Picked up a nice model 36 in 38spl. Pinned barrel 1 7/8” with square butt.
Serial # 8J9xxx
Any idea when this was made? Also looks like it had been stamped 34-1 then re stamped mod 36. Anyone else run across anything like this before?

A 34 would have adjustable sights. They could have grabbed a 34 frame if they were building a 36 target

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MAGNUMCARRY.COM

In his book, History of Smith & Wesson, Dr. Roy Jinks describes the serial number series of your Chiefs Special as the "roving J" series.

It began at 1J1 in mid-'70 and ran through 999J99 sometime in late '73.

Comparing yours to others in my database I'd guess S&W shipped yours early in '71.

The series had from one to three numbers preceding the J and from one to four after it, with no more than five numbers total.

After 2J9999 would be 3J1, and after 998J99 would be 999J1.

There's at least one known Chiefs Special stamped MOD. 34, and several other revolvers that were mis-stamped and over-stamped, too. Not common, but not unheard of.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Great, thank you all.

Hello,
I have been searching for a date of manufacture for my Model 36 as well. Your reply on this thread has more information than I have been able to find elsewhere.
My revolver is serial # 2J92xx . Photo attached. Would it date to 1970 or 1971? I think the grips may have been replaced. They are stamped "M40" on the inside of the grips.
Thanks,
Dan

Attached Thumbnails

 

2J87xx shipped in June '70, and 4J57xx shipped in October '70.

Guessing yours is likely somewhere between.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Thank you. I appreciate your help.