Model 36

[tlandon]

S&W Model 36, no dash, SN-184534 date of birth? 1922?

 

[bamabiker]

Model numbers started in 1957/58.
Where did you get that number from on the gun?

 

[Absalom]

S&W Model 36, no dash, SN-184534 date of birth? 1922?

No, your guess is a tiny bit off .

The model wasn't introduced until 1950 as the Chiefs Special and became the Model 36 in 1957. Your serial puts this around 1960/61.

 

[fyimo]

I have one made in 1952 and it's a flat latch and it's a favorite for summer carry.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...my Model 36 Chief's Special from 1970 that I acquired earlier this year...

 

[Jaymo]

...my Model 36 Chief's Special from 1970 that I acquired earlier this year...

Mine is just like yours, except that mine is from 1971-72 and was carried/used before I bought it.
It's been used a bit more and carried a lot more now.

 

[tlandon]

My 36

Heres mine. Looks like it may have been re-blued. Otherwise in very good condition. Still tight and shoots well.

 

[schutzen-jager]

here is mine

 

[DocB]

Got one of the old ones here somewhere. There it is. Both of my pre-1960 ones are pretty well used relative to carry, but not fired much. This one dates around 1956. The original owner was proud of it and had his name expertly engraved on just above the grips.

 

[Jaymo]

Nice flat latch Chief, DocB. I bought mine from a pawn shop in Rockdale County, GA.
I had a Chief's Special cap gun as a boy and always wanted the real thing.
Mine is almost as old as I am, and I carry it daily.