Smith & Wesson S&W Model 36 Chiefs Special Target .38 Spl 2″ Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $1001

LSB#: 210923SS34

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 36 Target, The .38 Chiefs Special

Serial Number: 391777

Year of Manufacture: 1966-1969

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 5-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the frame, below the cylinder release, is marked with the “S&W” trademark logo. The yoke cut is marked “MOD. 36”. The right side of the barrel is marked “38 S.&W. SPL”. The right side of the frame, below the cylinder, is marked with the four-line “Marcas Registradas” address. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch leaf in a fully adjustable base that is screwed to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W medallions and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There is a chip loss on the right panel at the corner where the frontstrap widens into the frame. There are a few scattered light marks. The back edge of the right panel is slightly proud to the backstrap. The checkering is mostly strong. The grips rate about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.  

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some light frost on the grip frame. There are a few little scuffs on the trigger guard. There is some thinning on the edges. There is a light turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The top of the rear sight leaf is slanted slightly downwards to the left of the notch. The screw heads are sharp to lightly used. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has very light movement. The double-action trigger is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching box.

Our Assessment: This small revolver, designed primarily for plainclothesmen and off-duty police officers, made its public debut at The International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in 1950.  At the conference, the Smith & Wesson sales force asked the police chiefs to vote on a name for the new revolver. The most commonly suggested name was .38 Chief’s Special. Designed with the needs of law enforcement officials in mind, the Chief’s Special proved to be a popular revolver for personal protection due to its size and weight. When Smith & Wesson adopted model numbers in 1957, the Chiefs Special became the Model 36. This one is a target model from 1966-1969 and comes with its original factory box marked “TARGET” on the end label. It has hardly any wear and will make a nice addition to your collection, especially with its box. Please see our photos and good luck!