Help with S&W history

[Universal]

I am helping a co-worker out with a Smith & Wesson revolver that belonged to a deceased family member. It is a nickle plated model 36 no dash but the serial number falls within the 36-1 year ranges. Am I doing something wrong when looking the information up in the "Standard Catalog of S&W"? The serial number is J25**** but the model number is "36". I came up with a likely year of 1975.

Any input?

Also, I have offered to clean it up as it has been stored for sveral years and is a bit dirty. Is there anything I shold know about the nickle finish? I plan to use Hoppe's #9 and give it a good scrubbing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pistol Toter]

J100000 - J250000 1973 to 1974
J250001 - J370000 1975 to 1976
DO NOT USE HOPPES # 9 ON NICKEL IF THERE IS THE SLIGHTEST BRAKE IN THE PLATING AND THE HOPPES GET I UNDER IT THE PLATING WILL FLAKE OFF. USE A NON-CLORINATED / AMMONIA PREPARATION. I BELIEVE THAT SHOOTER CHOICE MAKES A CLEANER THAT IS SAFE TO USE!! Please excuse the all caps, I just don't want you to ruin your gun. If in doubt go to the Smith & Wesson forum and get in touch with a fellow named Dick Burg. Regards Pistol Toter

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Universal My Friend-

Looks too me, you are right on the money with a manufactuer date of
between 1975 and 1976 as per The Standard Catalog Of Smith N Wesson
2nd edition by Supica & Nahas (page 295). The S/N range for that period
ran from S/N J250001 thru J370000.

 

[Universal]

Thanks guys. I am still a little confused why the gun is not stamped 36-1 if it was made in 1975 or 1976.

Toter - thanks for the heads up on the Hoppe's. The gun is in very nice shape, just dirty but I will be sure to check it over again before cleaning it.

 

[Majic]

Parts are made in batches. It's possible for the frame to have laid around in inventory before being used.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Pistol Toter is right about Hoppe's No. 9 on nickel-plated guns. It's my understanding CLP is fine to use on them.

 

[Universal]

I really appreciate your advice. I am going to leave the cleaning job to the owner of the gun. I sure am glad that I did not start scrubbing it down with Hoppe's and ruin the gun. It is a one of a kind, engraved with the deceased family member's name. It makes sense with regards to the parts and the model number.

Thanks again guys.