36 no dash questions

[Smith & Hammer]

looking at a 36 no dash in nice very shape, even looks to be unfired. It doesn't have the flat latch,no diamond stocks, the
s/n 171xxx. the catalog isn't that clear on the earlier years of the no dash.
no flat latch (1966), and no diamond stocks (1968 ), but the s/n says early to mid 60's? it doesn't add up to me, I'm sure I'm missing something.
the owner has owned it for a few decades and it just stayed in the original box. I am wondering if the stocks are original or not.

Bryce

BTW I've already applied for S&WCA membership, but don't have access to the site yet. (I couldn't wait)

 

[Masterbuck54]

Original stocks

Check the inside of the stocks for a serial number stamped.

If original should be same number as gun.

Masterbuck54

 

[jcelect]

Database

According to the Chief's Special database on the SWCA site your gun, #171xxx, should have shipped sometime in 1959-1960. I would guess the grips are not numbered to this gun!
jcelect

 

[two-bit cowboy]

If it has the contoured style thumbpiece and no-diamond stocks is there a "J" in front of the serial number?

Sounds like one from 1973.

S&W made a Model 36 from 1958 through 1988.

You might be getting confused because the company also made a Model 36-1 with a 3" Heavy Barrel beginning in 1966 and through 1988.

 

[Smith & Hammer]

I failed to mention that it is a stubby, and it's definitely a no dash. but it's clear I need to do some more homework on this. I've seen it in person, but never thought of taking pics then. I think the mystery here might be the s/n isn't complete.

thanks for the help

Bryce

 

[dsk]

If it actually has a J prefix then it's a 1969.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

If it actually has a J prefix then it's a 1969.

The J prefix serial numbers in 1969 began at J1 and ran to J99999 in 1970.

J serial numbers with six digits began at J100000 in 1973 and ran to J999999 in 1983.

Between the two series were the roving J series.

 

[cmansguns]

could it still be original even w/o diamond stocks?

I have often wondered the exact same thing(s) about my Model 36- no dash. Per Dr. Roy Jinks, my serial number 501664 (NO "J" floating or otherwise), shipped from the factory January 1967.

So..yeah.....standard contoured latch matches up but 1 year before diamond stocks eliminated, and my stocks are not numbered on either panel.

I got this from an estate auction and it appeared as unfired since shipping from factory which seemed to jive with the estate description and some other nice pieces for sale.

We all know that S&W factory did strange and different things to revos being assembled and shipped in those days....and I'm sure those things were done only to confuse us collectors 60 years plus in the future.

Mysteries? For sure......but still a very nice piece that the OP is looking at..........grab it while you still can! The only "fact" I've been able to prove beyond a shadow of doubt with these S&W's is: "They don't make them exactly like that anymore"

 

[Smith & Hammer]

well I've been able to get more info this M36 no dash.

1. the s/n is J171453. its on the box label, cyl, frame, and stocks are # to the gun.

2.it has the the newer (1966)latch, and the stocks don't have (1968)diamonds.

3. the yoke is definitely stamped as a 36 with no dash and is written the box too.

4. and for what its worth, it has the coil trigger spring not steel.

so are we looking at missing -1? I haven't asked yet if they bought it new, it looks brand new and they have had it for decades.

sorry for not posting any pics. I do have some, but I going to need a little help from my nephew to figure it out. might be a few days.

Bryce

 

[Model19man]

well I've been able to get more info this M36 no dash.

1. the s/n is J171453. its on the box label, cyl, frame, and stocks are # to the gun.

2.it has the the newer (1966)latch, and the stocks don't have (1968)diamonds.

3. the yoke is definitely stamped as a 36 with no dash and is written the box too.

4. and for what its worth, it has the coil trigger spring not steel.

so are we looking at missing -1? I haven't asked yet if they bought it new, it looks brand new and they have had it for decades.

sorry for not posting any pics. I do have some, but I going to need a little help from my nephew to figure it out. might be a few days.

Bryce

Per Bob above:
"You might be getting confused because the company also made a Model 36-1 with a 3" Heavy Barrel beginning in 1966 and through 1988."

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The serial number makes perfect sense.

All Chiefs Specials have a coil spring. It's one of the identifying features of the original J-frame in 1950. By the way, it is steel.

You didn't absorb my earlier post. The Model 36-1 has a 3" Heavy Barrel -- period, dot, no exceptions.

S&W made the Model 36 from 1958 through 1988. A Model 36 from that period has either a 2" or a 3" lightweight barrel. S&W discontinued the 3" lightweight barrel in 1976.

 

[Smith & Hammer]

Per Bob above:
"You might be getting confused because the company also made a Model 36-1 with a 3" Heavy Barrel beginning in 1966 and through 1988."

The serial number makes perfect sense.

All Chiefs Specials have a coil spring. It's one of the identifying features of the original J-frame in 1950. By the way, it is steel.

You didn't absorb my earlier post. The Model 36-1 has a 3" Heavy Barrel -- period, dot, no exceptions.

S&W made the Model 36 from 1958 through 1988. A Model 36 from that period has either a 2" or a 3" lightweight barrel. S&W discontinued the 3" lightweight barrel in 1976.

Thanks for the corrections. so what your saying is a 36 no dash with a 2" barrel in this case would still be a 36 no dash made in early 70's

 

[Dvus]

The gun is legit, go get it!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

so what your saying is a 36 no dash with a 2" barrel in this case would still be a 36 no dash made in early 70's

Specifically 1973.