I picked-up this 36-1 3" in .38 special today. $350.00.

It came with the OEM stocks numbered to the revolver but I put a set of J-Frame "banana" combat stocks that I had squirreled away on it.

I already had a holster to fit it.

Serial # J473175

Any info as to when it was made would be, as always, appreciated.

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That's as good as the $300 .38-44 Heavy Duty that has become one of my BBQ Trifecta...Congrats on that score!......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

A round butt heavy barrel 3". I've been wanting one! That was an insanely good price! Looks like a $6-700 gun! Go search the auction sites and you'll see!


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

Thanks.

To be honest had it been a square-butt I would have passed on it but I knew I had the banana stocks at the house so I bought it.

I have one from 1971, the floating J Years. The picture doesn’t show how nice it is. It’s mint.

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Two Revolvers every day

Congrats on scoring one of my favorite Chiefs.

My database suggests the factory shipped that one in mid-to-late 1976.

I'd be most curious to see which ampersand (&) they used on the left side of the barrel in the "Smith & Wesson" stamping. Some 3" models from that era had and ampersand that looked like a backward 3.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Congratulations: my 1976 36-1 is truly a favorite. It had some wear on it when I got it, so I didn't feel terrible about having gunsmith Sam Damewood bob the hammer somewhat, install a gold bead and chamfer the chambers after doing an action tune. The thing is heck for strong (the all-steel J-frames are pretty remarkable) and, well, it's a favorite. I recall I paid just under $300 for it in used condition probably getting on 20 years ago, so you got a heck of a great deal. Man, use it in good health!


Like this one?

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Now go make God proud...

That's a nice one you have there. I have a floating J (61Jxxx) 3" 36 round butt. I really like balance. It also has the lazy/pregnant ampersand.

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Carlos
SWCA #3537

Yes, exactly. I've only found that ampersand on 3" 36-1s from the mid-'70s. Sort of odd looking, but I like it.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Well they sure as heck don't make 'em like THAT any more!!!! .........and I'm talking about the price, not the product! Well done!

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"You're messin' up my Zen"

Congratulations on your 36! I got this from another forum member here not long ago. It is a floating J from 1971. Too nice to make it a shooter though.

Very nice find!! My 36-1 from about '70 came to me like this a couple years back. I was happy at $500.

I have a heavy barrel 36-1 like yours but with more wear and tear. Mine is serial numbered J44xxxx. I was in a Red Bank TN sporting goods store 3 days ago and saw one like ours in excellent condition. They were asking 600.

You, Sir, had a good day. Super revolver at great price. The 3” barrel in my experience is just as easy or perhaps easier to carry IWB than 2” because of balance.

You inspired me to drop this 2” Model 36 back in the safe and to pull out this 3” Model 36 for tomorrow’s carry. Bought it from forum member @Ldogmiller a few years ago.






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I bought my wife a beautiful blue 36-1 for Christmas 8 or 9 years ago. I put one of those pink Hogue Monogrips on it for her.... she still loves it.
You did great. The way prices have gone since the fake election, you got it for about half of the going price. Congrats and I hope you enjoy yours for years to come.

I ordered one of the 3 inch 36-1's from Centerfire Systems the other day for $500. Y'all got me chomping at the bit to finally get it in my hands!

$350?

That definitely qualifies as a SCORE.

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With S&W, you're holding history in your hand