Smith & Wesson S&W Model 36 Chiefs Special .38 Spl 3″ Nickel Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220109RB234
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 36, The .38 Chiefs Special
Serial Number: J243681
Year of Manufacture: 1973-1974
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. SPECIAL CTG.”. 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 matched and stamped “243681”. The interior of both grip panels is stamped “J”. The barrel flat is marked “N” and the rear face of the cylinder is also marked “N”.
Barrel Length: 3”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood magna stocks with S&W medallions. There is a small hairline crack on the front of the left panel at the corner where the frontstrap widens into the frame. There are a few scattered areas of thinning and finish loss. There are a couple of minor compressions and tiny marks through the finish. There are some light handling marks. The checkering is mostly strong but there are a few scattered light marks. The grips rate about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few little nicks, the most noticeable are on the right edge of the muzzle, trigger guard, and on the cylinder. There are a few little spots of finish loss, mostly just under the grips. There are some swirls and draglines from use and storage. There are some faint scuffs on the cylinder. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. There is faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has very light side-to-side movement. The single-action is crisp. 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 gray two-piece box, cleaning rod, bristle brush, two speedloaders, and paperwork including the manual.
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 is a nickel Model 36 with a three inch barrel and square butt, it is in phenomenal shape and comes with its original box, a classic gun to add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!