Abused, but not used Model 36

[54Bill]

I was at a LGS a few weeks ago and saw two pre-lock Mod. 36s. One nice square butt in very nice condition, and one not so good aesthetically, round butt, that was obviously a no dash pinned barrel. Always regretted trading my round butt Mod. 60 years ago, so I was immediately drawn to the round butt Mod. 36. It looked as if it'd been left in the rain lying in its left side as evidenced by some minor pitting on the side plate. Also appeared to have ben dropped to the pavement or concrete more than once. Bore looked very good, turn line very light, and lockup was like new, no movement in the cylinder whatsoever. They allowed me to put it on a 24 hr. hold, so I came home to research the serial number, 1J9737. I found it to be 1982 manufacture. Although pinned barrels were discontinued that year, I assume S&W continued to build them until they ran out of parts. Went back the next day and paid too much, but if I hadn't someone else would. They were asking $450, but a friend let me have it for $400. Anyone care to offer any more information? Thanks so much.

 

[s&wchad]

... I came home to research the serial number, 1J9737. I found it to be 1982 manufacture...

No, serial # 1J9737 dates to 1971-72. It only has 6 characters. It's referred to as the roving or floating J series and ranged from 1J1 to 999J99. S&W came up with this series because they ran out of the original J series numbers (J1 to J99999). They added an addition character in 1973, which made the new series 7 characters long. 1JXXXXX would date to 1982.

 

[PeteC]

If you don't mind the cosmetics, then $400 out the door with no shipping, FFL fees etc. is a good deal. I bought one, ~1968-69 for $550 with minor wear and 95+ finish, and consider that a deal, at least locally (pic below). If you believe it was dropped, I would check it out carefully, including timing on EVERY chamber of the cylinder, and not rely on just a visual check. Rotation and movement of the ejector rod, thumb latch, everything that moves. Buy a set of feeler gauges (under $10 on Amazon) if you have to. Parts bend when you drop guns.

Having said that, I used to know someone who kept one in the drawer under the register in his garage shop... with keys, loose change, and small tools. I bet the bottom side of that gun looked worse than yours. I asked him about that once. His reply was something like "I aint got it there because it looks pretty..."

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I don't see that many with 1Jxxxx serial numbers. The earliest known roving J series ship date is May 1970, and its a 2Jxxxx s/n. The series ran through 1973.

Yours could've shipped near that early one or a year later. They sure were not in s/n order.

You did okay with the price. Clean it up and enjoy.

 

[54Bill]

No, serial # 1J9737 dates to 1971-72. It only has 6 characters. It's referred to as the roving or floating J series and ranged from 1J1 to 999J99. S&W came up with this series because they ran out of the original J series numbers (J1 to J99999). They added an addition character in 1973, which made the new series 7 characters long. 1JXXXXX would date to 1982.

If i could figure out how to insert an image, I'd show you the page of the Standard Catalogue I found my info. It looks like there were some 1J numbers in 1972-73 and in 1982. 1982 being J915401-1J18600. I assumed S&W had made 18,600 guns beginning with 1J, and mine fell about halfway through that run.

 

[s&wchad]

If i could figure out how to insert an image, I'd show you the page of the Standard Catalogue I found my info. It looks like there were some 1J numbers in 1972-73 and in 1982. 1982 being J915401-1J18600. I assumed S&W had made 18,600 guns beginning with 1J, and mine fell about halfway through that run.

That's an error in the earlier SCSW's. I don't know if it was corrected in the 4th edition. As I said, the range was 1J1 to 999J99 in 71-72. They were limited to 6 serial number characters at the time.

 

[54Bill]

If you don't mind the cosmetics, then $400 out the door with no shipping, FFL fees etc. is a good deal. I bought one, ~1968-69 for $550 with minor wear and 95+ finish, and consider that a deal, at least locally (pic below). If you believe it was dropped, I would check it out carefully, including timing on EVERY chamber of the cylinder, and not rely on just a visual check. Rotation and movement of the ejector rod, thumb latch, everything that moves. Buy a set of feeler gauges (under $10 on Amazon) if you have to. Parts bend when you drop guns.

Having said that, I used to know someone who kept one in the drawer under the register in his garage shop... with keys, loose change, and small tools. I bet the bottom side of that gun looked worse than yours. I asked him about that once. His reply was something like "I aint got it there because it looks pretty..."

The reason I thought it may have been dropped is a small burr on the outside of the crown. Lands and grooves are perfect. Front sight undamaged. Also, a small rough spot where the barrel contacts the frame. These defects could be due to rough handling. .003-.004 space between forcing cone and cylinder with pressure applied to cylinder forcing it rearward. With hammer cocked and trigger pulled, holding hammer halfway down, zero axial or lateral movement of the cylinder. Side plate to frame fit is perfect, I don't think it was ever opened based on the condition of the lock-work. Nasty, but little corrosion. Completely stripped, cleaned, 0000 steel wool, oiled and reassembled. Thought about doing the boiling in distilled water, but…nah.

 

[54Bill]

Original grips (matching serial#) and set of Uncle Mike's I bought on eBay.

 

[s&wchad]

Were those files too big? What'd I do wrong? Someone help me out please. Thanks.

I fixed it for you. You can hit the "edit" button on the post to see the image code I used to post larger photos. Use the back button to exit the edit function.

 

[54Bill]

I fixed it for you. You can hit the "edit" button on the post to see the image code I used to post larger photos. Use the back button to exit the edit function.

Thank you sir.

 

[Liftrat]

OP, congratulations on a good find. I bought my first Model 36 (made about '76 0r '77) last spring, and really enjoy it. An acetone scrub, a little sanding, and a couple coats of Tru-oil will brighten those grips right up, too.

 

[54Bill]

OP, congratulations on a good find. I bought my first Model 36 (made about '76 0r '77) last spring, and really enjoy it. An acetone scrub, a little sanding, and a couple coats of Tru-oil will brighten those grips right up, too.

Thanks. I've already refinished and put them away. I prefer these Uncle Mike's for carry and handling. It's my understanding some 36s were shipped with these grips at some point. Do you have any insight on that?

 

[s&wchad]

S&W supplied those Uncle Mike's Boot Grips on J frames in the late 1990's. They're one of my favorite carry grips and were designed by Craig Spegel. The later dropped them because of the cost and came out with their own rubber boot grip version.

They're discontinued, so they've really gone up in price. I've seen them sell for between $30 and $50 at auction, which is a lot for 2nd hand rubber grips.

 

[54Bill]

I knew they were discontinued over royalties disputes. I came close to buying a set of the new Smith's rubber ones with the logo. They can be had as cheap as $20. UM on the other hand are high. Even well used ones can go $50 and up, but I wanted to go old school. I was fortunate to win these like new for $41.

 

[tommyhof]

I just traded for one last Friday (11Mar). Serial 5737XX. Trade value of my gun was $500. Not an expert but I'd say finish is 80%. No box etc, the the 36. Original grips, but to small replaced with Hogues.
My guess is late 60s. Am I close? Bore was/is excellent. Range yesterday, reloads only 158 gr SWC, 3.5 Tightgroup. It manages that load way better then my 13 ounce LCRX38. I'll post picks soon.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Serial 5737XX.

S&W probably shipped it in the fall of '67.

Probably has the contoured (not flat style) thumbpiece and magna stocks without diamonds around the screw and nut escutcheons.

 

[Inland7-45]

I picked up 2 model 36 2" RB from LGS. Priced at $425 and $475. One made in 1971 other in 1975. Uncle Mikes on both. Neither one is perfect but both are sound and serviceable. Also have a 2" square butt, model 42 and early model Cobra.

Would'nt mind picking up a model 49 if the price is right.

 

[Rudi]

That's a cool 36!

 

[rwsmith]

I WANT MY 36

Lent it to my son couple years ago. I asked him periodically if he was keeping it secured. "Oh yeah". I just asked for it back and it seems to have 'walked'. I'm going to press him to REALLY look for it. Or I may end up springing for another. No more loans. I really miss that little gun and my wife could use it.

 

[tommyhof]

S&W probably shipped it in the fall of '67.

Probably has the contoured (not flat style) thumbpiece and magna stocks without diamonds around the screw and nut escutcheons.

Thanks, that's exactly it.

Are you keeping a database, if so the serial number is 573763.
Picked up in Emporia Va.