Smith model 36 no dash

[Hughbetcha]

Tonight at the gun club meeting a guy started showing around a very clean model 36 serial number 575988. He said it was a "no-dash" model. I take this to mean that the model # doesn't have a suffix such as my model 66-3. Is this lack of a dash significant in terms of value? does this date the revolver to a specific period? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

He wanted $500 for the gun.

 

[DWalt]

$500 is likely to be on the upper end of the value range unless in really superb condition. SN 575988 would probably have shipped in the late 1967 period, possibly into 1968. Your interpretation of "no-dash" is correct. Get him down to $350-$375 and you may have a deal.

 

[LedFowl]

Welcome to the forum. I'm not big expert; those folks will be along soon. I own a Model 36 no dash. I think there were a lot made. Price is probably high, depending on the barrel length and condition.

 

[RaylanGivens]

I agree with the two prior posters. It's high. I bought one as new in box with documents for 500. I think the 350-375 range is about right.

 

[Richard Simmons]

What barrel length and finish? Given the same condition, (assuming all original) I might pay a premium for a 3" and maybe a bit more if it's nickel but that's just me. Not saying I'd pay $500 but more than if it was a blued 2" model.

 

[linde]

. . . model 36 serial number 575988. . . a "no-dash" model . . . Is this lack of a dash significant in terms of value? . . . does this date the revolver to a specific period? . . .

The Model 36 "no dash" was produced for 31 years (from 1957 to 1988) so I would not attach an added value. From 1950 to 1957 it was identified only as a Chief Special . . . and in 1988 was replaced by the 36-2.

The 36-1 (unlike most dash 1s) was assigned to the 3" heavy barrel when it was introduced in late 1966 and was produced concurrently with the 36 until 1988 when it was superseded by the 36-3.

Russ

 

[tim c]

I agree with all posts way to high. I just recently picked up a pre-model nickel 36 square butt in very nice condition for $360

 

[DWalt]

This was about 6 months ago, but I went through GunBroker to see exactly what prices that Model 36 and pre-36 in average used condition were selling for, as an acquaintance had one he wanted to sell, and wanted to know what he should ask. I found that the great majority of those which actually sold just didn't go for much more than $350, and many for quite a bit less. That pricing would not apply to the very early Chief Specials or those in tip-top condition, especially with original box and papers. In some parts of the country, such as CA, prices may be higher.

 

[mbliss57]

What others have said is true... Unlike a lot of wheel guns a 36 no dash is really no big deal. The Chief's Special pre model 36 and even more the Baby Chief Special from 1950-about 1953 are collectable. The Model 36 no dash is a great little pocket J frame. But they are worth between $150-$400 tops unless they are LNIB. Then maybe $450. Also the 36-1 was a variant not an engineering change to the heavy barrel on 3" models. So there a about a bazillion model 36 no dash guns out there...or something close enough to that number to not get excited by the no dash.. (but still a nice J frame for the right money)

 

[raylan007]

M36 N/D ? barrel length?

Tonight at the gun club meeting a guy started showing around a very clean model 36 serial number 575988. He said it was a "no-dash" model. I take this to mean that the model # doesn't have a suffix such as my model 66-3. Is this lack of a dash significant in terms of value? does this date the revolver to a specific period? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

He wanted $500 for the gun.

You forgot to mention the barrel length which could make a small difference.

 

[bedbugbilly]

I bought a Model 36 no dash snub - blued - with box but box was in sad shape - purchased it two years ago and paid $350.00 for it. It was pristine - appeared to be unfired and was probably a "sock drawer gun". I had been looking for a 3" Model 36 but just couldn't pass up the snub - it's now one of my favorite carry pieces.

About a year ago, I finally found a 3" - blued. No box or papers and grips had been switched out. I got that one for $290 and was tickled pink that I found one. It was probably around 95% as far as finish. It also is a great carry gun. I really enjoy shooting the 3" with 38 Colt Shorts that I reload using a 121 gr. RN cast bullet from my Lyman 358-242 mold. I love my K from M & P but the 3" J frame is just a neat little "kit gun" - easily concealed for carry and also great for woods walking.

 

[bananaman]

I bought a second Model 36 at the gun show last Sept. Was not looking for it, but it called out to me. It is a 1957, 3" numbers matching gun. Box & papers, no tools. Was trade and cash at $425. It is much easier for me to shoot than a 2 incher. Bob