I was looking at a Chief Special model 36-1 with 3 inch barrel with serial number 980J9X which according to the 2nd edition of the S&W Std Catalog puts it in the 1971 to 1972 production range. Everything looks correct for the 95+% condition gun but on the inside of the nice fitting right grip panel it is marked "71966" and "J". Assembly number marked on other parts of the gun is 98164.

Is the "71966" a date code? Definitely not the serial number.

What does that number mean?

The gun is for sale in the $325.00 range. That about the right price?

Thanks for any responses.

Jolly

As far as I know Smith only stamped serial numbers on the right panel, so the grips arent original...but at $325, it is a bargain

Curtis,

Thank you for your reply.

That's kinda' what I was thinking, should be the SN of the gun.

The grips fit quite nicely on the gun and overall, the gun looks pretty nice. And I don't have a 3" M36 so . . . . . I'll have to have another look.

Jolly

The only numbers S&W stamped on stocks were serial numbers. They came off another revolver that had the serial number which is stamped on them, they are not original to your gun no matter how well they fit. So long as the overall condition is good don't worry about it. For that price jump on it like a bum on a Balogna sandwich.

Gents,

Thanks very much for your comments.

Jolly