Hi, I have a S&W model 36-1 double action revolver that shoots 38 special ctg. Serial #:J591343 with heavy 3" barrel and questions note Square butt. also on right side of butt..under grips: a circle with a "G" inside. On left side "D2" and the number: 1648X"
Are these the factory grips...(see pix)?
collectability?
value?
year of manufacture?
cost to re-blue?
I appreciate ALL and ANY info on this revolver.

Thanks in advance
the new kidz

Attached Images

useit1.jpg (121.0 KB, 157 views)

I have seen the grips for sale recently at a LGS as new old stock for about $50 Made by S&W labeled J frame targets.
I don't think they were ever standard 36 issued grips. But could be mistaken.

Thanks for the reply...do you have any of the other information requested? date of manufacture for the model 36-1? present value? how many were made?
the ser.# is in the original post.
thanks
new kidz

Probably shipped in 1976. The Chiefs Special was first produced in the early 1950s with a 2" barrel. They came with a lighter 3" barrel than yours for several years, then the 36-1 with the bull (untapered) barrel was introduced in 1967. Probably several hundred thousand model 36s have been produced, but how many 3" (less common) vs. 2" is unclear.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Not really collectible, but a very fine little self defense gun, refinished or not.

Welcome to the forum, from Louisville. Glad you joined us.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Welcome to the forum!

I have the same gun, the 3" version is less often seen but hardly rare, though the square-butt version of the 36 is encountered far less than round butted guns. The top picture shows the gun as I found it, the lower photo shows it wearing a set of Craig Spegel's awesome stocks. It gets carried once in awhile, but it's far too pretty to abuse on a daily basis. I found it languishing in a dark corner of a shabby gunshop, dusty and unloved, and decided to rescue it. It was $450, not a steal but I felt it was worth it, for the condition.





The serial number on mine is a different format, so it's from a different era, the fourth digit is a "J", the rest are numbers. I'd never seen a SN formatted that way, and find it rather odd.

Rebluing runs around $200 on average, I'd call S&W and get a quote, I'd rather trust them with the job than someone I didn't know much about.

A 95%+ example should bring $400 or a little more. Great little guns. As for refinish, if it's a keeper, I'd consider it if the finish bothers you.

I have a square butt 36-1 and it's a great shooter. Much easier for me to shoot than my round butt two inch guns.

As others have said, the collector value is gone from that gun, but it has value as a shooter and carry gun as it is. I wouldn't mind one in that condition--like papajohn's mine is in too good a condition for a rough duty user, and those guns are great users.

If the finish bothers you, hard chrome would make it more attractive and it's a very tough finish for a carry gun.