Model 36 Shipping date?

[TFS]

I pick up this Chiefs Special that was on consignment at a local pawn shop. It has some holster wear but other than needing cleaning and lubrication It's in very good mechanical shape. The SN is 563880. From what I've read in this forum that dates it in the 67-68 range. If someone can give me a closer shipping date I would appreciate it.


Thanks


Tom

 

[Frailer]

This revolver almost certainly shipped in 1967, but the only way to be sure is to request a letter.

EDITED TO ADD: If I were you I would put more faith in Bob’s estimate below than mine. I went by the serial number only; I never looked at the photos. In any case, a letter will tell the full story.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

While it's easy to be tricked by serial numbers in the database,
my first reaction is to unequivocally say 1968. That's based on
your Chiefs Special wearing the first style magna stocks with no
diamonds around the screw and nut escutcheons--the first
stocks of that style I've documented in the database shipped in
spring 1968.

My question, then, becomes, "Is the serial number stamped on
the inside of the right stock the same as the one on the butt?"

Smith & Wesson neither produced nor shipped guns in serial
number order so we never know solely based on serial number.

 

[TFS]

Thanks for the replies.


The serial number is stamped on
the inside of the right stock.

 

[jeffrefrig]

TFS, that’s a nice model 36. It’s got some stories to tell! This gives me a reason to try to post a picture with the new to me stocks that I won in a Forum Karma a couple months ago. This gun here fits perfect in my right front jeans pocket with that $5 holster (with its original stocks).
Those guns are a bit nicer than the light weight ones of recent years. I gave those to a couple girls of mine.
Edit to add:
It was built around 1973-74.
Thanks Patriot X!

 

[TFS]

That's a great looking Chiefs Special Jeff. Those grips are a nice addition in both function and looks. I took mine to the range and it was a handful even with 130gr target rounds. If I ever decide to carry the 36 instead of my M&P Shield 45 I will definitely change the grips to something more like the ones on your gun.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I can thank Patriot X for the stocks! They give a little more to hold onto. I had a few .357s and .38 Specials up at the range on Monday. 25 yards is pushing it with the J frame, but at least I hit paper!

 

[BullyTx]

Beautiful 36!
I'm a bit jealous as I'm searching for a '68 myself. Have fun with it.