Smith & Wesson model 36 question

[559BearDown]

Looking to find out the year my BIL's J frame was made. He contacted S&W but couldn't seem to get the answer he was looking for. Serial number starts with ABV8***. Any help would be appreciated!

[tmh1]

According to the Standard Catalog of S&W, the 3 letter SN's started in the "transition years" of 1980-1983. Looks like "ABV" would have been built between Jan, 1983 (ABL4000) and Oct, 1983 (ADE6700), but no info in the book gives a more precise date of manufacture.

[559BearDown]

Thank you very much! I'll be listing it for sale for him and wanted to disclose as much info as possible.

[MrOrange]

You could always get a history letter from the factory, but in this case it's not a collectible so I wouldn't bother. The letters cost $75 these days, and not even the factory can tell you when it was made, what they have are shipping dates.

A letter can help a sale, but it's not like you'll get your $75 out of it.

[SkyHawk]

I am getting one out of jail on Friday, serial J851xx. Any date range for that one? Pre lock and pinned barrel. Thanks!

[DEPUTYBILL]

I am getting one out of jail on Friday, serial J851xx. Any date range for that one? Pre lock and pinned barrel. Thanks!

Looks like 1981

[SkyHawk]

Looks like 1981

Thanks!

[Ann Nonimus]

Well. . . . Is this the front of the line, Mr Orange? I do tip, and I don't wait in line.

AnnO

[Ribkick]

Well. . . . Is this the front of the line, Mr Orange? I do tip, and I don't wait in line.

AnnO

No, Mister Blue. Go to the back of the line and STFU.