Stolen S&W Model 36 Stainless Steel

[yona gadoga]

Having read an earlier thread regarding a SS Model 36 I decided to join THR to post my Stolen Model 36. Gun was purchased from an Alabama gunsmith/armorer residing in Casselberry, Seminole County, FL sometime in the late 60's-early 70's. Most likely in the 70's, but not sure since paperwork and box was lost in divorce. The gun was a prototype made from high polished surgical stainless steel. No doubt about this, as it was tested. The front sight was imbeded with orange. The hammer was bobbed so as not to snag in pocket, but had enough left to single action if warranted. The front of the trigger guard was notched so as when your index finger was laid against it the trigger was felt without putting your finger in the guard. I replaced the grips with Crimson Trace first model when they came out with the Model 36 laser grip. Gun was in a black fanny-pack that was between my seats when I took it into tire dealer here in Eustis, FL. I did not notice it was missing for several months, as I never leave the van unlocked and it has a security system and alarm. Having an oil change is the only time that anyone has ever been in my vehilce. Totally my fault, but as rare as this gun is someone may run across it.

 

[dogtown tom]

Sorry, but "prototype" isn't as helpful as a serial number.

 

[rcmodel]

I really hate to rain on your parade.

But it was not made of 'surgical' stainless Steel if it was a Model 36.
The first Stainless-Steel Chiefs Special was introduced in 1965 as the Model 60.
And it was made of ordinance grade Stainless steel, not surgical grade.

If you had a shiny silver Model 36, it was a nickel plated carbon steel revolver.

Otherwise, you need to send the serial number to S&W, along with a check for $50 bucks, to get a factory historical research letter to prove any part of the prototype surgical stainless-steel Model 36 story.

rc

 

[Yarddog]

"Sorry, but "prototype" isn't as helpful as a serial number."

+100 on serial number,, Can't do much without. PS Good Luck
Y/D

 

[jad0110]

Not sure if the OP does this or not, but this is a reminder that it is a good idea to keep a log or spreadsheet inventory of your guns, to include things like the S/N, make and model, barrel length, caliber, date & location of purchase, any modifications and sell date. If something gets stolen, God forbid, I can quickly report the details to the PD.

 

[Dave T]

I have to agree with remodel on this one, except to say I suspect the gun may have been industrial hard chromed. The OP said it was some what customized when he bought it (front sight insert, thinned trigger guard & semi-bobbed hammer) so a after market finish would not be out of line. Some of the better hard chrome shops produce a finished gun that can look for all the world like stainless, particularly to those not as familiar with guns as some of us here.

Dave

PS: "Surgical stainless steel" would be a poor choice for a firearm as it doesn't have the same useful properties as "ordinance grade" stainless.

 

[dfariswheel]

The very early Model 60's were made of a higher level tool grade alloy stainless steel.

Jeff Cooper wrote about this.
This was very early days for the use of stainless in guns, and no one really understood the technology yet.
S&W made the early guns from a tool grade stainless and quickly found out the steel just absolutely ate their tooling up.
They very soon changed to a different stainless alloy.

Cooper said these early Model 60's were so tough, I thought they could never be worn out, and if the cylinder was long enough, he thought they could handle the .357 Magnum.

This early quality stainless is often mis-stated as "surgical quality" stainless.

There have been any number of people who thought they had a true stainless steel Model 36. As far as I heard, all have turned out to be plated guns.