Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief’s Special .38 Spl 2″ Revolver 1957-1969 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,790.00

LSB#: LSB250524JB004

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 36, The .38 Chiefs Special

Serial Number: 670064

Year of Manufacture: 1968 (Confirmed by Factory Letter)

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 is marked with inspection marks.  Frame and cylinder are very tastefully engraved.

Barrel Length: 2”, 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 two piece bone. They show no wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate an Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, this revolver is only fired a few times. The Bore rates 10/10

Overall Condition: This handgun retains all of its metal refinish. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The aftermarket engraving is very professionally done, with gold inlay.   The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. In short, it’s beautiful. Overall, this revolver is in about 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 blue two-piece box, cleaning rod, owner’s manual, and “onion paper” aka Vapor barrier paper. We have included photos of a Smith & Wesson factory letter confirming that the engraving and bone grips are aftermarket additions, August 30, 1968 shipping date delivered to Evaluators LTD, Triangle, VA with an original configuration of a 2-inch barrel, blue finish, and checkered walnut round butt grips. The letter is not included with the listing. Photos have been included for reference.

Our Assessment:  The Model 36 was introduced as the Chiefs Special in 1950.   It became the Model 36 when Smith & Wesson adopted model numbers in 1957.

While the engraving does not appear to be S&W, it is very well done, with antler handle and gold inlay.  This gun does not show much evidence of use.  Since it is labeled a Model 36 but lacks a J-serial prefix, it is most likely manufactured between 1957 and 1969 (when Model 36 serial numbers began with J).

This is a decorated blue Model 36 with a 2” barrel and square butt.  It is in phenomenal shape and comes with its original box.  This firearm is a rare convergence of beauty and function — a classic gun to add to any collection. -C.B.