S&W 36 J frame 2" Revolver No Dash - odd serial # - looking for date

[jjmIII_Ruger]

Bought a no-dash model 36 for $450 plus shipping and FFL fees. Really happy with the little gun and it's in great shape I think. Appears barely shot. Odd serial number though. Maybe I can get some help on a date? And value?

Serial on grip frame: xxJx
Under grip and on crane: 97373
Gun Broker link: S&W 36 J frame 2" Revolver No Dash .38 spec 38 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 820928611

Came with original grips. I added the Altamont grips for fun!

Thanks for any help!

- Jim

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

Ut-O!

Bought another already!
Smith & Wesson Model 36 38 spl w/ Holster - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 821348263

 

[dubshooter]

Early 70's model. I'm sure someone can help you pinpoint between 71-72 I believe?

 

[murphydog]

Your first model 36 has a serial number format with guns shipped in 1971-'73; yours is probably from the in between year. You paid a fair price. The other one from the closed auction listing is also at a fair price but without a serial number we can't help with a year.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

The other one from the closed auction listing is also at a fair price but without a serial number we can't help with a year.

Here's that serial # J154xxx
looks like 73-74

Thanks!

 

[Frank121]

Bought another already!
Smith & Wesson Model 36 38 spl w/ Holster - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 821348263

I hope you like this gun. I communicated with the seller a couple of times about it and they were very responsive.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

I hope you like this gun. I communicated with the seller a couple of times about it and they were very responsive.

It's true. I had sent them a message and they responded in a few minutes! Once I purchased, they shipped same day. Great system they run! It's a holster gun. The first one I got is a safe gun! Beautiful in person. I love it. Really like them both.

Use a local gunsmith that is a pretty known guy. He does revolvers too. Have a DW 1911 Valor Blue 9mm that needs a magwell installed and a new trigger. Now these two 36's. Hope he has time for my silly projects!

Have a Wilson Combat Spring Kit and will only install if he wants. Maybe clean up double action, single is so nice.

Actually I have a model 19 Classic I want a lock delete kit installed. Been busy and really need to go see Dave.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

New grips are a bit proud. Need some sanding tomorrow.

 

[model3sw]

You've got one of the "floating J" serial numbers I have 171J6 since just about new. IIRC early 1980s. Weird that it was not numbered 171J006, etc.

After J999999, the numbers went 1J1 to 1J99999 (7 digits if I recall correctly). Someone jump in to correct or revise me here.

Use the forum search for "floating J" serial numbers.

I think Gary Lowe (GLOWE) has a nice piece he authored on the J frames with serial number oddities including the "floating J".

Best Regards, Sal Raimondi

 

[Waveski]

Perfect carry , a real classic and a fine example you have there.

I will say , I prefer the original grips , numbered to the gun as they are.

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

I will say , I prefer the original grips , numbered to the gun as they are.

I wiped the originals down and have them stored away. Rather beat up the Altamonts.

 

[murphydog]

You've got one of the "floating J" serial numbers I have 171J6 since just about new. IIRC early 1980s. Weird that it was not numbered 171J006, etc.

After J999999, the numbers went 1J1 to 1J99999 (7 digits if I recall correctly). Someone jump in to correct or revise me here.

Use the forum search for "floating J" serial numbers.

I think Gary Lowe (GLOWE) has a nice piece he authored on the J frames with serial number oddities including the "floating J".

Best Regards, Sal Raimondi

I think the reason is the J frame SNs were somehow restricted to six characters total before 1973. They used up to somewhere around the late 780000s by about 1968 but legislation that year mandated unique SNs. They used J1 to J99999 pretty quickly so off to the "floating Js" they went.