Model 36 Chief question

[kurt s]

I have a 36 with a serial number of 2991xx which I understand is a 1962 year. On the fore strap is the 36 stamped, but you can see the 6 was stamped over a 2. Next to the 6 you can see there was a - something which was ground down and re-blued.
Would it be a good assumption that this frame was originally a 32-x re stamped and made as a 36 at S&W to use existing parts up?

Thanks for any input.

Kurt

 

[DWalt]

291xx would be more like 1953. There would not be any model numbers stamped on one that early. Did you get that SN from the butt?

 

[kurt s]

Sorry, missed a diget..should have been 2991xx

 

[gman51]

I don't think I would like having a gun that the serial number looks to have been altered. But I am no S&W expert either. I would be very interested in why the serial looks altered.

 

[JP@AK]

I don't think I would like having a gun that the serial number looks to have been altered. But I am no S&W expert either. I would be very interested in why the serial looks altered.

While most of us would share that discomfort, the OP's model number is altered, not his serial number.

 

[kurt s]

Here's a picture if that helps, not all that great but it is a 6 stamped over the 2.

 

[JP@AK]

Looks like simply a fitter's error. Stuff like this happens from time to time. Fitters are human and make mistakes like anyone else.

Whether this frame was originally intended for a different model falls into the category of speculation and probably is not something that could be determined at this time. I personally think it is unlikely.

 

[chief38]

Kurt,
NEED a larger and more clean picture.

 

[murphydog]

At that time, both the model 32-1 (.38 S & W chambering) and the 36 (.38 Special) would have been built on the same J frame and would have only differed in the barrel and cylinder fitted, so the "intended to be a model 32 and built as a 36" theory makes sense. It would be documented and left the factory as a model 36 so there is no way to prove any of this, however.

 

[kurt s]

Here's a bigger shot of it, you can right click, copy, and past on your desk top. Then you can use windows to blow it up. imagine a 2 and a dash 1 to the right and it's pretty clear.

 

[chief38]

As long as the SERIAL NUMBER ON THE BUTT has not been altered I'd chalk it up to Factory era. The numbers you are talking about have nothing at all to to with the ATF Federal Regulations and so other than cosmetics, you are GTG.

When a gun is modified with a Factory Recall they sometimes also re-stamp that area you have in the picture so altering that particular Yoke area is acceptable to S&W.

 

[kurt s]

Appreciate the input guys. The serial number is fine, just found it interesting that the model # was altered. It's certainly factory done so no worries along those lines. When I bought this gun it came with an extra set of grips in a plastic bag....big K. B. initials stamped on the inside, that was a surprise when I figured out what those were.