Model 36 question

[dobegrant]

I picked up this 3” model 36 and the serial number is confusing me , any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Serial number is 5 J7314

 

[WCCPHD]

It is what collectors refer to as the "floating J." I believe it was used from the late 1960's to the 1980's, although I may be wrong about the dates. I'm sure an expert will be along soon to further expound on the placement of the "J" in the serial number.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Dr. Jinks calls the series the "roving J series." He says it began in 1970 at 1J1 and ended in 1973 at 999J99.

Based on others in the database, I'd suggest Smith & Wesson shipped yours in late 1970.

 

[dobegrant]

Dr. Jinks calls the series the "roving J series." He says it began in 1970 at 1J1 and ended in 1973 at 999J99.

Based on others in the database, I'd suggest Smith & Wesson shipped yours in late 1970.

Thank you

 

[heeter3]

As I've said before the 3 in 36s and their brother 37s are great little guns my two rotate into my edc quite often. I think you will really like that floating J 3 in 36. Enjoy it and shoot it whenever you can.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

36-1, pleasant revolver to shoot with .38 Spl 9.6 g WC LAPUA cartridges




36-1 was commonly used by the Finnish police in the 1970s-1980s

 

[robertrwalsh]

The 3" 36 was widely touted by the NYPD firearms section back in their revolver days. They much preferred it over the more popular 2". I think the 3" look strange. (Personal prejudice.)

 

[stoshini]

The 3" 36 was widely touted by the NYPD firearms section back in their revolver days. They much preferred it over the more popular 2". I think the 3" look strange. (Personal prejudice.)

I agree. The 3 inch barrel looks weird to me too, and seems to defeat the purpose of what a small 5 shot revolver was designed for in the first place. S&W is a for profit business however.

 

[Rocketmedic40]

I’m…tempted to pick one up, but the 3” seems a bit more complicated to find holsters for and I don’t really understand the why of it. Concealing the barrel isn’t really too hard because IWB carry helps the barrel “anchor” the gun in me, but that’s why I have 4” k-frames that also carry nicely. When weight is a concern, the J-frame and Bodyguard 380 shine, but that extra inch makes pocket carry weird. Maybe like weight-sensitive IWB?

 

[raygixxer89]

The 3" 36 was widely touted by the NYPD firearms section back in their revolver days. They much preferred it over the more popular 2". I think the 3" look strange. (Personal prejudice.)

I feel the same, lol. And I love j-frames.

 

[Rubone]

I like 3" Js, a perfect size for general use. Plus of course the 3-1/2" model of 55 airweight and the 4" kit gun....

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

I’m…tempted to pick one up, but the 3” seems a bit more complicated to find holsters for and I don’t really understand the why of it. Concealing the barrel isn’t really too hard because IWB carry helps the barrel “anchor” the gun in me, but that’s why I have 4” k-frames that also carry nicely. When weight is a concern, the J-frame and Bodyguard 380 shine, but that extra inch makes pocket carry weird. Maybe like weight-sensitive IWB?

I have S&W holster for my 36-1, ex Finnish police holster

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

The 3" J-frame is a peculiar gun in Finland.
The RB is a "pocket gun" and therefore a danger to public order and safety, but the SB is a full-size gun.

FINNISH FIREARM ACT
Section 8
Pocket gun
A pocket gun refers to a firearm, not a gas gun, that fits into a rectangular box with internal dimensions of 130 x 180 millimeters, placed in such a way that the barrel and butt of the weapon are parallel to the plane of the bottom of the box. (7.6.2019/724)

 

[Law-dog]

The 3" 36 was widely touted by the NYPD firearms section back in their revolver days. They much preferred it over the more popular 2". I think the 3" look strange. (Personal prejudice.)

The 3 inch square butt was issued to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agents in the 70s. I became proficient with them and would do demonstrations shooting gallon jugs at 100 yards. I later bought my own and can still do that. Lots of people cannot hit garbage can at 100 yards with a J Frame.

When I retired I bought a model 60, three inch J Frame with adjustable sights, they are in 357. Wow, what a cool little gun. I collect SW wheel guns, but that one is my favorite.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The 3 inch square butt was issued to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agents in the 70s. I became proficient with them and would do demonstrations shooting gallon jugs at 100 yards.

The one I have has a round butt and letters with the banana stocks. Although it didn't ship to a dealer until 1976, Dr. Jinks told me its serial number is among the 1,420 Smith & Wesson sent to the Air Force in spring 1971.

Did the one the Air Force issued to you have a target trigger?

 

[Sabre29]

The 3 inch square butt was issued to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agents in the 70s. I became proficient with them and would do demonstrations shooting gallon jugs at 100 yards. I later bought my own and can still do that. Lots of people cannot hit garbage can at 100 yards with a J Frame.

When I retired I bought a model 60, three inch J Frame with adjustable sights, they are in 357. Wow, what a cool little gun. I collect SW wheel guns, but that one is my favorite.

I can't even see a gallon jug at 100 yards! Great shooting.

 

[Drem]

The 3 inch square butt was issued to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agents in the 70s. I became proficient with them and would do demonstrations shooting gallon jugs at 100 yards. I later bought my own and can still do that. Lots of people cannot hit garbage can at 100 yards with a J Frame.

When I retired I bought a model 60, three inch J Frame with adjustable sights, they are in 357. Wow, what a cool little gun. I collect SW wheel guns, but that one is my favorite.

Oh great! Thirty-seven years later I still have to remember AFOSI is lurking about.

 

[walkin' trails]

My dad picked up a couple of three inch square butts back in the mid 70s (not consecutive). The were his preferred carry staple for years as an investigator, even when working undercover narcotics. One on each hip. They were great shooters. I picked up a three inch round butt 60 in 1990. Another great S&W offering that didn't get as much attention as it should have.

 

[MajorD]

Two bit- help clear something up for me - your post says the gun was shipped to the USAF and later to a dealer? Is the one pictured with OSI marking yours, and was it acquired in the civilian market? Interesting subset of J’s for sure!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Two bit- help clear something up for me - your post says the gun was shipped to the USAF and later to a dealer? Is the one pictured with OSI marking yours, and was it acquired in the civilian market? Interesting subset of J’s for sure!

Yes, the one in the photo is mine. I bought it from another collector.

I didn't say mine shipped to the Air Force.

Roy told me "its serial number is among the 1,420 Smith & Wesson sent to the Air Force in spring 1971" so I take that to mean it was left behind as a production overrun (or something akin to that) and later shipped to a distributor.