manufacture date for S&W 36

[tomjimmy00]

Hello. I'm trying to determine the year of manufacture for a Smith & Wesson Model 36 that I just bought. It's a straight Model 36, no dash, regular latch (not flat) and serial nunber starts J198. Thank you very much, Tom

[marlinman93]

According to Jim Supica's book, your gun dates to 1971-72 era.
Hope this helps.

[tomjimmy00]

Thanks so much for the prompt reply.