Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special .38 Spl 2″ DA/SA Revolver 1975-1976

SOLD FOR: $1000

LSB#: 211201SA05

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 36, The .38 Chiefs Special

Serial Number: J259446

Year of Manufacture: 1975-1976

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 matched and stamped “259446” and both panels are stamped “J”.

Barrel Length: 2”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp integral to the barrel. 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 are some scattered light handling marks but no major defects. The checkering is strong. The grips rate about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are one or two little spots of pinprick erosion, hardly noticeable. 

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are lightly used. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent 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 two-piece box 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 square butt model 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!