New-to-Me Model 36 3"

[billw-sw]

I have been reading the forum for a while and wanted to introduce myself along with a new acquisition. It is a S&W Model 36 - no dash, 3" pinned barrel, round butt, S/N 7140xx. The grips number to the gun. There is one spot of well worn blue on the cylinder but the rest of the finish is in good shape with a slight turn line. I bought it as a shooter and carry piece. it locks up tightly and shoots POA with 158 gr. loads.

Can someone please give me an approximate date of manufacture?

Because it didn't happen without pictures, i am attaching some of the M36 and one of the remainder of my modest Smith family. Please excuse to amateur photography. I'll post again after I get the gun well cleaned up. The other family members are a M15-4 from 1981 and a M642-2 from the early 2000s.

I am enjoying reading the forum and am learning a lot from this great resource.

Bill

 

[GunarSailors]

maybe 1967-1968?

 

[John R]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

 

[GunarSailors]

Sorry Bill, I forgot to say "Welcome to the Forum!". Still waiting on someone who knows more than me to confirm the year of your 36.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM from OHIO! A 3" in my book is a neat little Smith. I bought a 3 inch square butt, 36 in Sept. Numbers match including the grips. Have box & papers. 1957 shipped. Fun to shoot. It now has factory target grips on it. Enjoy your 36! Bob

 

[opaul]

Welcome to the club. I love mine.

 

[Twiki357]

I like ‘em too. I guess that’s why I have two 3 inch 36’s, one SB blue and one RB nickel as well as a 3 inch nickel 37.

 

[billw-sw]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and to GunarSailors for the manufacturing date estimate.

Now trying to decide whether to go with a grip adapter and leave the original grips in place or a set of aftermarkets. The Altamont boot grips I have on my 642 fit but leave a large gap at the bottom of the frame on this model, much larger gap than on the 642 itself.

Bill

 

[firemanhank]

The SCSW says that your J-frame 36 with serial number 714XXX was made in 1969. That is a good looking gun.

 

[pharmer]

Very nice, that single spot on the cylinder probably came from riding in a holster in the same position for a very long time. Could have been an off duty or backup although the rest is too nice. If'n it could talk.....Joe