Model 36 find

[4D5]

Well Wednesday I went by one of my favorite local pawn shops. I hadn’t been there in a while as nothing new was coming out. There it was, a clean J frame model 36 Got some help and looked it over. I was in really good shape but the tag said $489 so it was not going home with me. I managed to not let my enthusiasm and lust show

I was amazed how nice it feels in the hand.

I looked over some other guns and BS’d with the gal showing me guns. Then out of the blue she says you can have it for $300 I managed to not jump at the offer, we BS’d a little more and I said you said $275 right, no it was $300. I said I’ll take it, and that it was a good price.

Today I got to give it the once over. Took it all apart and give it a good cleaning, it wasn’t too dirty but the internals were bone dry. It was a little hard opening and the bolt release was dragging on the frame a little so I took care of those two issues. Everything else was good to go.

I can’t figure out the DOB. I looked in my Smith & Wesson book and from what I can tell it was born some time after 1983. Perhaps someone could give me a little help with the DOB.

I plan to get out and run a few round through it this weekend.

S&W model 36 no dash
SN 1J32xxx
No box or papers
DOB ~ 1983+ ?
Blued
2” bbl
38 special

Here are some pictures after cleaning.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You did very well with a price of only $300 on a M36 in that good a condition. Last year I found one made in 1975 in almost new condition and bought it for the same price...

 

[LHRGunslinger]

Usually I'm not that big on S&W's but....I'm sorry give me a minute I need to wipe the drool off my chin.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Good score on the M36. 1982 was the last year for pinned barrels, mine is the same year as AACD's, 1975 M36 with standard barrel. This M36 was a retirement gift and spent it's life in a night stand, fired five times. It came with the original box of ammo, box and papers. Part of a group buy it was $100. That price helped make up for others.

 

[cerberus65]

SCSW says 1983 for 1J18601 and later. Based on how they've listed things I think if it was 1984 or later it would have had the new 3 letter, 4 digit serial number. So 1983. If you want down to the month and day you'll have to get a letter from S&W.

Nice find, btw!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

madcratebuilder,
There is something to be said about a 3" M36 and yours is a nice one for sure...

 

[S&Wfan]

I got this nearly "new" (to me) 1964 Model 36 "square latch/diamond stocks" a couple of years ago. It is an extremely accurate gun too!

The next year I picked up a 1971 3" barreled Model 37 Airweight. I believe the price was $275 on that one. It is the bottom revolver in this photo:

Those little J frames are nice revolvers indeed, and the vintage ones ain't getting cheaper either!

 

[joe_security]

Heres my old stand by. 1970s model, pinned barrel. This one has been protecting me for decades.

 

[doc540]

decent price for a good little gun

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hey 4D5,
It looks like you are in good company, no??