36-1

[jbltwin1]

Never paid any attention to it but since my 36-1 has a sn that is all numbers, that, according to what I've read, places it at 1969 or before. Problem is, I bought it new and in 1969, I was 15! Bought this SOMEWHERE around 77-79. Is it POSSIBLE that this sat on the shelf for 10 years and never sold until I got it? Just curious. Lovely little firearm and it's still carried occasionally when I need to go light.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Possible. It could have also sat on a shelf at S&W, hiding behind a box of something, and didn't get shipped for ten years. Unlikely, but not impossible. Are you SURE you bought it new, as in never previously sold at retail?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The first three known Model 36-1s were in the 456xxx serial range, and they shipped in September 1966.

A fair few Chiefs in my herd didn't ship for quite a number of years after we'd guess at when they were produced.

If you were a member of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association you could hop on the Association's website and ask for a ship date; you'd get the month and year. Then you'd know for sure. A historic letter would tell you the exact date it shipped and to where.

 

[jbltwin1]

Positive. Even traded in a pistol to the dealer (now dead-can't ask him!).

 

[jbltwin1]

The first three known Model 36-1s were in the 456xxx serial range, and they shipped in September 1966.

A fair few Chiefs in my herd didn't ship for quite a number of years after we'd guess at when they were produced.

If you were a member of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association you could hop on the Association's website and ask for a ship date; you'd get the month and year. Then you'd know for sure. A historic letter would tell you the exact date it shipped and to where.

This one is 616xxx.

 

[H Richard]

I recall Roy telling me one time the longest to ship from the factory was a Mod 39 that sit in inventory 13 years.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

This one is 616xxx.

Okay, but the one in your photo has a 2" barrel. A Model 36-1 has a 3" Heavy Barrel.

 

[jbltwin1]

CLEARLY says 36-1

 

[Matt_X]

That's interesting.
I don't know when in the assembly process the frame was stamped.
Maybe the linked thread will help. I was able to guestimate 1975 ship date on a much lower serial numbered 36-1.
Under the stocks there are some manufacturing changes that ought to narrow production to post 1977 or so. Likely it has the flat spring strut and the disk washers are in the white.

Thread 'Target stocks on a 36-1 ?'

Nov 21, 2023

This model 36-1 square butt came with Target stocks. The serial number is J306xxx so maybe 1975?
Is it possible to guess what these stocks might have originally come with?
Its was not clear whether they were with this 36-1 when the gunshop aquired it or the shop put them on. They are not original to the gun. There is a faint partial number stamp that was machined away and the hand written numbers that are visible.

• Matt_X
• Replies: 16
• Forum: S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980

• 

 

[jbltwin1]

Grips have never, to my knowledge, EVER been off this gun until just now. Have only fired MAYBE a box of ammo through it. Needs to be cleaned though!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Interesting. I suppose those who speculate about such things could come up with a plethora of "whys" and "hows." I believe the star at the bottom center of your photo in post #10 suggests the gun went back to the factory for some work at some point.

The number you blacked out in the photo in post #10 is an assembly number. You should (dangerous assumption) see that same number on the yoke in your photo in post #8.

 

[jbltwin1]

If it went, I didn't send it. Hasn't left me since I bought it. That's not saying that the 10-15 years it might have sat in inventory that it didn't go back.

 

[Matt_X]

This post has a photo showing magnas that were fitted at the factory and have the black disc and stamped number on the right stock.

Post in thread 'Target stocks on a 36-1 ?'

Sep 14, 2025

Pretty sure mine came with my Model 35 because they are numbered to the gun.

View attachment 795230

It appears your target stocks are from 1982 and if I recall correctly S&W stopped production of Model 35s in 1973.
If they're original to the revolver it would definitely be worth getting a letter on this one.

My 35-1 shipped in 1971 with the typical square butt Magnas and corresponding stamped SN.

• S&W 10

• 

The strut will be very hard to see in a photo. Look between the coils to see if its flat or round, or even easier, with side plate on cock the hammer and you'll see the top. Most likely flat

 

[jbltwin1]

All round.

 

[Matt_X]

My notes are the flat strut (aka stirrup) first appears in the 1977 part lists.
The serial number on mine is estimated to ship is 1975 and yours has a higher number.
Mine had the flat stirrup but it was bought used so it is not a reliable benchmark.

 

[Matt_X]

All round.

Is the washer black or white? Does the right stock number match the serial number?

 

[jbltwin1]

If you mean the assembly number, they both match. What washer? You mean the spacer at the BOTTOM of the strut that stops at the frame, it's bare metal, not black. My sn has NO letters, just numbers.

 

[Matt_X]

The washers on the stocks shown in this guy's photo
The number stamped inside the stock should match some or all of the serial number on the butt (very bottom of the metal frame)

These are clues to the time frame of manufacturing

 

[bobsguns]

Would not surprise me a gun sat in storage somewhere for 13ish years. At that time, snubbies weren't as widespread due to lack of carry permits. So, with rare exceptions, that leaves mostly cops buying them.

I think of the warehouse scene at the end of the Indiana Jones movie. "Hey, Fred! Look at what I found tucked away here!"

 

[jbltwin1]

Washers are black. Sn matches frame. It has the full sn.

 

[Rubone]

I'm in the possible unfired trade in camp. Not at all unusual in that era, or this one. So sold as new unfired a second time.
Mine is a bit later than yours but came as a package with the matching receipt and even the same box of ammo purchased with it. It appears to have been shipped with these stocks when new. The receipt dates a few years later than the serial number indicates it was made but it didn't matter to me. Came with the period rug too. $500 for the package about 6 years ago.

 

[Matt_X]

No J serial number, black discs, round stirrup, non-diamond magnas all pointing toward supporting your belief that this revolver was made around 1969. All we can do is guess that it got sent back and had a 2" barrel installed. So maybe it was "like new" according to the dealer. Did it come with a box and accessories?

 

[jbltwin1]

I honestly don't remember if it had a box with goodies or not. I THINK it did but that was over 40 years ago and it was just a gun then. I was carrying a Taurus .38 when I worked nights at the store by myself and wanted something lighter so the 36 was perfect. I remember being TOLD it was new but I HAVE been lied to before! It was a reputable dealer and I can't imagine a reason why it would have been re-barreled but unless I get a letter from Smith, I won't KNOW for sure. Sure doesn't LOOK like it's been altered but who would know!

 

[GerSan69]

Okay, but the one in your photo has a 2" barrel. A Model 36-1 has a 3" Heavy Barrel.

Hey Bob, I think that "-1" is a different stamp than the "36". Looks bigger to me. Added by someone for some reason?