Quote:
Originally Posted by
CrimsonCalc 
| Hi. I am trying to find more out about a smith & wesson 38 special ctg, serial number J186502. It is blued, 2 1/3" barrel. It was purchased in 1966-67.
I am also curious if it is +P rated, and where I can purchase a holster for concealed carry? |
Hello CrimsonCalc
They started using the J-Prefix on the small frame Chiefs special revolvers chambered in .38 Special caliber in 1970. If your Gun has a J-Prefix before it's serial number on the bottom of the grip frame it is from around 1973. If there is no J-Prefix before it's serial number is is from around 1962-1963 Time span and would be considered a 36. The model Pre-36 came out in
1950 These guns were Pre-36's as they did not stamp the guns model number in the crane area
until 1957 time span. It is made on the J-Frame being the smaller of the Three common more modern frames. They came blued or Nickle in finish and were Five shot cylinders. I would not suggest any Plus-P ammo in the Older vintage Model 36's being ones made prior to 1980 Time span they werre intended to shoot the standard .38 Special ammo. I hope this help's, Hammerdown