Picked up a no dash 36 s#j746xxx my catalog it should be from 1979 however the grips are in fact stamped with the s# my info tells me that this stopped in 79 would this be considered a transition from 79 sorry no pics need to figure this out thanks

From the list below, this confirms DOB in 1979...

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

J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.

1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX

1955 - 4 screw side plate ends
1957 - stamping of model number at 125000
1966 - flat latch ends
1968 - diamond grips end
1975 - heavy barrel standard
1982 - end pinned barrel

The only thing you can say for sure about Smith and Wesson is that you can't say anything for sure. S&W is famous for using up old bits and pieces that confuse collectors.

From the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson: "It is vitally important to realize that it is impossible to identify the production year of any given single gun using these tables alone."

MetalMan's tables come from the Standard Catalog.

In the same section of the Catalog as the above quote: "When a collector wishes to find the production date of a particular gun by serial number, the ONLY way to determine this with certainty is by researching these records." (Refers to a database maintained by the S&W Historian.) These records may be accessed by requesting a letter from the Historian. There is information on the the cost and procedures to do this in other sections of this forum. The Catalog says each serial number request costs $30. The request should be sent to Factory Historian Roy Jinks, c/o Smith & Wesson, PO Box 2208, Springfield MA 01102.

In summary, your revolver is not a transition model but rather one of the anomalies common to S&W.

Welcome aboard from Wyoming.

Based on the database I keep I'd say yours shipped in the spring of '80. Not necessarily unusual to have a serial numbered grip then. Maybe significant, too, is that it's likely got a pinned barrel.

__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

The Smith catalog lead me to believe late 79 to early 80 when reading up on the mod 36 the word transitional came up which I thought to be odd. I have not figured out how to post pics yet dah the gun looks brand new spotless and yes with the pinned barrel and correct matching s# box no paper work. I am very happy to add to my collection! Thanks to everyone for the help, Tom ( T- REX )

Your gun most likely shipped April/May time frame 1980.

The months between the date a change is ordered and when the change is completed on all models affected is called a transition period, which for deleting the grip serial # lasted to about 1983.

An Historical letter will confirm the shipping date but not the production date.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819