[repeddler]

I've had the urge to pick up a small blue steel revolver now for a couple of months.

I bought a real nice Smith 686-4 at a gun show last year but wanted another revolver in a smaller size.

Checked out a local gun show last week and picked up a model 36, diamond grips, pinned barrel, shows some wear but no pitting or rust and cylinder is tight.

Probably paid more than I should have but in line with what online auctions seem to get. Plus..cold blue steel in my hand...cash in my pocket..whay can I say. Hey.....I know you've been there!!

Anyways, serial # is 858XX.

I'm thinking I like Smiths so I will have to get The Standard Catalog and check into these guns a bit more, but in the mean time...if any of you gun guru's could help me out, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks, repeddler

[Maddock]

Does it have a "dash" number or a letter prefix to the serial number? Does it even have the model number on the inside of the frame under the cylinder crane?
The reason I ask is that in my reading of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, the 858XX (no letter prefix) range should be about 1956 and pre-36.
The experts should be here shortly, but that is what my reading of Supica and Nahas comes up with.

[repeddler]

on gun, just caliber on right side, S&W on left side of barrel and no prefix letter before numbers I posted.

From perusing other threads and using search, I thought it may be a pre-36.

If it is indeed a '56, that would be cool cause that was my year of birth as well.

Thanks