Earlier this evening, my uncle gave me a nickel plated Model 36 that used to belong to my grandfather. I don't think that it's unfired, but if so, it's been fired very little. It's still in the original box, with wrapping paper, manual, warranty card, brush, the whole nine yards.

It's cherry, but needs a good cleaning and lube. The trigger is very stiff.

The serial number is 670xxx from the butt of the gun, and there's also a number, 03954, on the yoke. Can anyone tell me how old the gun is? My grandfather died in 1971, so it predates then.

Thank you.

Earlier this evening, my uncle gave me a nickel plated Model 36 that used to belong to my grandfather. I don't think that it's unfired, but if so, it's been fired very little. It's still in the original box, with wrapping paper, manual, warranty card, brush, the whole nine yards.

It's cherry, but needs a good cleaning and lube. The trigger is very stiff.

The serial number is 670xxx from the butt of the gun, and there's also a number, 03954, on the yoke. Can anyone tell me how old the gun is? My grandfather died in 1971, so it predates then.

Thank you.

SouthronBoy - that sounds like a great heirloom to have. I have a nickel Colt Police Positive that my dad bought new which is the one that got me started on this revolver kick. You quickly find out that the M36 is very popular among members here on the forum. Yours dates between 1962(295XXX) and 1969(786XXX). Post pics when you get a chance. Enjoy - PEN!

"The Book" (<u>The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson</u>) shows that S/N 295000 was from 1962 and 786544 was from 1969. Based on that, it might be safe to think that one in the 670000 range could have been shipped in 1968.

The disclaimer is that the only way to know for sure is to obtain what's known as a "factory letter" from S&W historian Roy Jinks. The price of a letter just recently went up to $50.... You might also try calling S&W. Their toll free number is listed on their website.

Nice guns those nickel 36's. Here's mine. It's in the 491000 serial range.



Mark

__________________
S&W Forum Member #721

Congratulations on your fine and very special M36.

Yours was probably made around the time that S&W was changing the stocks (grips) from the old "diamond" type to the same look but without the diamond in the middle.

I'll post a picture of my slightly earlier one (#301XXX) that has the "diamond" stocks AND the "square" cylinder release of the earlier Model 36 revolvers. Mine was probably made and/or sold originally in '63 or '64. I've never "lettered" it via Roy Jenks at S&W, but I might still.



Chances are, yours could have diamond stocks too, and also possibly the old "square" latch.

The picture, above my post, shows one with the diamonds stocks but with the later cylinder release during the transition period.

If your stocks are original to your gun, inside the right stock will be the serial number of the gun that was also found on the butt.

Again, congratulations.

PS: By '69, the little J frames sported the more modern stocks and the new cylinder release, like shown on this 1971 J frame (shown with a Tyler T-grip that made gripping and shooting these earlier Smiths easier and more comfortable).



Hope this helps,

Tom

Thanks for the responses. My 36 has the newer type grips and cylinder release, like the Model 37 Airweight in the photo above.

Any chance this thing is +p rated? I don't plan on carrying it, but I'm curious.

Thanks again.

FWIW, I wouldn't do it, no +P's. I would baby that thing. Take it out to the range once in a while, plink with it, treasure it. Beat and carry another, and maybe pass this minty example onto someone who will appreciate it when YOU'RE gone.

__________________
NICK-SWCA-NRA BENEFACTOR LIFE

Shooting a few +P in it is likely not going to hurt it, but, why? I agree, shoot it for fun with mild loads, and preserve it. Get a new gun and abuse the heck out of it.

A great link to the past. If it were mine it would be my "BBQ Gun". When I am dressed up for weddings, funerals and the like. It is vulgar to show up at such affairs with your everyday gun....

Yes, you can do the +P thing to it . . . but it would sort of be like sending your wife or girlfriend to Mustang Ranch for a month or so. So, DON'T DO IT . . . don't subject your baby to abuse it shouldn't have to handle!

IMHO, a standard pressure .38 special load is still one that will get the job done with a proper shot placement . . . the same as it will with a +P load.

My M37 pictured above is now my "all the time" gun, and it stays safe from harm in the pocket holster. I load it with 148 grain Wadcutters and feel VERY well protected indeed! Yep . . . good ol' soft-kicking, super accurate wadcutters with the totally flat leading edge.

A wadcutter doesn't close back up when you shoot flesh and bone with it like round nose bullets or slow-moving hollowpoints that plug with clothing and never open up. Instead, it cleanly cuts a nice, wide wound channel and penetrates a live target very well.

The wadcutter is a very effective self-defense load. Plus that . . . it is a supremely accurate load that shoots at "point-of-aim" to all those ol' .38 snubbies that were regulated primarily to shoot P.O.A with 158 grain and 148 grain loads!

Here's my first target shot with my M36. Distance? 10 yards, standing and unsupported. WOW! All five rounds HIT into a tiny, 1" black square target that I was shooting at.

Yep, make mine a soft-kicking wadcutter for fast followup shots and supreme accuracy. Five rounds will allow me to fight to the ol' shotgun or more powerful handgun with a caliber starting with a "4."



Tom

PS: I've now stored my original diamond stocks for safekeeping and preservation, and have decked out my beautiful lady with a set of Patrick Grashorn's (Executioner on the forum) gorgeous American Elk stags . . . along with my favorite snubbie (also pictured) the big ol' chopped barrel M25-2 in .45ACP. The M37 will be next. The Tyler T-grips also have been added, and make shooting any of these guns really pleasurable!

I like the idea of using Papa's old pistol as a "BBQ gun". I've got a nice leather lefty shoulder rig that's designed for J frames.

Next time I'm at Wal Mart or a gun shop, I'll pick up some lead semi-wadcutter hollow points in .38 spl, and see how they work.