1969 Model 36 RB 3"

[Nomadmax]

Stopped by my local gun store and found this like new in the box Model 36 3" from 1969. It had been in the last showcase since July and nobody was interested because it wasn't "tactical". Today is my day!

 

[Retired W4]

And what a day it is.

 

[Bloodhound]

I hope you stopped on the way home and bought a lottery ticket.

That is a beauty! Congrats

 

[Nomadmax]

I hope you stopped on the way home and bought a lottery ticket.

That is a beauty! Congrats

I am just beside myself. Don't misunderstand me, I like this gun shop where I bought it, alot. But it isn't the place you'd expect to find something like this. Everything is....well, you know, modern; and quite frankly, what sells. I guess that explains why it was still there after all this time.

Now I'm on the hunt for a leather IWB appendix carry holster

 

[sophie]

Man, what a find! You lucky devil. Merry Christmas present to you.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats.

Does it have a six-digit serial number or one that begins with a J?

 

[Nomadmax]

Congrats.

Does it have a six-digit serial number or one that begins with a J?

Yes. J24XXX

 

[smithman 10]

My 2" 36

Serial number 778528 - no J prefix. Any idea when it was built?
Just a shooter and my carry gun, some blue wear but right as rain otherwise.

Once had a 3" nickel 36 but in a bout of insanity let it go in a trade if I remember correctly.

That's a beautiful 36 Nomadmax has.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Yes. J24XXX

Could be 1969 or 1970.

The series (J1-J99999) began in February 1969 and ended in by
the end of spring 1970. Serial numbers and ship dates are all over
the chart (e.g., J145 and J9902 shipped in February 1969, J99999
shipped on January 12, 1970, and J1 shipped on May 1, 1970).

Don't sweat that part; enjoy that handsome Chiefs Special.

 

[Norton 750]

I love the three inch J Frames. They balance just right for me, and the heavy barrel models have a thicker front sight that my old eyes appreciate.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Serial number 778528 - no J prefix. Any idea when it was built?
Just a shooter and my carry gun, some blue wear but right as rain otherwise.

S&W likely shipped it in 1969. The high serial number in those
early Chiefs series went to 786544 that year.

Does it have a round butt and magna stocks like the OP's?

 

[smithman 10]

Round butt but came from the pawn shop with some fake pearl grips on it, wearing Hogue Bantam grips now.

 

[TJm15.38]

Tactical doesn't matter for a vintage revolver in beautiful condition. You have a gem there for sure. Thanks for the look!

 

[Nomadmax]

S&W likely shipped it in 1969. The high serial number in those
early Chiefs series went to 786544 that year.

Does it have a round butt and magna stocks like the OP's?

Two bit, do I have it right that mine was built in 1969? Or is it 1970?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

We'll likely never know when it was built.

I'm told the production records exist, but I've never seen 'em.

Just as the company did not ship in serial order, it did not produce
in serial order, either, which complicates the guessing a bit more.