hillbilly grandpa
Active Member
I saw a S&W .38 Special Chief's Special Revolver I'm interested in. I need some help dating it. It's a Model 36, with a dash. Serial number J229XXX. I can't find any accurate informtion. Any suggestions?
Smith & Wesson Production Date
- Thread starter hillbilly grandpa
- Start date
The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast
Member Benefits:
No ad networks! Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership Discuss anti-gun legislation Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses Discover free outdoor shooting areas View up to date on firearm-related events Share photos & video with other members ...and so much more!
Member Benefits:
- Nov 11, 2009
- 30,902
According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, "J" serial prefix from J100,000 to J250,000 were made in 1973-1974, models 36, 37, 49, 50.
36-1 production began in 1969; 36-2 in 1988.
36-1 production began in 1969; 36-2 in 1988.
Looks like Bob nailed it down according to J serial number.
Hillbilly Grandpa: your information is that it is model 36 “with a dash” but that is incomplete because where there is a dash there is a number. The first generation S&W models have just the destination like “36” and no dash/digit following it.
I refer to my first generation S&Ws as “XX No Dashes” as a point of pride, but purists hate it when you do that. They insist you just say “it’s a Model 36” if it is a first gen.
Hillbilly Grandpa: your information is that it is model 36 “with a dash” but that is incomplete because where there is a dash there is a number. The first generation S&W models have just the destination like “36” and no dash/digit following it.
I refer to my first generation S&Ws as “XX No Dashes” as a point of pride, but purists hate it when you do that. They insist you just say “it’s a Model 36” if it is a first gen.
august1410
Marcas Registradas
Looks like I am late to the party. Glad everything got sorted out. I'll go back into my Fortress Of Solitude until someone else has a Smith and Wesson question. 
When I see the S&W logo in the sky, I will appear....
When I see the S&W logo in the sky, I will appear....
I appear more promptly when the Royal Farms logo appears in the clouds...just sayin’...
august1410
Marcas Registradas
I'm all the way down in NC. If I see the RF logo in my sky, I'm gonna get nervous.
I will take some of their chicken, though.
hillbilly grandpa
Active Member
Thanks to Bob A, R&R, and others who provided very helpful info. I'm able to proceed with your solid feedback.
rob b
c@r collecting
Hope this helps
Early J frame serial numbers
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions.
1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544
J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.
1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX
1955 - 4 screw side plate ends
1957 - stamping of model number at 125000
1966 - flat latch ends
1968 - diamond grips end
1975 - heavy barrel standard
1982 - end pinned barrel
Early J frame serial numbers
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions.
1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544
J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.
1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX
1955 - 4 screw side plate ends
1957 - stamping of model number at 125000
1966 - flat latch ends
1968 - diamond grips end
1975 - heavy barrel standard
1982 - end pinned barrel
dist1646
Ultimate Member
An interesting side note about S&W is that they made frames in batches, then put them in storage. When they filled an order, frames were often grabbed at random. I have seen S&W's with early features on later serial numbered frames and vice versa. I just watched a couple of those go for vastly different sums on GB due to the rarer version having a higher serial number.
Users who are viewing this thread
Forum statistics
Latest threads
-
-
-
-
-
-
The Nation's Gun Show in Chantilly, VA April 19-21 (2 Viewers)- Started by Aamdskeetshooter
- Replies: 1
-
