Smith & Wesson Model 36 No-Dash .38 Special Revolver, 3-Inch Square-Butt, 1962 Police-Marked
This 1962 Smith & Wesson Model 36 no-dash pairs a scarce 3-inch tapered barrel with the less common square-butt J-frame. Marked “T.P.D.-D17” on the back strap, it carries verified police provenance, adding collectible appeal. Original diamond-center Magna walnut stocks, polished blue finish, and a five-shot .38 Special chambering complete a package that interests both shooters and collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling – Sharp lands and grooves.
This revolver appears to have been fired very rarely. The only visible finish wear is a light cylinder turn line. The original checkered walnut Magna grips display minor handling wear yet retain crisp diamonds and intact silver medallions.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 36 no-dash revolver with 3-inch tapered barrel
- Factory checkered walnut Magna grips with silver S&W medallions
The 3-inch barrel length strikes a balance between concealability and sight radius, making this Chiefs Special variant notably versatile. Its tapered carbon-steel barrel retains the polished blue finish that collectors look for, while the square-butt grip frame offers a full-hand purchase uncommon on most J-frames.
Law-enforcement provenance sets this revolver apart. The “T.P.D.-D17” back-strap stamp confirms prior duty with a police department, a detail many collectors value for its documented service history.
Built during the 1962 mainspring strut transition, serial number 302xxx places it squarely in an era when Smith & Wesson was refining the J-frame design. The exposed hammer allows traditional single-action precision, while the smooth, narrow trigger provides reliable double-action control.
Factory diamond-center Magna stocks remain installed, matching the revolver’s period-correct configuration. Combined with its polished blue finish and sharp rollmarks, the overall presentation underscores careful preservation over six decades.