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05-12-2016, 03:51 PM
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Early Model 36 Manufacture Date
Hello,
I have a model 36 no dash with flat latch serial number is 2673XX, can anybody tell me the approximate year it was manufactured? Thank you!!
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05-20-2016, 12:43 PM
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I apologize for this being my first post. I am trying to help my dad get some information on two revolvers he has. He is considering getting rid of them for a single stack smaller 9mm. I am not a revolver guy but told him I would try to find some information out. He has two mod 36 with 3 inch barrels. One has Hogue replacement grip and one has factory wooden grip. I am looking for manufacture date for them and is there a place I can look up what they guns might be worth so he has an idea when he takes them to gun store for trade or sale.
wood grip serial number 46J2XX
Hogue grip serial number 7338XX
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Mike
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05-21-2016, 06:56 PM
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Model 36, never fired, looks new
Hoping to get a estimate on a date for this revolver. Just found it in my grandfathers shop while cleaning. No box or papers but this thing has never been touched. Looks like he got it, put it up for an emergency and forgot about it. Its just been sitting and waiting for someone to find it. Will add pics when I get on laptop again.
2.5 inch 38 special
Stamped mod-36
Serial number 1921xx
Diamond on wood grips around grip screw
Everything I have seen leads me to believe this is pre 66 but post 59. Not totally sure. Serial number charts only give me a ballpark guess and the stamping on crane have me confused. Not sure if its a date ( doesnt match date chart if it is ) or a factory code. My research leads me to believe 1960-1964 range. Would like a closer estimate if possible. Stamped 6 10 86 a large Q and a small w on crane. Has ramped front sight, firing pin on hammer. 2 screw model. Not sure what other info would be relevant.
Thanks in advance. Have a great weekend.
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05-22-2016, 08:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rev1911
Hoping to get a estimate on a date for this revolver. Just found it in my grandfathers shop while cleaning. No box or papers but this thing has never been touched. Looks like he got it, put it up for an emergency and forgot about it. Its just been sitting and waiting for someone to find it. Will add pics when I get on laptop again.
2.5 inch 38 special
Stamped mod-36
Serial number 1921xx
Diamond on wood grips around grip screw
Everything I have seen leads me to believe this is pre 66 but post 59. Not totally sure. Serial number charts only give me a ballpark guess and the stamping on crane have me confused. Not sure if its a date ( doesnt match date chart if it is ) or a factory code. My research leads me to believe 1960-1964 range. Would like a closer estimate if possible. Stamped 6 10 86 a large Q and a small w on crane. Has ramped front sight, firing pin on hammer. 2 screw model. Not sure what other info would be relevant.
Thanks in advance. Have a great weekend.
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Don't know for sure, but I think around 1960. I have one exactly like yours, bought new in 1972 at a gun store. Still my favorite shooter and carry gun.
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05-23-2016, 03:06 PM
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1960 could be right. I have yet to see an accurate serial number chart. They seem to be fairly accurate some years and take a guess on other years.
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05-26-2016, 11:07 PM
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Model 36, serial # 6730XX. Any help in dating this would be greatly appreciated!
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06-11-2016, 06:58 PM
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How do I find out when my gun was shipped
I recently just purchased a model 36 & I was trying to figure out what year was my gun shipped the serial number is 843xx
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06-12-2016, 01:58 AM
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Hey Gang ,
Can I get some help with this one - could not even make out stamp on crane looks like it should be a Model 37 - just picked it up at my LGS.
Serial # 851xx
Here is a pic:
Thanks everyone !
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06-12-2016, 04:38 PM
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Sorry meant Model 36 .... Darn autocorrect
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06-14-2016, 01:13 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by petersn
Hey Gang ,
Can I get some help with this one - could not even make out stamp on crane looks like it should be a Model 37 - just picked it up at my LGS.
Serial # 851xx
Here is a pic:
Thanks everyone !
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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06-16-2016, 06:20 PM
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Am looking for build date on my recently-acquired Model 36 sn #518762. It has been suggested to me that the range is 1962-69. Can anyone here date it closer?
Square butt. No box. S&W stocks have sn# scribed on interior. I have replaced them with Pachmayr rubber grips which I like much. Will have Wolff springs installed and some trigger work done by a smith.
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06-16-2016, 06:45 PM
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7.62X39, where's you get the info?
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09-20-2016, 06:13 PM
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I have a question for those in the know. I was with my son the other day at a local gun store and spied a Model 36 in a leather holster sitting on the counter. I was told they'd just received in from an estate sale and were going to sell it. I told my son he should pick it up because it looked to be in pretty good shape.
He paid $450 for it and before they put it away I noted the serial number to be 151580. Also, the cylinder release was odd compared to other S&W's I own. This release button was rectangular and relatively flat. Anyway, I was hoping someone might take a guess at the production date and possibly comment on the price keeping in mind I live in California and even finding a firearm anymore feels like hitting the lottery.
Thanks
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09-27-2016, 03:15 AM
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seeking mfg date on a model 36
Looking at a S&W model 36, sr # J4322xx at gun show. Appears to be 90%+ Blue strong, action tight, bore clean and very very light and small pitting in a couple of places
Would like mfg date and est value.
Thanks
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09-28-2016, 12:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Counterbore
I have a question for those in the know. I was with my son the other day at a local gun store and spied a Model 36 in a leather holster sitting on the counter. I was told they'd just received in from an estate sale and were going to sell it. I told my son he should pick it up because it looked to be in pretty good shape.
He paid $450 for it and before they put it away I noted the serial number to be 151580. Also, the cylinder release was odd compared to other S&W's I own. This release button was rectangular and relatively flat. Anyway, I was hoping someone might take a guess at the production date and possibly comment on the price keeping in mind I live in California and even finding a firearm anymore feels like hitting the lottery.
Thanks
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Your son's new Model 36 probably looks similar to the one in post #60, which is a square butt. You didn't mention whether your son's has a square or a round butt; either way, I'm guessing -- based on other posters' serial numbers that your son's was shipped from the factory in the late 1950s, certainly after 1957 when model numbers started. Lately I've seen similar Model 36s go for anywhere from $300 to $600 so it's hard to estimate based on location and the actual condition. Sounds like he did ok!
A plus would be if the sn stamped in the inside of the right stock matches the sn on the frame. You didn't mention the holster style/brand, but if it were me I wouldn't store the gun in the holster.
Hope this helps.
Bob
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10-21-2016, 11:46 AM
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Date of Manufacture, Please...
Serial Number: J4450XX
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01-22-2017, 05:36 PM
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Model 36 no dash birth day lol
Completely new to smiths and shot a lot of them last week. I have a chance to get a model 36 no dash nickel. The numbers are
AEY 4931. I need some help before I trade my glock for it. When was it made and any other info on it really. It's in great condition I think
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01-26-2017, 07:11 PM
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can anyone help me out with S/N 7224xx
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01-26-2017, 08:08 PM
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Any help with a pre-36 4 digit serial number 71xx. Also which flat latch should it have it has ramped front sight non serrated.
Thanks
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02-01-2017, 01:36 PM
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Hi,
Can someone please find out the manufacture date for a Model 36 serial number:273XX?
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03-05-2017, 03:32 PM
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Am new to these guns but want to buy one. Needs to be over 50 years old to purchase in California. Understand significance of flat latch and have a list of S&W serial numbers tied to dates of manufacture.
However, I am unclear what the significance of "no dash" is. Does it allow someone to be sure about date of manufacture, and if so, what dates were the no dash version made?
Can't wait to get one of these beauties.
Thanks!
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03-05-2017, 03:39 PM
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I'm having a hard time dating my model 36 also. I've taken it out for coffee, told funny stories, and generally been as charming as I can be. No luck though.
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03-05-2017, 04:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mageson1
Am new to these guns but want to buy one. Needs to be over 50 years old to purchase in California. Understand significance of flat latch and have a list of S&W serial numbers tied to dates of manufacture.
However, I am unclear what the significance of "no dash" is. Does it allow someone to be sure about date of manufacture, and if so, what dates were the no dash version made? . . .
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The Chiefs Special was introduced in 1950 but didn't get assigned the Model 36 designation until roughly 1957 and was produced until 1988 when it was superseded by the Model 36-2. There was a 36-1 introduced in late 1966 but it was for the 3" heavy barrel version and did not replace the Model 36.
More than fifty years old would equate to March 1967 or earlier. In 1969 Model 36 serial numbers began with a letter "J" prefix . . . later embedded in a "floating J" format . . . so don't consider any example with a J in the serial number.
I have s/n 457962 that shipped in January 1967 . . . it happens to be a Model 36-1 but all Model 36s were in the same s/n series. That would suggest looking for a s/n 458000 or lower . . . but a verification of ship date with the factory would be best if it's anywhere close.
Good luck,
Russ
Last edited by linde; 03-05-2017 at 06:44 PM.
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03-06-2017, 02:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullet Bob
I'm having a hard time dating my model 36 also. I've taken it out for coffee, told funny stories, and generally been as charming as I can be. No luck though. 
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Next time try dinner and a movie.
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04-06-2017, 06:28 AM
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Any information on this .38spc?
S&W, Model 36, 5 shot snub nose at the butt the
Serial# 5959XX?
Thank you!
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05-11-2017, 03:08 PM
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Can someone date my chief special ser# 160
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06-09-2017, 01:22 PM
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Just passed down from my great grandfather to my grandfather to me. SN 1368XX. Have the feeling the grips arent original, ill be changing those out, not interested in selling, itll be passed down to my nephew. Just curious as to when it was manufactured or left the factory
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06-09-2017, 01:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justin.s.gomes85
Just passed down from my great grandfather to my grandfather to me. SN 1368XX. Have the feeling the grips arent original, ill be changing those out, not interested in selling, itll be passed down to my nephew. Just curious as to when it was manufactured or left the factory 
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Mod 36 no dash
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08-10-2017, 10:57 PM
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My two uncle's came across this, in the 1960's, I think.
Serial #5768xx 38 S&W SPL, Model 36, Chief
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1502420118
Last edited by Restart; 08-10-2017 at 11:03 PM.
Reason: Make and modle Info
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08-11-2017, 12:19 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bullet Bob
I'm having a hard time dating my model 36 also. I've taken it out for coffee, told funny stories, and generally been as charming as I can be. No luck though. 
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Two dozen roses, a box of chocolates and somethin' will happen.
The Book of Bobs explains our two posts.
Bob
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09-07-2017, 12:10 PM
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S&W model 36 with aba serial???
Hey folks, i have a model 36 with a really small serial number(only 4 numbers) and am having trouble finding a year. Any ideas? Serial= ABA22XX Thanks-Vince
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09-07-2017, 09:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by delltrainer
Hey folks, i have a model 36 with a really small serial number(only 4 numbers) and am having trouble finding a year. Any ideas? Serial= ABA22XX Thanks-Vince
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Likely shipped in 1982 or 1983 . . . relatively soon after S&W went to the three alpha & four numeric serial number format in 1980. All seven digits are part of the s/n.
Russ
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09-12-2017, 10:01 AM
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Thanks for the info.
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09-12-2017, 08:26 PM
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Wondering if anyone could help me determine the date of Model 36 Chief's Special? The S/N is 441288
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09-12-2017, 08:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtice
Wondering if anyone could help me determine the date of Model 36 Chief's Special? The S/N is 441288
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The closest known date I have is s/n 456212 and it shipped in September 1966. I suspect 441288 shipped a few months earlier . . . others may have closer examples.
Russ
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09-24-2017, 02:01 AM
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Just picked up a model 36 for $200 SN 6161XX could someone date for me? What would the value of this revolver be? Think I got a pretty good deal. very clean with light scratches in finish not through the finish though. Square butt
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11-03-2017, 01:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2017Leaf
Just picked up a model 36 for $200 SN 6161XX could someone date for me? What would the value of this revolver be? Think I got a pretty good deal. very clean with light scratches in finish not through the finish though. Square butt
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swnyc
I've got J6775XX. When was this one made? Thanks very much.
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Welcome aboard from Wyoming.
You two might have attracted better attention by initiating your own threads.
2017Leaf: late 1960s. No way to even offer a hint at a value without photos, but at $200 sounds like you did okay.
swnyc: 1979-1980
Bob
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04-14-2018, 01:26 PM
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Inherited a Mod 36 from an uncle, serial ABW1383. Wondering its date, please.
Thank you much
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10-21-2018, 09:44 AM
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Hello, I just acquired a blued Model 36. Identical in appearance to the one pictured by "taylormadeknives" in two posts previously. Mine DOES NOT say Model 36 on it. S&W Logo and name are stamped on it. Serial # displays as 7334XX on butt. No letter prefix. Can anyone give me the year produced? Guesstimate of value? I'm guessing early 50s. Seems like a nice revolver. Based on what I have seen on various sites it sure seems to have lots of enthusiastic owners/supporters. Thank you, Tom/Georgia
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10-21-2018, 09:52 AM
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Tom-
Take a look again inside the crane....based on the serial number which you provided, it should be stamped “Mod 36”......
DOB for your revolver should be in the ‘68-‘69 time frame.
Early J frame serial numbers
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions.
1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544
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10-22-2018, 08:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 7.62X39
I'm having a difficult time dating a model 36. Stamped MOD. 36 by the crane. SN on bottom of grip is 38J3XX . . . I'm not finding any listings of SNs that start with 38J . . .
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The "floating J" series with up to five numerical digits generally shipped in 1971-1972 . . . and a 38J would likely have been 1971.
Russ
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