Help on 36 no dash

[406lawdawg]

I have a 3" 36 nickel no dash with a SR# J225xxx my S&M 4th edition tells me the J prefix started with -1 s. help.

 

[Frailer]

What exactly is your question?

 

[406lawdawg]

I have a 3" 36 nickel no dash with a SR# J225xxx my S&M 4th edition tells me the J prefix started with -1 s.

Is this a -1 or a no dash?

 

[Frailer]

3” Model 36s and 36-1s were made concurrently. Does your revolver have the tapered or heavy barrel?

This might help:

https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/mod-36-are-all-3-inch-guns-heavy-barrel.270142/

 

[JP@AK]

I have a 3" 36 nickel no dash with a SR# J225xxx my S&M 4th edition tells me the J prefix started with -1 s.

Is this a -1 or a no dash?

406lawdawg

You have fallen into a common misunderstanding about the progression of models of the Chiefs Special. That being that the Model 36-1 replaced the Model 36. It didn't.

The Model 36-1, introduced in 1966, was a specific variant of the Chiefs Special. It had the 3" heavy barrel. From 1966 until 1988, the Model 36 and the Model 36-1 were produced concurrently. Eventually, in 1988, the Model 36-2 replaced the Model 36, and the Model 36-3 replaced the Model 36-1.

The J prefix was introduced in 1969, while both the Models 36 and 36-1 were still in production. Your example is from 1974, and it is a Model 36, as shown in the yoke cut.

 

[406lawdawg]

406lawdawg

You have fallen into a common misunderstanding about the progression of models of the Chiefs Special. That being that the Model 36-1 replaced the Model 36. It didn't.

The Model 36-1, introduced in 1966, was a specific variant of the Chiefs Special. It had the 3" heavy barrel. From 1966 until 1988, the Model 36 and the Model 36-1 were produced concurrently. Eventually, in 1988, the Model 36-2 replaced the Model 36, and the Model 36-3 replaced the Model 36-1.

The J prefix was introduced in 1969, while both the Models 36 and 36-1 were still in production. Your example is from 1974, and it is a Model 36, as shown in the yoke cut.

Thanks for the help. I see that I misread the bible, 1969 started the J in the prefix. Thanks again.

 

[rockquarry]

I have a couple of J-frame .38s that I bought used years ago. Both have numbers that begin with J1. I'm guessing they are from the early '70s. I have another that I bought new in September, 1975. It's #J269352. That should provide some rough idea on your gun.