Date of manufacture

[dgill53]

I was given a Model 36 after I got my CCW permit. Can anyone tell me the date of manufacture with the serial # of SJN 8954XX. I was told if it was made after 1985 it would be safe for occasional +P ammo. Hope somebody knows and thanks for your reply.
Dan

 

[Forester]

The serial number you mention is a bit confusing. Did you get it from the bottom of the grip frame? The book says that serial numbers for this era have 4 numbers after the three letter serial prefix.

When you open the cylinder, what is the stamping in the crane? What "dash" model is it? 36-10, 36-11, etc.?

 

[dgill53]

I checked the serial # from the bottom of the grip and it is J8954XX. The # from inside the cylinder is 9237 with E5 stamped under it. Hope this helps. Thanks again.
Dan

 

[JSR III]

J 8954XX would make it 1981. There should be a model number stamped in the crane area. Possibly 36 or 36-1. Does it have a pinned barrel?

 

[dgill53]

Pinned barrel?

I'm sorry but being a newbie I have no idea what a pinned barrel means. Also, on the crane it just has mod 36 stamped on it. Thanks.
Dan

 

[pwp]

I have a Mdl. 36 with the serial number, JI28**. The only number on the crane area is 36. If possible, would someone tell me when this gun was made.

Thanks

 

[617fan]

I have a Mdl. 36 with the serial number, JI28**. The only number on the crane area is 36. If possible, would someone tell me when this gun was made.

Thanks

That sn looks to be circa 1975.

 

[JSR III]

Dan, no problem. If you look at the frame near the rear of the barrel and almost to the cylinder you should see a rounded pin end, (if the barrel is pinned). The process of pinning the barrel to the frame was stopped around 1982, so if pinned, your gun dates pre 1982, if not pinned it was after 1982. The serial number places it about 1981, so it should be pinned. The problem with S&W's is that nothing is absolute and the above information is based on approximations.

pwp, if I am reading your serial number correctly, J128XX, your gun should be of 1969 vintage and not have damond stocks.

 

[dgill53]

Pinned barrel

My model 36 does not have it's barrel pinned although the serial number suggests it was made in '81. I guess I'll have to watch what ammo I put through it though. Thanks for all the info.
Dan

 

[landking]

Model 36 age

A friend gave me a model 36. It has the square-butt checkered wood grips and is blue steel. The serial no. is J539XXX. I think it was probably made in the 1960's but would be interested to know if that is correct and anything else I can find out about it. Thanks.