Model 36 no dash 3" barrel

[Nframe_is_no1]

Just found a model 36 no dash with a 3" barrel at the LGS today. The model 36 no dash has the 3" standard or tapered barrel, not to be confused with the 36-1 which introduced the 3" heavy barrel in 1966. This one has a square butt as well. I've heard of these but this is the first 3" standard barrel 36 no dash I've ever seen in person. They don't seem to show up often in my experience. BTW, the 3" standard barrel was dropped in 1975 in favor of the 36-1 with the heavy barrel. Couldn't resist for $299. Heck, you can't buy a Taurus for that! A little blue wear on the barrel, but lock up is tight as a drum and bore and chambers are perfect! Serial number is 8J86xx, so it's a floating J from 1971-72. It's my second floating J. My other is a 2" and coincidentally also with a square butt. Shoots perfectly at 25 yards, with the fixed sights printing slightly to the left for me. Here's the mandatory pics:

If you have not seen the difference side by side before, here's a pic with my 36-1 with the 3" heavy barrel (bottom) for comparison so you can see the difference in the barrels. Note that the 36-1 has a round butt (happened to work out that way for a little extra variety).

 

[bobsguns]

Excellent find & even better price!

I love those 3" Model 36s & have one myself.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I had one, never liked it. Sold it off. Now my M640 is one I like to CC alot

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Nice find. 3" square butts are my favorite Chiefs.

The database shows other "roving J series" (according to Dr. Jinks) in the 8Jxxxx serial range shipped between December 1970 and February 1971.

The last known Model 36 with a 3" lightweight barrel shipped on July 14, 1976, to Ashland Shooters Supply Company in Ashland, Ohio.

Here's my favorite photo of the difference between the Model 36-1 3" Heavy Barrel and the Model 36 3" with a lightweight barrel.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Thank you for this information and for the photo! Very interesting!

 

[decuerno]

Very pretty. And thanks for the education. In 1974 I bought a 3” Mod 36 from Rays Hardware in Dallas.
I had called ahead to assure they had one in-stock and they laughed that I’d ask. (I later realized their stature in S&W but at the time I lived in Copperas Cove and didn’t want to fly all the way to Dallas, rent a car and then discover they didn’t have what I wanted.)
Imagine my irritation when I got there and was told they had just-sold their last one.
Ray himself arrived and took-over from the salesman and apologized…promising to make it up to me. He went into a back-room…and came out with a little Blue S&W box with a vapor-barrier-paper-wrapped little Mod. 36…. and I was puzzled as to why the previous salesman had told me they didn’t have one available.
Ray then pointed out the heavy-bbl and smooth (not serrated) case-hardened wide target-trigger. He said it was a special order for an FBI customer but that he would replace it for that agent ….if I wanted it. The price was $105.
You can imagine my answer.
I still have it, the box and the paper.
I has the sweetest, crisp, light trigger of any S&W I own. I like the HB as it reduces bbl-jump/recoil.

 

[oughtsix06]

Apologies to all if this is inappropriate, but I too have a 36 no dash, 3" tapered bbl, square butt with stocks larger than the OP's, almost like "cokes, with medallion. Very nice original unmolested condition. I would appreciation any help dating this gun, Ser. No.90J692. Thanks, and again, not my intent to high jack this thread.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

... 36 ... 3" ... help dating ... Ser. No.90J692

Your Chiefs Special is in the "roving J series" serial numbers. Based on reviewing others in the database, I'd say Smith & Wesson likely shipped it between March and June 1972.

 

[oughtsix06]

Thank you, Bob. So good to know who and where the expert advice will be found. I know the image isn't the greatest but would you have a ballpark value for this gun? I finally was able to post the pic, but the next time I tried (another thread, Mod 19 no dash in very similar condition, I could not make it work.)

Thanks again for the very prompt and courteous assistance!

 

[oughtsix06]

Trial pic posting: As mentioned above I'm still trying to get the hang of posting pics. Success! Below is the Mod 19 referenced. Ser. No. K421093

Appreciate your indulgence!

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Those are J frame factory target stocks your 36 is wearing. Nice revolver!

 

[MajorD]

Great gun and price! I would jump fast on that. I prefer square butts for everything except my pocket carry J frame and in my area finding any used S&W let alone any older square butt guns is surprisingly difficult! And when they do come up for sale seem to be, regardless of condition priced at mint in box top tier level.

 

[rwsmith]

Excellent find & even better price!

I love those 3" Model 36s & have one myself.

Durn straight.

 

[Cal44]

I have a 36.1 square butt I like a lot and find it easy to shoot.

I also have a 3" square butt 37 which I have trouble hitting anything with.

I think it's time to get the 37 out and see if I can master it.

Does anyone carry a 3" model 37?