S&W Model 36

My Wife just inherited her Dads S&W. It shoots the 38 S&W ammo. It is pristine and possibly unfired. I've looked on the web but haven't found anything about date of manufacture. It has a serial number of J97xxx. Anybody have any info?

I have a few model 36's and from my notes from various sources serial numbers J1-J99999 were made in 1969 and 1970. 1971-72 includes 1J1 - 999J99. They're great guns, that's a rough way to get one, though.

Thanks, appreciate the info.

You're welcome pardner. I'm sorry for the way she came about it. Yours is probably a .38 Special, which is a pretty good carry round. If you decide to shoot it I'm not sure I'd get +P's for it. The regular stuff works well and a JHP .38SPL will definitely ruin someone's day, Heaven forbid it ever comes to that.

Edited to add: The only reason I said that is because if you're looking for .38 SPL ammo these days you have to look for the non +P stuff. It's easy to grab the wrong box.

Actually, it is a 38 S&W. Even came with a full box of ammo, original box and paperwork.

FIL didn't die. He is in an Alzheimers home. That's even worse than death. He's 90 YOA and his brain is in pretty bad shape. When we go to see him, he thinks I'm his brother in law but doesn't know that my Wife is his daughter. He also wants me to get one of his airplanes, come to the home, and help him escape. He doesn't have any planes and has never flown one. Pretty sad situation. We go see him weekly and he always tries to leave with us. He has what I call a living death.

I'm sorry to hear that. I've been through it but from more of a distance.

Sorry about your family issues, Dave. Prayers up.

I hate to be a pain, but can you verify the barrel and model stamps on your pistol? I have never seen or found a Model 36 in 38 S&W, only 38 S&W SPL. The ammo box does not verify caliber - some 357/38 Specials are able to chamber/shoot 38 S&Ws. You may have a VERY rare gem!

You're right. The barrel DOES say 38 S&W SPL. So, it's actually a 38 SPL. I blew that one. The chamber accepts both cartridges. I'm not knowledgeable about the 38 S&W cartridge and haven't calipered to find the difference. I do know that the S&W is a shorter cartridge. Actually the 38 SPL brass is just about the same length as the S&W cartridge. It is a 36 with a small 2 finger grip.

I actually blew it when I saw the full box of S&W cartridges. Dumb!

I certainly appreciate your help and setting me straight.

Now what to do with a full box of 38 S&W cartridges.