Model 36 Date of Birth

[Rocketmedic40]

Today, I picked up that Model 36 from Centerfire Systems. It’s in far, far better shape than I expected. It’s nickle-plated, locks up tightly and feels like my 442- just heavier. It’s pinned, so I know it’s before 1982, but I don’t know anything else about it. The stamping inside the crane is just “Model 36”.

I was wondering when it’s from.

Also, and more importantly, I’m looking for stock recommendations for pocket carry and AIWB/IWB holster recommendations. I’ve got a generic Kydex and a universal little leather holster but neither are particularly great.

The pachymar stocks are comfy, but like the Hogues on my 442, they’re a little too big for easy pocket carry.

 

[MetalMan]

J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.

1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX

 

[Rocketmedic40]

Looks like 1974!

My grandpa was four years back from Vietnam, riding Harleys and smoking weed across California. Dad was 5. Richard Nixon was resigning and Skylab wasn’t a thing yet because we still went to the Moon. Ford and GM and Chrysler decided to make terrible cars for 20 years.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Based on a few in the database bracketing it, Smith & Wesson might have shipped yours in November/December 1974.