I just purchased this like new in the box Model 36 with the 3" barrel. As you can see by the photo, it has the cleaning kit, original box, paperwork, etc.
My question is the serial number indicates a 1977-78 manufactures date but it is stamped a Model 36 [no-dash] so shouldn't it be a 36-1?
I have heard of the stamp being off centered and the -1 not showing up. Is that the logical explanation on this one?
Your comments would be appreciated.
THANKS, John.

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i just got one this weekend except it has a round butt marked 36

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IIRC the 36-1 was a heavy barrel and was made during the same time or at least part of the same time as the 36 which was a standard barrel.

What he said - the model 36 had the tapered barrel and the 36-1 had the heavy and were being produced at the same time.

Thanks for the clarification. Then you would say [based on my photo] I have a tapered barrel?

Looks like it, but the paper in the box makes it hard to tell. The second gun in this topic looks like a heavy bbl.

The lighter is a little trimmer to carry in an inside the waistband holster. It would be preferable for pocket carry, too. The heavier is steadier on target at longer ranges.

Either is a wonderful little gun.

T-Star

Nice finds for BOTH of You!!

I always liked the 3" J's far more than the two inchers. Easier for me to shoot accurately and the extra inch helps with a few more FPS too.

My Wife carries a 36, round butt, a nickle gun, 3" HB.

I've also got a M-37 3" light barrel and one of the Jovino 3" HB Square butt M-60s. My 4th is a std old 2" M-60.

FN in MT

Show the muzzles, and we can tell you.
Unload 'em first.

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I'm going to say it's the lighter barrel as well . . . based on the long taper to the sight ramp.

As handejector says, a muzzle shot will tell for sure.

Russ

Since is not marked as a 36-1 it should be a standard barrel. Put a straight edge alongside the barrel, keeping it tight against it where the barrel enters the frame and you'll know for sure as a heavy barrel will tough all the way along the straight edge. A standard barrel will have an increasing gap between the straight edge and the barrel when looking from from frame to muzzle.

my father left me his S&W 36 - 1 with a 3" inch barrel [Chief's Special] it looks the same as the one pictured in the original post, I remember he bought it back in the mid 1980's at the bait & tackle shop

ser# J8635XX

can anyone tell me the year of manufacture?

mr bolo, looks like yours was shipped in 1981

Thanks for checking the date of production JCS&W

it sounds correct since it was bought after 1980