Model 36

[uncledub]

OK Guys, I just picked a Model 36, no dash number, that is a three screw, pinned barrel. It has model 36 stamped on the frame. I am a bit confused though by the serial number on the butt. It is a five digit number (37XXX) with no letter. This number does not seem to match the description of the revolver. I have read quite a bit on this forum, including the FAQs and can't figure when it may have been built. Any ideas?

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum.
With your description I don't have an answer for you but will be watching to see what the experts have to say.

 

[linde]

Let me add my welcome to the Forum . . . it's a great place.

I’m confused too . . . a 36XXX serial number 3-screw configuration. Does it have the small grip frame & rounded trigger guard . . . sometimes called the “Baby Smith?

The serial number suggests a pre-late 1953 production . . . a three screw frame suggesting 1955 & later . . . and a stamped model number suggesting 1957 & later. Sounds like a serial numbered frame that sat around for about four years . . . but during a period when the demand for these Chief Specials is reported to be very high?

For comparison, below is Chief Special s/n 40901 with the early small grip frame, rounded trigger guard, flat latch cylinder release, and 5-screw configuration.

I hope to learn more what you have after seeing these pictures. Perhaps you can post pictures of yours.

Russ

 

[uncledub]

Thanks for your reply and pics. This is my first S&W pistol so my knowledge my be a bit lacking. My 36 has the same screws holding the plate that are behind the trigger and above the trigger the same as yours. the third screw is under the right hand grip panel (no diamonds, checkered only) at the aft end of the plate. There is no screw in the front of the trigger guard as yours shows. It is a pinned barrel and has the logo on the left side of the frame. the cylinder latch is the modern sculpted type, not a flat one. The frame is clearly marked "model 36" and the serial number on the bottom of the butt grip is the five digits. I do not think a digit is rubbed off as the numbers are quite legible. The grip is like yours but the trigger guard doesn't appear to me to be as rounded. I will try to get some photos posted. This is getting interesting.

 

[linde]

Modern sculpted cylinder latch and non-diamond escutcheon grips . . . now we're 1967 or later. Either we're missing a digit . . . probably the first one . . . or one of the internal digits in the s/n is the letter "J" which would put it in the 1971-1972 era of the floating J.

Russ

edit to add: If you check the 3rd edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson you will not find what I just said. The 2nd edition was correct and says: "1971-1972 1J1 - 999J99"

 

[uncledub]

Thanks for your info. I am trying to attach a few photos.

 

[pharmer]

Butt has been altered. # goes from back to front, the "J" and perhaps first digit are missing. Just my opinion, not throwing a cat in a dogfight. Joe

 

[uncledub]

Butt has been altered. # goes from back to front, the "J" and perhaps first digit are missing. Just my opinion, not throwing a cat in a dogfight. Joe

That makes as much sense as anything else about this revolver. If it has been altered, it is a good job.

 

[linde]

Good observation pharmer . . . I believe he's right, it's been altered . . . but I'm not sure if any altered serial number is a "good job".

Since you just picked it up I believe I'd hot foot it back from where it came and return it. There are far too many of these fine Model 36s out there to have one that could cause you problems.

Good luck,

Russ

 

[uncledub]

Didn't mean an altered number is good. Holding it in my hands you see no sign. I did not buy it as an older 36. There were too many modern things to go with the number. Someone in the past must have been trying to pass it off as an antique. This is why I signed on with this forum, a lot of experience and knowledge out there. Thanks guys.

 

[Snuffy2]

Maybe?

It's just possible that that gun originally had a square butt, and someone round-butted it to make it more compact. And neglected to restamp the first two digits of the s/n! Not a good thing to do.