is some value to this gun if so what is the value for insurance purposes

3. If this is really 1955 ish is there any restriction to the type of ammo e.g. +p

4. Serial number 1260XX

Bob k

[DAinTX]

1) This is all I have for you at the moment:
1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544
It would suggest your 36 is about 1958 vintage. Someone here may get you closer based on known dates of serial numbers close to yours.

2) Value depends largely on condition. A nice 36 will go for $350- $450 generally, a little more if condition is exceptional, and still a bit more if like new, with box and all accessories. At least in my area of the country.

3) It can handler +P, but personally I would use it sparingly. Others disagree. There are many very good standard loads available and hotter loads (and there are degrees of +P loads) will loosen the gun over time if used constantly, particularly in the earlier Js. I was a minority-owner of a gunshop for 20+ years and I've seen it enough to convince me of that particular bias : ).

[hardcase60]

DAinTX speaks the truth. Couldn't have written it any better. BTW, no offense, but before someone else mentions it: "Pictures help".

hardcase60