Model 36 question

[Mcmar420]

This is my first post, been searching the forum, found a ton of great information here. I do have a question though, and can't seem to find and answer, or maybe I just over looked it. My question is regarding the the age of my Model 36. As I understand this can be told by the serial number along with some other information. I'll list everything below, I can add pictures if necessary. If anyone could help me out or point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it.

Model 36
Pinned barrel
Only says model 36 behind yoke
Has the concave thumb cylinder release (not flat)
Serial number is 3j791

 

[VM]

Welcome to the Forum.
The “floating J” serial numbers are approximately 1971

 

[GerSan69]

You're probably saying, "What's a floating J?"
The company utilized a system of serial numbers on J-frame revolvers in 1971-72 where the "J" would go toward the right, or "float," like this: 1J0000 to 1J9999, then 2J0000 and so on until they reached 9J9999. The next would be 10J000, then further up the line 100J00, until they finally reached 999J99. I don't know if they ever made it that far, though. The system was never used on other guns as far as I know.
Just a little S&W trivia to start the day.

 

[cmansguns]

Welcome from Virginia!

I will help add to your confusion. The Model 36, Chief's Special, is one of the quintessential Smith & Wesson firearms in my opinion.

I don't have a "floating J" example in my collection (yet), but I do have a couple that surround the floating J time wise.

My Model 36 - no dash (the 1st issue..before any Engineering changes) shipped January 1967 and is serial number 501664 (No "J" at all).

Nine years later my Model 36-1, 3" Heavy Barrel, with serial number J 591395, shipped in 1976.

So as posted by others, yours is probably 1971 but only a Letter of Authenticity from the Smith & Wesson Historical Society would tell you exactly when and where your gun shipped to. These Letters are available for a fee and the form for applying is on the Forum.

Again..........welcome to the Forum and please stick around...you will be amazed at the absolute wealth of information about anything S&W related.

PS: We LOVE pictures and you don't have to be a professional photog...simple cell phone flicks uploaded via "manage attachments" before you hit the "submit reply" on your post usually always get us drooling at other owners good fortune.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from Wyo.

Although the commonly accepted era for the roving J -- a phrase used by S&W historian Roy Jinks -- is 1971-1972, my database shows Chiefs in the series having left the factory from 1970 through 1976. All the ones I list with serial numbers up through 5Jxxxx shipped in 1970.

You didn't say which barrel length yours is. Could be a 2" (actual measurement is 1 7/8") or a 3". If It's a 3" it has the tapered barrel, unlike the Model 36-1, which began in 1967 and had a heavy barrel.

 

[Mcmar420]

Very interesting. I searched for hours on Google and never came across anything that spoke of a "floating J". I greatly appreciate all the help folks, I can already tell I'm gonna learn a lot here. I posted some pics below if anyone wants to see or may give more insight. I bought it at a pawn shop. My grandmother had one she carried so I had to grab it, lol. I am thinking about getting it reblued from S&W.

 

[Mcmar420]

Where can i obtain this letter?

 

[GerSan69]

Where can i obtain this letter?

Smith & Wesson Collectors Association

 

[raljr1]

. I am thinking about getting it reblued from S&W.

It is yours, so do as you please, but it looks to be pretty nice as it is. I wouldn't reblue that one if it were me.

 

[cmansguns]

Hello again,

Thanks for the pictures. That gun you got at a pawn shop is the iconic Model 36 all right, and I would venture that the Smith & Wesson Model 36 along with the snub nose Colt Detective Special, were probably carried by literally thousands of LEO's either as primary duty weapon, or BUG in maybe an ankle holster.

Your gun looks very lightly used. The finish is fine..I for one would not recommend any sort of refinish by anyone. Your stocks are known as PC, meaning Plain Clothes from the rounded shape at the bottom so as not to snag on coats (from the days Detectives, Chiefs, LEO's working undercover, etc. all USED to wear coats and ties!).

If you obtained that gun for around $400 or less...you did great in my opinion.

One more "tip". If you are a shooter and will be shooting that Model 36 be aware that it is not rated for the Plus P ammo. That doesn't mean it will blow up on you first time out, just that it was intended and designed for 38 Special ammo (I use Magtech 158 grain, FMC-Flat nose for practice and carry).

I started concealed carry in the late 1960's and my first carry gun was a Model 36. When the Model 60 (same gun-stainless steel) came out I carried that until about 2002 when I got a Model 637-2 which was the first Plus P rated gun and that became my EDC right up to yesterday (only cause I haven't been outside yet today).

Enjoy that one of yours....get ready for the big circle of fire out of that snubby barrel, especially if you shoot indoor range where it is darker!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I share Charlie's thanks for sharing photos, especially the full serial for my database. That's a dandy.

I agree with the others who've said "Don't reblue" your Chiefs. I have a fair few that have "character," and I tend to appreciate them far more than the beauty queens.

 

[El_Phantasmo]

I've always wanted a Model 36 with the Floating J serial number.

For no real rational reason other than, because it's kinda cool.

LOL

 

[RoyS]

Hi Mcmar420,

Welcome to the forum, some really knowledge and generous gents here, so you've found a great place to learn and hang out.

For interest/contrast, here is my 'floating J' Chiefs Special, s/n 192J73 that was shipped in July 1972.

Cheerio,

Roy

 

[Mcmar420]

Thanks everyone! I paid $400.00 even, i thought it was a fairly good deal. They were asking 450 but i haggled a bit lol. I was on the fence about rebluing, after hearing everyones opinion I'm gonna leave it as is. I will prolly take it to the range at least once lol. I bought it mainly for the nostalgia, plus it's a S&W, my favorite handguns. I I've done some research about whether or not it would fire +P rounds, just like you guys said it's not really recommended so I picked up some 38 Special ammo, cant wait to put a few rounds through it. I really appreciate everyones help with this.

 

[Mcmar420]

Hi Mcmar420,

Welcome to the forum, some really knowledge and generous gents here, so you've found a great place to learn and hang out.

For interest/contrast, here is my 'floating J' Chiefs Special, s/n 192J73 that was shipped in July 1972.

Cheerio,

Roy

Beautiful!!

 

[Mcmar420]

Hello again,

Thanks for the pictures. That gun you got at a pawn shop is the iconic Model 36 all right, and I would venture that the Smith & Wesson Model 36 along with the snub nose Colt Detective Special, were probably carried by literally thousands of LEO's either as primary duty weapon, or BUG in maybe an ankle holster.

Your gun looks very lightly used. The finish is fine..I for one would not recommend any sort of refinish by anyone. Your stocks are known as PC, meaning Plain Clothes from the rounded shape at the bottom so as not to snag on coats (from the days Detectives, Chiefs, LEO's working undercover, etc. all USED to wear coats and ties!).

If you obtained that gun for around $400 or less...you did great in my opinion.

One more "tip". If you are a shooter and will be shooting that Model 36 be aware that it is not rated for the Plus P ammo. That doesn't mean it will blow up on you first time out, just that it was intended and designed for 38 Special ammo (I use Magtech 158 grain, FMC-Flat nose for practice and carry).

I started concealed carry in the late 1960's and my first carry gun was a Model 36. When the Model 60 (same gun-stainless steel) came out I carried that until about 2002 when I got a Model 637-2 which was the first Plus P rated gun and that became my EDC right up to yesterday (only cause I haven't been outside yet today).

Enjoy that one of yours....get ready for the big circle of fire out of that snubby barrel, especially if you shoot indoor range where it is darker!

Thanks for all the info man. Greatly appreciated!

 

[KEN L]

This is my first post, been searching the forum, found a ton of great information here. I do have a question though, and can't seem to find and answer, or maybe I just over looked it. My question is regarding the the age of my Model 36. As I understand this can be told by the serial number along with some other information. I'll list everything below, I can add pictures if necessary. If anyone could help me out or point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it.

Model 36
Pinned barrel
Only says model 36 behind yoke
Has the concave thumb cylinder release (not flat)
Serial number is 3j791

According to my database, your gun most likely shipped in July of 1970.