S&W Model 36 Year of Manufacture?

[roguesam]

Folks-
Trying to get an age on an inherited Model 36 no dash. SN J9545xx.3 inch, light, pinned barrel, beveled latch, round-butt. Picked it up from my father's estate following his passing. It was a pack/glove box/night stand piece that shows it's age. I've been using it as a PD piece when out in the woods here in Oregon. Keeps the raccoons outta the cat food in the basement, too!

 

[bigtubby]

looks like 1982

 

[MIL-DOT]

Here's the S&W DOB sticky-thread.......

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=372213

 

[roguesam]

Mil-Dot
Waited for awhile and never got a reply under the "Here's the S&W DOB sticky-thread.......". Sorry, I thought it was a dead thread...

 

[Ron James]

No, it's still active.

 

[Old Fuff]

Smith & Wesson serial numbers, model numbers and dash numbers can get a bit convoluted. The Model 36 (no dash) was made from 1957 until 1988, but the 36-1 was started in 1967 on the 3" Heavy Barrel only.

Serial numbers didn't have a letter prefix until the "J" series was started in 1969.

Serial number J 954,5xx was made in 1969 or '70

In a popular reference book the serial number range is written:
1982: J915401 - 1J18600. it should be: J9 15401 - 1J 18600

 

[roguesam]

Thanks, Old Fuff, for the clarification and all others for their time & consideration. I'm going to have to break down & call S&W or pick up my own reference work if I'm going to pursue & expand my interest in these nice old wheel guns. A 6" Model 17 came with the 36, and I have a 2.65 inch Model 627 PC coming soon from Bud's. I think I have the bug...

 

[Old Fuff]

It's not a bug it's an addiction...

Buy a copy of Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas / 3rd. Edition. It's available from Amazon, Brownells, and other booksellers.

If you want more specific information about your father's model 36, or perhaps other Smith & Wesson handguns, and are willing to pay to get it, follow the information provided below:

Information concerning historical letters of authentication from Smith & Wesson’s historian, Roy G. Jinks can be obtained from the link listed below.

In exchange for a $50.00 research fee (make any check out to Smith & Wesson, not Mr. Jinks) he will search through the company’s original records until he finds your particular revolver. He will then send you an official letter which usually includes:

A short history of the revolver model’s background.

What the barrel length, caliber/cartridge, finish and stocks were, as well as the exact date it was shipped from the factory – and to what distributor, dealer or individual – as whatever the case may be.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=25301&sectionId=10504