Floating J question

[fourb20]

An earlier post mentioned a, "floating J" in the model 36 serial numbers. I have two M 36, one has a J as the first digit followed by six numbers while the other has six numbers. Does the J have to me in the middle of the sequence to be a floating J?
I bought the J M 36 new in 1976 or 1977 for $95.00 from Cake-Davis Co. in Berkeley Ca.

 

[murphydog]

The J with five numbers (for a total of six characters) were from the 1971-'72 production era. The J with six numbers were later, including 1Jxxxxx serial numbers.

 

[fourb20]

Only one has a J which is followed by six numbers, the other has six numbers without a J

 

[murphydog]

J with six digits - about 1973 - 1983.
Six digits with no letter - about 1956 - 1969.
If you'd like to narrow down from there, knowing the SNs would help.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The original J-frame revolvers were Chiefs Specials, which started in 1950. The serial number series ran from 1 through 786544 in about 1969. The series included Chiefs Speicals, Chiefs Specials Airweights (ca. 1952), Bodyguard Airweights (ca. 1955), and after model numbers were ordered in 1957, the Models 36, 37, 38, and 49 (ca. 1959). Some include the Model 50 in the list, but I've yet to see a Model 50 without a "J" in the serial number.

The first "J" serial number series started in 1969 with J1 and went through J99999 (max 5 numbers after the "J") -- before the roving "J" series began in 1970 at 1J1. The ones from that first series shipped in 1969, 1970, and some in 1971, overlapping with the roving "J" series by a wee bit. Since S&W didn't ship in serial number order, there was always a bit of overlap when the series changed.

 

[jcelect]

Some include the Model 50 in the list, but I've yet to see a Model 50 without a "J" in the serial number.

That's because the mod 50 was produced from 1973-1977, during the floating J period! Serial numbers 930Jxx-936Jxx with a total production of 1132 guns.
jcelect

 

[charlie sherrill]

I've got a model 38 that was purchased new around 1971 with serial 289JX. Only one number after the J. The finish is worn from years of carry and I still do carry it some. Back in 1971 we got into it with a drug dealer and my partner shot and killed him with this little gun. He gave it to me several months later and I still have it.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

That's because the mod 50 was produced from 1973-1977, during the floating J period!

Right, but some sources say the model began in the mid-'60s. Perhaps that's when the model number was introduced, but as you say, it wasn't used till nearly a decade later.

 

[GerSan69]

Hey, fourb20: to answer your specific question, a "floating J" is any serial where there's a number from 1 to 999 BEFORE the J. The total digits including the J will be 6. The J first numbers were not floaters. Six number with no J are before any of the J's. Figured you'd want an answer to what you were actually inquiring about....

 

[jcelect]

Right, but some sources say the model began in the mid-'60s. Perhaps that's when the model number was introduced, but as you say, it wasn't used till nearly a decade later.

A quote from a factory letter from Mr. Jinks, " This model designation was assigned to the gun in 1962 but was not stamped on any models until 1973."
jcelect

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Perfect. Thanks!