I just bought a mint nickel 36 no dash. Matching grips. The guy I bought it from, I know, and he never shot it. He says he bought it from the original owner who never fired it.

I believe it....it's as perfect as one can be.

The question I have is the DOM.

According to the 'catalog', the 36-1 started in 1967. And the J numbering system started in 1969.

My serial number is J553xxx.

The serial numbers in the back of the 'book' say J370001-J610000 were made in 1976-77.

If the no dashes were made before 1967 and the J numbers started in 1969, how is my gun a no dash with a J serial number from 1976?

What am I reading wrong?

When was my gun made?
ETA Pics in post #9

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

You've stumped me. I have a 36 no-dash which, according to its serial number, was made in '73. Until I read your post it never occurred to me to question whether that could be correct.

The 36-1 indicates a 3" barrel. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

I have seen and also owned a few J and K frame guns where the dash landed off the frame or was never stamped.
Serial numbers are not a definate proof of DOB, Only a letter will approximate its DOB.

I think the confusion here is the 2" model 36 and the 3" model 36-1 were made at the same time; the -1 did not replace the no dash, unlike many other models. I gather your new gun is a 2"?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I didn't know that the -1 was made at the same time as the no dash. Never heard of that before.

Yup, it's a 2incher.

__________________
ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

Pilgrim - I have a nickel Model 36 no dash with a AEYxxxx serial number from 1984ish.
I agree with Engine49guy's therory

The 36 stamped in the yoke area has plenty of room to put a dash and 2 numbers if needed.

The pinned barrel went away in 82, this has a pinned barrel.

"Heavy barrel standard in 75." The barrel appears not to be the 'heavy barrel' as it looks to have a taper and seems to be thin walled, rather than thick.

Non diamond grips numbered to the gun.

I think murphydog nailed it.

I'll try and get photos up tomorrow.

__________________
ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

serial J553xxx is on the butt.

tapered barrel or not?



It looks like 3 cylinders have been fired.



heavy or regular barrel?


'N' is on the cylinder, on the barrel bottom and under the grip




Plenty of room for a - number


What do you think? It's really clean !

__________________
ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

I've got pretty much its twin in blue. Model 36 no dash # 58J9**. I have to admit that yours is in better condition ( & better looking ) than mine .... I don't have to say that very often.
Great gun.