Old school S&W revolver

[fhqwhgads]

A few years ago, dad gave me his old .38 S&W revolver. This gun's older than me, probably 40 years old or so. Range owner said it looks to be someone's old service revolver.

Anyone know if I'd be able to get some info on the gun (manufacture date, etc.) if I supplied the SN to S&W?

[beardman2]

my revolver know how is about zero but it sounds like your describing one of the K frame (*crossing fingers*) service models that where made forever.

The S&W forum guys should be able to give you dates etc.

[nick19]

I would try here, I've always wanted to get the history of my S&W M19 to.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...tionId=10504#4

[fhqwhgads]

I admit I don't know anything about S&W revolvers. After finding where to look, noticed that its a Model 36 J-frame with square butt. Known as a 38 Chief Special.

Thanks for the info, guys. I may look into a factory letter just out of curiosity's sake since Dad told me his father bought it from a federal ATF agent.

[bigun]

Dad told me his father bought it from a federal ATF agent.[/quote]

Well that dropped the value right there.

[Brickboy240]

Call Smith & Wesson...their customer service is pretty good...they might be able to give you more info on it.

If it is a Model 36, then is is chambered for 38 Special, not 38 S&W...these are different calibers, you know. Swing out the cylinder and look inside the frame where the cylinder crane goes in. Most Smiths have the model designation stamped right there.

Does it have a pinned barrel? Look at the area where the barrel meets the frame...is there a tiny pin driven into the frame on the upper part? Smith stopped pinning the barrels sometime in the early 70s. Some collectors covet the pinned barrel Smiths more than the later ones without pinning.

Best thing you can do with it is...duh...shoot it! Smith 38 Specials are very good shooters and can be very accurate- even the little Chiefs Specials. Be careful shooting +P ammo out of it until you find out its age and ask Smiths cust service people is it is safe to do so.

I have a 5" Smith Second Model Hand Ejector in 38Spl. made before WWI - the predecessor to the famous Model 10. Talk about old school, but it shoots very well.

Hard to beat Smith d/a revolvers...any of them...from the 38s up to the big 44 magnums...they're great guns.

- Brickboy240

[fhqwhgads]

Originally Posted by Brickboy240

If it is a Model 36, then is is chambered for 38 Special, not 38 S&W...these are different calibers, you know. Swing out the cylinder and look inside the frame where the cylinder crane goes in. Most Smiths have the model designation stamped right there.

Does it have a pinned barrel? Look at the area where the barrel meets the frame...is there a tiny pin driven into the frame on the upper part? Smith stopped pinning the barrels sometime in the early 70s. Some collectors covet the pinned barrel Smiths more than the later ones without pinning.

Best thing you can do with it is...duh...shoot it!

Yes, it's 38 SPL. I checked the yoke? for the model number, and that's where it's stamped "Model 36." Also had 5 digits stamped above the model designation.

Don't have it in front of me right now, but I remember looking last night to see if it was a 3, 4, or 5 screw frame (3). I do believe it has a pinned barrel.

I'm going to teach the wife how to shoot it. If she's interested enough, I'll encourage her to get her CCW and carry this revolver.

[So Flo]

...pictures, please...


We all live vicariously through other's guns here...

[fhqwhgads]

I'll try to get some pics up this evening.

[danp]

I have a M36 on my hip as I type. Very cool little guns, but need some help in the grips. I have Hogues on mine and it is much more comfortable to shoot now.