Ok, my rookie face is showing.....

[rsv1mos]

I'm new to S&W revolvers and I just received a very nice three screw model 36 in .38 S&W Special as new with box and papers.

I checked the serial number (677XXX) against the frame and the cylinder assembly numbers (055XX) and they do not match, however the grips match the serial number stamped on the buttplate.

Should I be upset? Or are the frame and cylinder numbers just assembly numbers?

Thanks

 

[johnsonl]

Congratulations! Late '60's vintage J frame. The number on the cylinder is an assembly number, as you surmised. You're not really a rookie, if you know the difference. The serial number should be on the bottom of the butt. You have scored a nice little Smith. Enjoy it.

 

[opaul]

Yes you did, and they look really cool in a vintage Hunter holster if you can find one.

 

[teesur]

I'll bet this won't be your last one either.
teesur.

 

[rsv1mos]

Thanks to all. Yes, I was alittle shocked to see a different number on the cylinder assembly, but when I popped off the grips and saw the same number there I thought "assembly number."

But before I called the seller and chewed him out for not mentioning it in his ad I thought I would check with those most knowledgable.

And yes, your correct, I have another older one coming that if the pictures hold true it's going to be beautiful. Looks like this:

I have been collecting firearms for around 64 years now, but I'm a fish out of water with Smith & Wessons.

Thanks again for the help..

 

[sqhead]

you've been collecting for 64 years and smith's throw you for a loop? what have you been collecting ,if I may ask?

 

[LazyKB]

Those are nice ones, enjoy.

 

[rsv1mos]

you've been collecting for 64 years and smith's throw you for a loop? what have you been collecting ,if I may ask?

Long guns mostly with just a smattering of WW2 pistols but a whole lot of WW2 era rifles. Had over 400 at one time until storage became a problem. Sold most and concentrated on American made .22's from around 1920 thru 1960.

It was a S&W model 34 rimfire that brought me to Smith & Wesson. Unplowed ground for me and a new experience.

My only revolver until then was an "American Double Action" given to me when I was nine years old along with four long guns, that started my collecting.

For me collecting is mostly a learning experience. It's amazing what you can learn about the world from a different perspective just from buying a firearm made in another country if you do the research.

Smiths didn't exactly "throw me for a loop", I have been dealing with assembly numbers for years mostly in Stevens/Savage "Visible loaders" built in the 20's and 30's but thought it wise to verify here before I confronted the seller.