I just bought a Smith and Wesson 36 from a local dealer. This gun will probably be used as a BUG to my 1911. I'm curious if any of the S&W scholars can tell me more about my gun. The gun's serial number is 73XXX. The barrel is pinned (I think) but the chambers are not recessed. On the frame it says "Mod. 36"; there is no dashed number for the model number (I heard these are slightly more desirable?). The barrel is tapered and about 2". Also, I was curious about the "Marcas Registradas" on the right side. I know that this is some kind of proofmark to distinguish it as a bona fide Smith gun...do the newer Smiths have this mark? I don't remember seeing it. Any help is appreciated.
What did I just purchase?
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J-Frame .38 Special AKA 38 Chief Special
I'm no scholar, so someone correct me if my notes are wrong. IIRC S&W never recessed .38 Special cylinders. The only dash number I have noted is a "-1" which indicated a 3" heavy barrel, the 36-1 came about in 1967.
I'm no scholar, so someone correct me if my notes are wrong. IIRC S&W never recessed .38 Special cylinders. The only dash number I have noted is a "-1" which indicated a 3" heavy barrel, the 36-1 came about in 1967.
Andrew Wyatt
Member
that's just like dad's.
My 37 has the same exterior markings (except it's a 37, of course) and is also pinned and not recessed.
SHould be a fine packing gun. I can see the benefots of the aluminum/titanium/riboflavin frames aas far as packing goes, but the steel frames are more shootable.
My 37 has the same exterior markings (except it's a 37, of course) and is also pinned and not recessed.
SHould be a fine packing gun. I can see the benefots of the aluminum/titanium/riboflavin frames aas far as packing goes, but the steel frames are more shootable.
I show the Model 36 as going up to a dash 9.
The 36 with no dash was made from 1957-1966.
The serial number you list doesn't jibe with this however. I guess someone who knows what they are talking about will have to answer. The way I read this book it shows it being made in 1955
The 36 with no dash was made from 1957-1966.
The serial number you list doesn't jibe with this however. I guess someone who knows what they are talking about will have to answer. The way I read this book it shows it being made in 1955
Recessed cylinders were only used on magnums and rimfires.
You have probably quoted a factory number or omitted an "x". Look on the butt of the grip frame for the serial number.
The dash (-) numbers did indeed go up to -9 with the series.
You have probably quoted a factory number or omitted an "x". Look on the butt of the grip frame for the serial number.
The dash (-) numbers did indeed go up to -9 with the series.
FPrice
Member
"The one on the butt is 2J9XXX."
Supica and Nahas show no "2J" serial numbers (at least that I could find). Did you possibly mean to write "J29XXX"? If so, this would make your M36 about a 1969 model. Can you please verify the number.
Supica and Nahas show no "2J" serial numbers (at least that I could find). Did you possibly mean to write "J29XXX"? If so, this would make your M36 about a 1969 model. Can you please verify the number.
yesterdaysyouth
Member
take the grips off and take a pic of the other side....
looks like a pre mod. 36 that got a stamp sometime later in life to me... prehaps when it went back for work or something???
looks like a pre mod. 36 that got a stamp sometime later in life to me... prehaps when it went back for work or something???
yesterdaysouth- I tried taking another set of pics but the imprints are so light that it isn't coming out in a photo. The left side has an "E", two seemingly random slashes like this: "\ /", a "7", the numbers: "73XXX", and a circular symbol that appears to have a circle and a "2" in it. I'm not sure about the circular symbol though as only half of it is imprinted into the frame. The weird thing is that the right side of the frame has a "K" in a triangle, a "J" in a circle, and a number "3" that is at a 45 degree angle. Thanks for taking the time to help out!
yesterdaysyouth
Member
sounds like this thing has a history....
i was just wanting to see the frame screws, and how many there are...
i was just wanting to see the frame screws, and how many there are...
Just might be worth the $30 note to Mr. Jinks to learn the real story if no one else can help.
Daniel, skip on over to:
http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi-bin/sandwcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro
The good folks over there know their Smiths inside and out.
Daniel, skip on over to:
http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi-bin/sandwcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro
The good folks over there know their Smiths inside and out.
FPrice
Member
Daniel...
I don't know about you but that sure looks like a "2J" to me!
I strongly second Majic's suggestion to invest $30 with Roy Jinks. This just may be a firearm with a story. Or a past. Or a dark secret.
I don't know about you but that sure looks like a "2J" to me!
I strongly second Majic's suggestion to invest $30 with Roy Jinks. This just may be a firearm with a story. Or a past. Or a dark secret.
I asked the question over on the Smith and Wesson forum here:
http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/010411.html
Some people really know their Smiths!
http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/010411.html
Some people really know their Smiths!
Sorry bud, I could not resist! 
VonFatman
Member
Just an F.Y.I....
You can solve S&W age mysteries with your
telephone and it's a toll free call! Their number is on their
website. They have very good customer service
people! I enjoyed the discussion.
In fact, that is what I did with my Model 36.
S&W informed me it was made in 1952 (now
a C&R gun) and advised me to stay away from
any +p or p+ ammo due to the gun's light frame.
------------
S&W
By Telephone:
1-800-331-0852 (USA)
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time
--------------
My 36 has the s/n inside the frame...
You can solve S&W age mysteries with your
telephone and it's a toll free call! Their number is on their
website. They have very good customer service
people! I enjoyed the discussion.
In fact, that is what I did with my Model 36.
S&W informed me it was made in 1952 (now
a C&R gun) and advised me to stay away from
any +p or p+ ammo due to the gun's light frame.
------------
S&W
By Telephone:
1-800-331-0852 (USA)
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time
--------------
My 36 has the s/n inside the frame...
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