Help identifying

Poplar · #1 11-03-2020, 04:03 PM

Hello,

My grandfather gave me this .38 Spl a long time ago. It's a Model 36, ser. 98428. No letters on the serial number.

It is a 3 screw hand ejector model.

Thanks for any help!

Hondo44 · #2 11-03-2020, 04:28 PM

Welcome to the forum.

If that # is from the butt of the grip frame, it's a "Model of 1953 .38 Chiefs Special" and is built on the New J frame. Highly likely shipped from the factory in April of 1957 and was produced within the preceding month.

It's probably not stamped Model 36 in the yoke cutout yet. Although the Model of 1953 is often referred to as a "Pre Model 36" because the model #s were not designated until June 1957, and were not stamped on guns until later in 1958.

It can have a round or square butt option and a 2" or 3" barrel.

They're very desirable in good condition, congrats.

JP@AK · #3 11-03-2020, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poplar

So it has Mod 36 stamped, and the serial number is stamped under the grip. It is not stamped on the butt.

The number you provided, which appears on the side of the grip frame and on the yoke, is not the serial number. The pictures also show this revolver is much newer than we were led to believe by getting the incorrect number. It isn't a Model of 1953 afterall.

The thumbpiece tells us the gun was made no earlier than 1966, and the stocks say at least 1967.

Please tell us what number does appear on the butt. That is the serial number. It will probably have a J prefix. If not, it will be a high six digit number.

murphydog · #4 11-03-2020, 09:35 PM

Have a look at this post:

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

If there are no numbers on the flat bottom of the grip frame, they were removed - and unfortunately a gun with a serial number that has been altered/defaced/removed is illegal to possess.

Hondo44 · #5 11-03-2020, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poplar

That's the problem. Those numbers are the only numbers on the gun anywhere. There's no serial numbers on the butt. (None filed off either)

Ever seen that before? That number is the only number provided under the handgrip and inside the arm.

The # you gave us is a factory assembly # so parts get assembled to the same gun after bluing. You'll notice it's also on the yoke in your photo:

For the serial # missing from the butt, use a flashlight and magnification to see it on the backside of the extractor star when pushed out as when you extract empty cases. A photo of the butt would be appreciated as well.