Mod 36 variations?

[Slyk54]

I have recently acquired the S&W mod 36 pictured below- I am trying to figure out when (approximately) this gun was made- Here are the particulars:

1. Inside the frame, where the crane closes: stamped "mod 36"
2. Serial number "anc15xx"
3. Trigger/hammer are blued, not color-case hardened
4. Trigger is wider than what I have typically seen on j-frames, smooth
5. Barrel is not pinned, cylinder is not recessed
6. Barrel/cylinder are, in my opinion, "plum colored"

I have seen on S&W's website some "classic" reproduction guns; I am thinking this could be one of those given the "ANC" prefix on the serial number, and the blued trigger/hammer, non-pinned/recessed set-up, etc. But, I always thought the plum coloration occurred over a longer time frame, which would suggest an older gun.

I also thought it might have been a "re-framed" gun, or the frame, trigger and hammer had been re-blued, but if the gun has been taken apart and re-assembled it was well done; the screw heads look great, lock up is good, and so forth

I would appreciate any input on this; I checked Supica and Neuhaus book but couldn't really figure anything out from that-

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

From the ANC prefix, I would guess a 1986 production date (the book doesn't have this one listed, so it is a guess). The side plate has been removed, and this plus the plum color of the barrel and cylinder and blued hammer and trigger suggest it has been refinished.

This model had a pinned barrel until about 1982 but never had a recessed cylinder, these were specific for rimfires and Magnums.

 

[Texas Star]

What a pity about the blue job that's "gone plum"! I expect that on blued Rugers, but don't see it as often on Smiths.

I'll only buy stainless Rugers. But I admit that blue change seems less common on the Security-Six than on Blackhawks.
No idea why.

T-Star

 

[BUFF]

S&W didn't do blued hammers and triggers. I would guess your Model 36 was refinished some time in it's life.

The person that did the pre-reblue polishing did a very good job compared to most refinishers. Your roll marks look crisp, your sideplate edges aren't rounded off. I have never seen the blue job on a S&W as new as yours (I think murphydog's 1986 estimate is probably right) turn plumb like the barrel and cylinder of your M-36.