When was it made ?

[AlabamaBoy]

Got a model 36-1 5 shot 38spl CTG  from my dad. What doea the CTG mean  and wondering what the age and worth would be on the cylinder arm it has a 4 digit number the serial number is covered up by after market  grips . I know the gun to be atleast 30 years old as I am 27 and he bought it used shortly before I was born and he is the third owner .The gun is 100% but has no box or paper work with it . Thanks in advance
        Bamaboy

[Hammerdown]

Got a model 36-1 5 shot 38spl CTG  from my dad. What doea the CTG mean  and wondering what the age and worth would be on the cylinder arm it has a 4 digit number the serial number is covered up by after market  grips . I know the gun to be atleast 30 years old as I am 27 and he bought it used shortly before I was born and he is the third owner .The gun is 100% but has no box or paper work with it . Thanks in advance
        Bamaboy

Hello Bamaboy
You have to be a Little more Precise about the guns serial number to have it dated. The numbers you are seeing inside the crane area are assembly Plant number's to make certain the parts to that revolver mainly the frame and cylinder along with the crane get reunited after final fitting & final finishing.The guns true serial number will be located on the butt of the frame so it means the grips have to be pulled to see it. if you want to P.M. me here Privately with all but the last Number digit, I would be happy to look it up for you. This will Only Give you a rough idea of when it shipped as the Only True way to know for sure, is to send in for a Factory History letter at a cost of $35.00 or so. I hope this helps, Hammerdown

[superdown]

I believe the CTG means cartridge . superdown                                                                                                                                                                                                 P.S.  from what ive seen hammerdown knows his stuff.

[Hammerdown]

I believe the CTG means cartridge . superdown                                                                                                                                                                                                 P.S.  from what ive seen hammerdown knows his stuff.

Hello Bamaboy
Moderator superdown is correct in saying C.T.G. Means Cartridge. This was stamped on S&W revolvers to let the user know it was Intended for the Longer more Powerful .38 Special cartridge. Part of the reason for this is S&W also made the .38 S&W Long cartridge for their smaller-J- and before that I frame revolver's, and they did not want any confusion as to what cartridge was meant to be used in their guns as the .38 S&W Long Cartridge will fire in a .38 Special revolver but you could not take a gun chambered in .38 S&W Long and fire the .38 Special in it. Much like shooting the .38 special cartridge in a gun chambered in .357. You can Fire a .38 special cartridges in a .357 magnum revolver, But you could not fire the longer .357 magnum in a revolver chambered in .38 Special. I hope this helps, Hammerdown.