Model 36 No Dash

Skip54 · #1 09-26-2020, 05:04 AM

I just purchased a Model 36 no dash 1-7/8”; S/N 270414. I would consider the condition to be Very Good; No box, papers, or tools. Cost was $450.

I have a few questions if forum folks could help with:

1. I called S&W Customer Service with S/N requesting date if mfg. was told between 1957-1962. No further clarification could be provided. Can anyone provide specific mfg year?
2. Seeking recommendations for best ammo to use with this vintage revolver. I will only use this gun for target shooting - NOT personal protection or carry. I’m not interested in +P, and only interested in ammo / specs that would be optimum for the design and age of this revolver. Barrel is stamped “38 S&W Spl”. Does this mean chambered for 38 S&W Special or 38 Special - I understand there is a dimensional difference between the two.
3. Due to current scarcity of ammo, I was able to find one box of Magtech 38 Spl 158gr FMJ Flat - rated muzzle velocity 755fps / 200 ft-lbs energy (Test barrel length 4-V inch). Is this ammo recommended for this 60-ish year old revolver?
4. Finally, after further inspection of the revolver, I noticed what appears to be slight damage to the outside edge of the barrel muzzle as shown in the photo. It leads me to question if the gun had been dropped. Is this a potential safety or performance concern?

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Pine_Worker · #2 09-26-2020, 01:02 PM

I would guess 61-62, probably 62.

kscharlie · #3 09-26-2020, 02:06 PM

Any ammunition marked .38 S&W Special will be just fine in your Model 36. For strictly target shooting, I would suggest any 148 grain or 158 grain wadcutter ammunition. They are mild to shoot and enjoyable.

.38 S&W Spl and .38 Spl are exactly the same. There is also a different .38 cartridge labeled as .38 S&W (no spl). That cartridge is shorter and a tiny tad fatter. They would/should not fit in your cylinder.

The scuffs on the front of the barrel are cosmetic in nature. A bit unsightly, but would have no safety concerns.

You have a nice looking Model 36. Enjoy it.

two-bit cowboy · #4 09-26-2020, 04:13 PM

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Very nice looking Chiefs Special. And a square butt, to boot!

I heartily agree with Charlie on ammo choices. I like wadcutters.

Based on several in my database, I'd say yours shipped in late '62 or early '63. The company didn't ship them in serial number order, and they didn't track manufacturing dates.

Here's my nickel twin to yours, about 1,500 numbers newer (December '62), and I show ones as many as 3,000 numbers lower than yours that shipped in the first quarter of '63

Skip54 · #5 09-26-2020, 05:30 PM

Thank you for your responses! Greatly appreciated!

jjmIII_Ruger · #6 09-26-2020, 06:47 PM

That's a nice 36! Does make a nice little carry piece if needed.

Like you said, scarce ammo. You can shoot 130 grain FMJ range ammo too. You're not going to find wadcutters mentioned above for cheap, especially now, unless you re-load. It is a nice carry round though. I like: Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition