Model 36 identification

[majspud]

Hello folks,

I'm looking for a new carry piece to replace my Colt Detective. I really prefer S/W, having carried one as LE back in the '90s. I'm thinking of a M36...

What SN range would be 1967? That's the year I was born. 600K?

t

 

[Texas Star]

I'd jettison that birth year gun idea and buy a stainless Model 60. You could get a birth year M-60, but they're costly, if found, and the later ones had metallurgical improvements.

I'd look for a nice M-60-7.

The M-36 is nice and I used them until the stainless M-60 appeared.

The late Bill Jordan told me that stainless steel was the greatest advance in handguns in over 100 years. I tend to agree.
This is especially so if you live in a coastal or otherwise damp area.

 

[murphydog]

That is a pretty good guess. Others here may be able to get you in a closer SN range.

 

[Targets Guy]

The SCS&W lists the following serial number range

1962 - 295000
1969 - 786554

I'd call S&W customer service and see if they can get you closer.

 

[model3sw]

The Model 60 is a Model 36 Chief's Special in Stainless Steel. Early Model 60s were 1965-66-67 began as high polish frames before S&W went to a lighter polish, then finally to the brushed stainless finish. I might have one right at your year.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Stick to your guns and get the Chiefs Special you want.

The 600XXX range maybe!?!, but I think not. You should find a '67 with the diamond around the screw escutcheon on the grips (the company deleted the diamond the next year -- '68). I have the pictured Chiefs, which has matching serial number grips without the diamond.

Best of luck in your search.