Smith and Wesson Model 36 (no dash) date manufactured

[Tommy Gun 1256]

I recently acquired a S&W Model 36 nickel revolver with a 3" barrel. The gun is marked MOD 36 (no dash). The serial number is 366J71. I looked in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson and I can't figure out what year it was made. Could anyone date this revolver? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congratulations on a nice acquisition.

The "roving J series" as dubbed by S&W Historian Dr. Roy Jinks began in 1970 at 1J1 and ended in 1973 at 999J99 (never more than five numbers). Based on others near yours in the database, Smith & Wesson likely shipped yours in the summer of 1972.

Please post photos.

 

[JP@AK]

Bob, our Chiefs Special expert, will be along soon, but I would suggest that 1973 (maybe 1972) would be a good guess for when your revolver left the factory. It is in the "roving J" series that ran from 1970 to 1973.

Well, look at that! Bob snuck in while I was typing. 1972 it is.