Help dating a mod 36?

[insterno]

Hi I'm trying to date a model 36. Is stamped mod 36 under the spider, and doe not have the flat cylinder release. It has a square butt, a 3" barrel and SN starting with: 43J2**. Thought it was strange that there was a letter in the SN...

Any help would be appreciated, I just can't fly the fifty bucks S&W charges to verify it for sure. I think it's from the late 60's to early 70's but I'm not sure.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum.
You're correct about the date, 1971-72. Letters were added to the serial numbers in 1969 in order to comply with the requirements of the GCA-68 (unique numbers).

 

[insterno]

Awesome, thanks. Makes it a couple years older than me...

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Great guns the model 36, I have 2 of them and love
them both. Enjoy and welcome to the forum. Don

 

[mrwildroot]

BTW, your serial number is called a "floating J".
MW

 

[fyimo]

Congrats as the model 36 is a great gun.

 

[insterno]

Thanks. Is this gun worth too much in an unfired/nearly unfired condition without box to use? I'd like to shoot it... What would you expect to pay for a circa 1972 Mod 36 like new?

 

[Military-man]

I would estimate somewhere between $300 - $400.
It's a working gun. With box, papers, etc. in unfired, unturned condition it would be your call whether or not to shoot it.
I would enjoy it for what it was intended for - making .357 holes.

 

[mrwildroot]

I would estimate somewhere between $300 - $400.
It's a working gun. With box, papers, etc. in unfired, unturned condition it would be your call whether or not to shoot it.
I would enjoy it for what it was intended for - making .357 holes.

My model 36, J frame revolver is chambered for .38 Special ammo.
I'm not familiar with a .357 model 36....

MW

 

[Military-man]

My model 36, J frame revolver is chambered for .38 Special ammo.
I'm not familiar with a .357 model 36....

MW

I was referring to the target hole diameter which is printed from a size .357" bullet, which is the size of a .38 special.

 

[mrwildroot]

Oh.
Guess I missed that one...

MW

 

[insterno]

I'm going to enjoy it!

Thanks, I'm going to shoot it lots and enjoy it. Thanks