Has anybody ever seen a 5 digit J frame serial number where the "J" is not the first character but the next to last, as in xxxJx? I have seen this recently on a Model 50, the target version of the Model 36.

Yes, in 1971 and 1972 S&W used a "floating J" s/n format. With 3 digits preceeding the J it's likely a 1972 vintage.

Russ

Thanks Lindie, I appreciate the tip. I couldn't find anything in the SCSW about this.

mel023, the mod 50 you mentioned was made between 1973-1977. The serial numbers are between 930Jxx and 936Jxx. There were 1132 mod 50s made in this time frame.
jcelect SWCA#LM723