S&W Model 36 DOM?

[dking271]

I just picked up a 3" model 36 (Sq butt) in 98+ condition Ser # 8J11XX for $220. The only negative was that the box had been discarded. Can anyone tell me what year it was manufactured?

Thanks,
DK

 

[thatguy]

That number doesn't look correct. Supica shows all 36s starting with J except for 1982-83 which started 1J and 1984 all guns went to three letter prefix. I don't see any with 8J.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Maby

Possibly 71-72.
Standard Catalog of S&W, 2nd ed, pg 295.

That year group of numbers not really clear to me.

Sam

 

[FPrice]

There have been one or two previous posts concerning M36s and the "J" series of serial numbers. This serial number range seems to require a VERY careful reading of those listed in Supica and Nahas.

One point (I don't have my book immediately available) when did S&W start making 3" M36s? If it was before or by the 1971-72 time period the I think C R Sam may have it.

But, as always, in case of ties, the winner is settled by a certified history letter from Roy Jinks.

 

[dking271]

Thanks for the help, this one is a mystery for me as well. It is a model 36(no dash), and it has the pinned barrel. That is the reason that I thought it is pre-1983. I only know a little of the history of this piece. It belonged to and elderly gent. who kept it as a nightstand gun. When he passed away his brother brought it to my dealer to sell(it was still loaded). Dealer claims the ammo was very old and green. I have detailed the gun and it has definately been shot(though not very much). I am now beginning to think that the '71-72' time frame is more than likely correct, which is what I was thinking when I purchased. If anyone can come up with more any more information, please post or e-mail. I will be contacting S&W to see if they can help.

DK.

 

[dking271]

A quick call to S&W has confirmed that this firearm was manufactured in 1983. The pinned barrel had me confused as did the reference manuals that I have. Thanks again for the help.

DK

 

[C.R.Sam]

"It is a model 36(no dash), and it has the pinned barrel. "

"A quick call to S&W has confirmed that this firearm was manufactured in 1983."

That does not compute.

Sam

 

[dking271]

C.R. Sam,

It did not compute with me either. When I questioned the individual at S&W, his response was that they must have been made with left over parts from inventory. The frame is definately 36(no dash) with a pinned barrel, case colored hammer, and trigger. Is it worth exploring further? I have read about older guns shipping out of S&W, sometimes many years after they were manufactured. Could this be one?

DK.

 

[Old Fuff]

Smith and Wesson used to make a practice of running frames in batches and serial numbering them. They would then draw on this inventory as they made guns, and particular frames might be used to make several different model and/or caliber guns. This being the case it wasn't too uncommon to find that a gun was assembled and shipped at a date later then the serial number would indicate. A letter from Roy Jinks is the only way I know of to confirm exactly when a gun was shipped (there is no way too tell how long it was in the factory after being assembled).

That said, I would be suprised to find what should have been a revolver made during the early 1970's being shipped as late as the early 1980's. The model 36 was a popular one, and sales were strong during the early-middle 1970's.

Anything is possible, but I think C.R.Sam is right. I would confirm that shipping date.

 

[thatguy]

I'm looking at Supica (the book not the man) and I think the 3 inch HB version should be stamped 36-1. It was introduced in 1967 and it was the 36-1 with the heavy 3 inch barrel. Again, I do not see any 8JXXXX serial numbers. The pinned barrel; was dropped in 82 and there certainly could have been a few left over being used up in 83 but the number still looks wrong according to my source. Maybe Supica has it wrong.

 

[Tamara]

and I think the 3 inch HB version should be stamped 36-1

It's hard to be certain from that picture, but I don't think that's a heavy barrel. It doesn't look much like the barrel contour (or lack thereof ) on my 36-1.

 

[dking271]

Thanks for the help, I'll try to post a few better pictures.

DK

I just received an e-mail from S&W, which states "their records indicate a date of manufacture of 1981". I guess I will let it go at that, and believe that the mod 36 (no dash) may have been sittting around in inventory for some reason like they said earlier.