Model 36 question

[dobegrant]

I picked up this 3” model 36 and the serial number is confusing me , any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Serial number is 5 J7314

 

[WCCPHD]

It is what collectors refer to as the "floating J." I believe it was used from the late 1960's to the 1980's, although I may be wrong about the dates. I'm sure an expert will be along soon to further expound on the placement of the "J" in the serial number.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Dr. Jinks calls the series the "roving J series." He says it began in 1970 at 1J1 and ended in 1973 at 999J99.

Based on others in the database, I'd suggest Smith & Wesson shipped yours in late 1970.

 

[dobegrant]

Dr. Jinks calls the series the "roving J series." He says it began in 1970 at 1J1 and ended in 1973 at 999J99.

Based on others in the database, I'd suggest Smith & Wesson shipped yours in late 1970.

Thank you

 

[heeter3]

As I've said before the 3 in 36s and their brother 37s are great little guns my two rotate into my edc quite often. I think you will really like that floating J 3 in 36. Enjoy it and shoot it whenever you can.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

36-1, pleasant revolver to shoot with .38 Spl 9.6 g WC LAPUA cartridges




36-1 was commonly used by the Finnish police in the 1970s-1980s

 

[robertrwalsh]

The 3" 36 was widely touted by the NYPD firearms section back in their revolver days. They much preferred it over the more popular 2". I think the 3" look strange. (Personal prejudice.)

 

[stoshini]

The 3" 36 was widely touted by the NYPD firearms section back in their revolver days. They much preferred it over the more popular 2". I think the 3" look strange. (Personal prejudice.)

I agree. The 3 inch barrel looks weird to me too, and seems to defeat the purpose of what a small 5 shot revolver was designed for in the first place. S&W is a for profit business however.

 

[Rocketmedic40]

I’m…tempted to pick one up, but the 3” seems a bit more complicated to find holsters for and I don’t really understand the why of it. Concealing the barrel isn’t really too hard because IWB carry helps the barrel “anchor” the gun in me, but that’s why I have 4” k-frames that also carry nicely. When weight is a concern, the J-frame and Bodyguard 380 shine, but that extra inch makes pocket carry weird. Maybe like weight-sensitive IWB?

 

[raygixxer89]

The 3" 36 was widely touted by the NYPD firearms section back in their revolver days. They much preferred it over the more popular 2". I think the 3" look strange. (Personal prejudice.)

I feel the same, lol. And I love j-frames.

 

[Rubone]

I like 3" Js, a perfect size for general use. Plus of course the 3-1/2" model of 55 airweight and the 4" kit gun....

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

I’m…tempted to pick one up, but the 3” seems a bit more complicated to find holsters for and I don’t really understand the why of it. Concealing the barrel isn’t really too hard because IWB carry helps the barrel “anchor” the gun in me, but that’s why I have 4” k-frames that also carry nicely. When weight is a concern, the J-frame and Bodyguard 380 shine, but that extra inch makes pocket carry weird. Maybe like weight-sensitive IWB?

I have S&W holster for my 36-1, ex Finnish police holster