overwhelming

[speedyjerry]

I'm new here and lost already, just picked up a like new model 36 2" square blue minimum ring wear from rotation, J85819 any idea on its age?

 

[JP@AK]

Probably from 1970.

 

[speedyjerry]

WoW! looks brand new, grips look great no scratches

 

[speedyjerry]

gun show $400.00

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Howdy, Jerry, and welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Smith & Wesson assigned the first J serial number series in 1969 in response to enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968. That first series ran from J1 to J99999 (1969-1970). Smith & Wesson did not ship in serial number order so it's almost impossible to pinpoint your Model 36's ship date without a history letter, which for $100 would tell you the ship date and to whom it shipped. For example look at these two from the database: J77015 shipped in March 1970 and J91175 shipped in August 1969.

If the stocks are original to the gun the inside of the right one will have the serial number minus the J stamped on it.

Great buy. Congratulations.

 

[speedyjerry]

can't read the grip numbers, not stamped deep enough to make out, frame # matches swing out #

 

[speedyjerry]

Will make a nice gift for my little sister

 

[two-bit cowboy]

can't read the grip numbers, not stamped deep enough to make out, frame # matches swing out #

That (probably five digit) number is the assembly number. If you removed the side plate you'd find the same number stamped on the back of it.