Two, new to me, Model 36s

[R61414]

On two recent trips to my LGS, I came home with two different S&W Model 36s.
The first one, is a Model 36-6, 3", Target version, which I did not know even existed until I saw it in the store that day. I always loved my Model 36-1, 3", Nickel, so I had to add this beauty, complete with matching box, papers and tools. The manufacturing date on this one is easy since they only made them in 1989.
However, I am having trouble dating my second purchase. This S&W Model 36-2, 2", has a SN of BET24**. I have the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition. I have searched the "Dreaded Triple-Alpha Serial Number Ranges" but cannot find any that start BET. After multiple searches, my wife even looked for the BET listing, but could not find one either. Is there a newer Edition with this serial number prefix? Anyone have any suggestions or insight?

 

[L-2]

Contact S&W via telephone:
Contact Us | Smith & Wesson

1-800-331-0852

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats on picking up those two Chiefs.

Your 36-6 is likely a BEA serial number, like every other one in my database. Roy Jinks, in letters on that model, said there were 2,000 of them in 1989. Most of the 36-6s in my database shipped summer through fall of that year.

There isn't a newer version of the SCSW. Supica & Nahas published the information available to them at the time. Much new information has surfaced since they went to press.

I only have one BET serial number in my database: BET2181 is also a Model 36-2. Luckily it came with its original box. The Spec Ord code on the box is 1254 (September 11, 1991), which as I've heard the story was the day the revolver was packed in the box ready for shipment. Actual ship date could be soon after or months after the Spec Ord date.

That's a late date for a 36-2, and near the transition to the Model 36-7. For example my Model 36-7 Lady Smith BKP9865 shipped in October 1991.

 

[R61414]

Yes, the S&W Model 36-6 has a BEA89XX SN and was made in 1989.

My big question is regarding the S&W Model 36-2 and the fact that the "BET" Serial Number refix is not listed in the Standard Catalog.