Model 36 - 2 Questions

[83mvp]

First - I have come into a 1973-ish Model 36 3" barrel with a butt-stamped S/N of J1258XX that also has a 5-digit number inside on the crane that begins with a "3" (different than S/N). Is this original? I'm not familiar enough with them to know what I'm looking at. Gun came with original box numbered to the gun, original grips numbered to the gun, wrapping paper, tools, etc. It is virtually new with not even a cylinder turn ring. No evidence of work/refinishing at all.

Second - Is it OK to shoot +P loads in this revolver?

Thanks for the replies!

 

[diamonback68]

The five digit number is an assemblers or fitters stamp to keep parts together during manufacturing and are meaningless once the gun leaves the factory.
+Ps are okay, but I would not keep the gun on a steady diet of them.

 

[83mvp]

Thanks for the quick reply diamonback68.