Dating the Model 36 chiefs special

[the perfesser]

Am looking for build date on my recently-acquired Model 36 sn #518762. It has been suggested to me that the range is 1962-69. Can anyone here date it closer?

Square butt. No box. S&W stocks have sn# scribed on interior. I have replaced them with Pachmayr rubber grips which I like much. Will have Wolff springs installed and some trigger work done by a smith.

 

[S. Kelly]

7.62X39, where's you get the info?

 

[Counterbore]

I have a question for those in the know. I was with my son the other day at a local gun store and spied a Model 36 in a leather holster sitting on the counter. I was told they'd just received in from an estate sale and were going to sell it. I told my son he should pick it up because it looked to be in pretty good shape.
He paid $450 for it and before they put it away I noted the serial number to be 151580. Also, the cylinder release was odd compared to other S&W's I own. This release button was rectangular and relatively flat. Anyway, I was hoping someone might take a guess at the production date and possibly comment on the price keeping in mind I live in California and even finding a firearm anymore feels like hitting the lottery.
Thanks

 

[crossed pistols]

seeking mfg date on a model 36

Looking at a S&W model 36, sr # J4322xx at gun show. Appears to be 90%+ Blue strong, action tight, bore clean and very very light and small pitting in a couple of places
Would like mfg date and est value.
Thanks

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I have a question for those in the know. I was with my son the other day at a local gun store and spied a Model 36 in a leather holster sitting on the counter. I was told they'd just received in from an estate sale and were going to sell it. I told my son he should pick it up because it looked to be in pretty good shape.
He paid $450 for it and before they put it away I noted the serial number to be 151580. Also, the cylinder release was odd compared to other S&W's I own. This release button was rectangular and relatively flat. Anyway, I was hoping someone might take a guess at the production date and possibly comment on the price keeping in mind I live in California and even finding a firearm anymore feels like hitting the lottery.
Thanks

Your son's new Model 36 probably looks similar to the one in post #60, which is a square butt. You didn't mention whether your son's has a square or a round butt; either way, I'm guessing -- based on other posters' serial numbers that your son's was shipped from the factory in the late 1950s, certainly after 1957 when model numbers started. Lately I've seen similar Model 36s go for anywhere from $300 to $600 so it's hard to estimate based on location and the actual condition. Sounds like he did ok!

A plus would be if the sn stamped in the inside of the right stock matches the sn on the frame. You didn't mention the holster style/brand, but if it were me I wouldn't store the gun in the holster.

Hope this helps.

Bob

 

[dmcooper]

Date of Manufacture, Please...

Serial Number: J4450XX

 

[New2Wesson]

Model 36 no dash birth day lol

Completely new to smiths and shot a lot of them last week. I have a chance to get a model 36 no dash nickel. The numbers are
AEY 4931. I need some help before I trade my glock for it. When was it made and any other info on it really. It's in great condition I think

 

[Jermedic]

can anyone help me out with S/N 7224xx

 

[shamuscull]

Any help with a pre-36 4 digit serial number 71xx. Also which flat latch should it have it has ramped front sight non serrated.

Thanks

 

[chperez]

Hi,

Can someone please find out the manufacture date for a Model 36 serial number:273XX?

 

[mageson1]

Am new to these guns but want to buy one. Needs to be over 50 years old to purchase in California. Understand significance of flat latch and have a list of S&W serial numbers tied to dates of manufacture.

However, I am unclear what the significance of "no dash" is. Does it allow someone to be sure about date of manufacture, and if so, what dates were the no dash version made?

Can't wait to get one of these beauties.
Thanks!

 

[Bullet Bob]

I'm having a hard time dating my model 36 also. I've taken it out for coffee, told funny stories, and generally been as charming as I can be. No luck though.

 

[linde]

Am new to these guns but want to buy one. Needs to be over 50 years old to purchase in California. Understand significance of flat latch and have a list of S&W serial numbers tied to dates of manufacture.

However, I am unclear what the significance of "no dash" is. Does it allow someone to be sure about date of manufacture, and if so, what dates were the no dash version made? . . .

The Chiefs Special was introduced in 1950 but didn't get assigned the Model 36 designation until roughly 1957 and was produced until 1988 when it was superseded by the Model 36-2. There was a 36-1 introduced in late 1966 but it was for the 3" heavy barrel version and did not replace the Model 36.

More than fifty years old would equate to March 1967 or earlier. In 1969 Model 36 serial numbers began with a letter "J" prefix . . . later embedded in a "floating J" format . . . so don't consider any example with a J in the serial number.

I have s/n 457962 that shipped in January 1967 . . . it happens to be a Model 36-1 but all Model 36s were in the same s/n series. That would suggest looking for a s/n 458000 or lower . . . but a verification of ship date with the factory would be best if it's anywhere close.

Good luck,

Russ

 

[Twiki357]

I'm having a hard time dating my model 36 also. I've taken it out for coffee, told funny stories, and generally been as charming as I can be. No luck though.

Next time try dinner and a movie.

 

[swilliams_tx]

Any information on this .38spc?

S&W, Model 36, 5 shot snub nose at the butt the
Serial# 5959XX?

Thank you!

 

[labocca]

Can someone date my chief special ser# 160

 

[justin.s.gomes85]

Just passed down from my great grandfather to my grandfather to me. SN 1368XX. Have the feeling the grips arent original, ill be changing those out, not interested in selling, itll be passed down to my nephew. Just curious as to when it was manufactured or left the factory

 

[justin.s.gomes85]

Just passed down from my great grandfather to my grandfather to me. SN 1368XX. Have the feeling the grips arent original, ill be changing those out, not interested in selling, itll be passed down to my nephew. Just curious as to when it was manufactured or left the factory

Mod 36 no dash

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

 

[Restart]

My two uncle's came across this, in the 1960's, I think.
Serial #5768xx 38 S&W SPL, Model 36, Chief

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=297462&stc=1&d=1502420118

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'm having a hard time dating my model 36 also. I've taken it out for coffee, told funny stories, and generally been as charming as I can be. No luck though.

Two dozen roses, a box of chocolates and somethin' will happen.

The Book of Bobs explains our two posts.

Bob