Look at your book again in the serial number section, it's from the "floating J series" of 1971-1972. Plain as day, sometimes.

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Dick

OK, still not there. Only J frame numbers I can find are on p. 399. Nothing about a floating j.....wait, now I see it! The J moved around in 71-72. This revolver was likely built in 1972. Thanks!!!

One reason it's confusing is the 1971-1972 floating J serial numbers on page 399 in SCSW 3rd has a slight typo . . . it should read 1J1 to 999J99.

Note that the 71-72 floating J period has a total of 6 digits (including the letter J). If the s/n has a total of 7 digits and starts with 1J, it could be from 1983. How's that for being confusing?

Russ

GKITCH, I have the same gun you do, 3" model 36 round butt 61J385. I see I have wrote in my book made in 1970? I dont recall how I came to that determination.

You have a round butt on yours and mine is square. On the 3" I only seem to encounter the SB. Perhaps it is just the way it is in my area.

I see SB snubby M36s around these parts every so often. In fact I was looking one over the day I bought my M15-3.

The J didn't 'float' in 1970. Yours is from the 1971-1972 period.

Also, GKITCH's is a Mod 36-1, a 3" heavy barrel. Yours is a Mod 36 pre dash with the 3" tapered barrel.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I have never seen these side-by-side before.
Is the tapered barrel more scarce? I seem to mostly encounter the heavy.