S&W model 36 production year

[Jon442]

I have recently purchased a S&W Model 36 square butt, flat latch Chiefs Special and was wondering the year of production for the pistol.
Serial number 238916 (no letter prefix)

The pistol is in ok condition, a little surface rust by the stocks and a good bit of bluing wear, but all in all, the steel is in excellent condition.

Any and all info provided would help.

Thanks

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum. It is likely a 1962 shipped gun and should be a fine shooter. The 2" are more common than the 3" barrel versions. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Jon442]

If this pistol was to break at any point in time, how would S&W handle the repairs?
Lets say the revolver locks up, and they have to replace parts... The firing pin is attached to the hammer itself among other parts differences compared to J frames of today.
or would they just replace the whole revolver (gasp) I'd rather have the broken revo than a new one... lol

Of this age, would S&W even warranty it?

 

[murphydog]

They "probably" still have parts for it, and if not they are readily available. The lifetime warranty started in 1988 (I think), so yours is well outside that era. There are many gunsmiths outside the factory that can work on it also.

The good news is if you use standard pressure loads and keep it cleaned and lubricated, you will run out of money for ammo before it wears out, and you can pass then it down to your children so they can try to wear it out .

 

[Jon442]

They "probably" still have parts for it, and if not they are readily available. The lifetime warranty started in 1988 (I think), so yours is well outside that era. There are many gunsmiths outside the factory that can work on it also.

The good news is if you use standard pressure loads and keep it cleaned and lubricated, you will run out of money for ammo before it wears out, and you can pass then it down to your children so they can try to wear it out .

I figured as much, I picked it up from a local gun shop that had it for a little while and just wanted to get rid of it because it wasn't in the condition that they like to get "big money" out of it.
The gun has a lot of bluing wear on the hard edges, and a little surface rust around the stocks, but I've taken care of that already and heavily coated with tetra gun grease, which does wonders for rust.(at least it did with my kel tec pocket gun)
The cylinder has a little side to side movement, but nothing out of the normal wiggle that S&W cylinders have in j frames.
Other than all that , the gun looks to be in fair condition, but I didn't buy it for looks. I was looking for a decent carry gun,and I'm not a S&W lock fan, so used I went and scored this one for under 200 bucks.
A little cold blue will take care of the shiny spots if I so choose, which I probably won't.

Nice little piece of history for not a lot of money.
I'd be hard pressed to find any other revo for under 200 with the reliability of S&W m36

 

[bob2231]

Hi Jon
I have the current(3rd) edition of the Standard Cat. of Smith & Wesson,and their serials list 1957 117770-125000,and then pick up again in 1962 w/295000.So,1960-1962 would probably be the right time frame,as was mentioned.
The "Listed"values (because it's actually worth exactly what someone will pay you for it)are
ANIB $575
Exc. $375
V.G. $275
Good $200
Fair $150
Poor $100
The square butt version came out in 1952 w/Walnut grips.
And there is a premium paid for the flat latch,no mention how much,but it's usually a percentage.Probably 5-10%.
I have factory nickle w/mother of pearl grips in the 165xxx range,you'll like yours.
Just take it easy with the +P loads.
Bob

 

[guitarzan]

Hi, I've had my fathers model 36 passed down to me and i'm trying to date it, so I hope you can help me. I remember my father aquiring this pistol in probably the very early 60's. he pistol barrel on the left side reads smith & wesson on the right side reads 38 s&w spl. the numbers on the inside of the frame and cylnder swing out are 5 digits starting with 41XXX. The numbers on the rear of the cylnder and bottom of butt are 5 digits starting with 52XXX. It has the flat cylnder release, the firing pin is pinned, diamond grips, 2 inch barrel and all blued. The box is dark blue cardboard with metal corners, on the side is marked on white paper smith & wesson, 38 chiefs special, blued square butt 2 inch. Top of box has nice silver diamond pattern with S&W on left top, 3 silver lines to bottom right and Smith & wess, Springfield Mass on lower right side. I'm new to this forum and hope I've given you enough info. Any help will be gratefully appreciated. hanks, Joe

 

[bob2231]

Joe
52XXX was most likely from 1954,records of the numbers weren't tracked all that well until into the mid-60s,but the #s for 1955 started above 55XXX.
It was NOT designed for +P loads,they weren't around yet so avoid those.
The values above would apply to yours as well,just try and honestly judge condition.
Bob

 

[Goony]

I've had my fathers model 36 the numbers on the inside of the frame and cylnder swing out are 5 digits starting with 41XXX. The numbers on the rear of the cylnder and bottom of butt are 5 digits starting with 52XXX.

The numbers inside the crane are for reference only during assembly and are irrelevant to dating your revolver. From the serial number you give, it can be deduced that it shipped in 1954. You refer to it being a Model 36, but I am presuming it is not so marked, as that practice did not commence until 1957. In the era your revolver was made, it was simply known as the Chiefs Special, as it says on the box.

 

[guitarzan]

S&W Chiefs Special

Thanks for the reply guys, you've cleared me up on which number is the serial number and dating the pistol. And no the pistol does not say model 36 on it. My father carried this pistol during his carrer in law enforcement and after he passed I was next in line and I carried it as an off duty weapon in my law enforcement carrer. This pistol as myself are both retired now! Thanks again, Joe

 

[smithcha]

model 36

I have a model 36 S/N J186795 when was it made?

 

[Revolver M65]

I just joined because I bought this really nice Model 36-1 nickel plated revolver. I own a colt trooper and a charter arms .38 but they are nothing like this one. I payed $475 for it is that a good price It came with the original box and paperwork. could any body tell me more avout this firearm

 

[bob2231]

The 36-1 came out in 1967,that was the reason for the dash.
What kind of things do you want to know?
Bob

 

[Revolver M65]

Things like, if I got a good deal what was this gun used for IE. Law enforement. what its pros and cons are and any tips people can give me on it