Model 36

[Blue Streak]

Hi guys

I bought this little model 36 today, round butt, no dash, serial number starts with ANK.

I can't find much on it. Please enlighten me. I had to show my 65 in the pic as well just for good measure. Love the 65.

Thanks

image.jpg

[federali]

What a great combo. I own a Model 37 as well as a Model 65, 3" RB like yours. Hard to fault either of these guns provided you bone up on judgment and tactics. Those little five-shooters have their place in concealed carry but they can get you into more trouble than they can get you out of if you fail to grasp the totality of the situation you find yourself in.

[Blue Streak]

Thanks for the advise. I hear you on the tactics, etc. definately a different ball game.

I couldn't find anything on the date of manufacture.

[JohnRippert]

According to the latest version of the catalog, 1986 with that serial prefix. No dash Model 36's ran from 1957 to 1966 so that is strange there.

[Targets Guy]

Nice pair to be holding.

Don't quote me on the three letter prefixes but somewhere near the first part of 1986. S&W began using them in the "transition years" of 1980-83.

It doesn't look like you have a "pinned" barrel and that was eliminated in 1982. It must be a Model 36-1

[Blue Streak]

You are correct it is strange. Certainly not pinned.

The frame is stamped Mod. 36 with nothing else that's why I assumed no dash,...?

[flagman1776]

The M36-1 refers to any of several M36 variations with 3" barrels. At least 3 different 3" barrel configurations. I'm given to understand that a few M36 also exist with 3". Several PD issued the 3" -1 to female officers. I don't mind, my -1 is a fineshooter. My SN starts with a J & was 1980 production.
But the M36 & M36-1 were produced concurrently.

[two-bit cowboy]

I believe it's accurate to say the Model 36-2 replaced the Model 36 (no dash) in 1988, and the 36-3 replaced the 36-1 that year, too.

There were also pre-Model 36s with 3" barrels.

[RobertJ.]

Originally Posted by Blue Streak

You are correct it is strange. Certainly not pinned.

The frame is stamped Mod. 36 with nothing else that's why I assumed no dash,...?

I have one, too. A 36, no dash, not pinned. They apparently made a few.

Mine lives in my mom's kitchen cabinet. I get to look at it now and then!

[linde]

Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy

I believe it's accurate to say the Model 36-2 replaced the Model 36 (no dash) in 1988, and the 36-3 replaced the 36-1 that year, too. There were also pre-Model 36s with 3" barrels.

Just to elaborate a little more on the confusing evolution of the Chief Special . . .

In 1950 the Chief Special was introduced in only a 2" tapered barrel and round butt configuration.

By 1953 two options were added . . . a 3" tapered barrel and a square butt.

In 1957 the Chief Special was assigned the (additional) designation of Model 36 . . . which continued to be offered in 2" or 3" tapered barrels and either round or square butt until 1988 when it was replaced by the Model 36-2.

In 1966 S&W added the Model 36-1 . . . a Chief Special with 3" heavy barrel only . . . and offered it in both square and round butt until 1988 when it was replaced by the Model 36-3.

Russ