Also produced in heavy barrel 3″ version without target sights.1955-1975 – Produced as Model 50 with target sights in 2″ and 3″ barreled models.1957 – Chief’s Special continued as the Model 36.
1955 – Removed upper sideplate screw at serial 75,000 (three-screw).1953 – Elimination of screw in triggerguard, larger grips (four-screw).1952 – Introduction of square butt at serial 21,342.1951 – Slightly larger frame and triggerguard.S&W constantly made small design tweaks on their guns, and thereby produced a multitude of variations in the Model 36. Smith & Wesson is definitely not Ford Motor Company. A pre-Model 36 is a Chiefs Special made before 1957. Most of the guns that got a model number had a pre-model number name. This is why you get the curious pre-Model # designations. The Terrier became the Model 32, and so on. The Military & Police became the Model 10. In 1957, S&W went to a number system for designating guns. In a stroke of marketing genius, S&W named the gun the Chiefs Special and thus it has remained ever since. It was introduced at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in October 1950. Smith & Wesson lengthened the cylinder and frame of the I-frame, and beefed it up a bit. The demand was great for a snubby that was small like the Terrier but able to handle the. It was very popular because it was so small and light, but it was not strong enough to handle the more powerful. The I-frame was a 5-shot hand ejector double action revolver. 38/32 (.38 S&W) Terrier I-frame revolver. The Chiefs Special J-frame was developed from the very popular. Whether or not we would declare it the archetypal snubby would come down a matter of personal taste, but the Chiefs Special is certainly the leading contender for that designation. In its essential notes, it is copied by Ruger, Taurus and Charter Arms. The Colt Detective Special is gone but not forgotten, as is the S&W Model 10 Military & Police snubnose, but the diminutive J-frame snubnose remains one of the most popular personal defense handguns in the world. I would be willing to suggest that it is the most influential compact revolver design of the 20th Century. 38 Special revolver produced by Smith & Wesson.
The Chiefs Special was the first 5-shot J-frame. 38 Special snubby that honor goes to the Colt Detective Special in 1927. POSTAL MONEY ORDERS preferred for your protection.We reserve the right to terminate sales or listings at any time.The Chiefs Special, which later came to be known as the Smith & Wesson Model 36 was not the first production. Money Orders,Wire transfers etc.Electronic transactions add 3%.U.S. We accept Visa, M/C, Discover, Cashier's checks. MAKE OFFER! MUST SELL! 3 Day Inspection Privilege. Much more hand fitting evident in this "Old School" snub nose than current models! Just has the look and feel of one carried by a professional. Excellent bore and mechanical condition, appears fired very little, does have some finish wear on LH side frame in front of the grip.Some dings of the bottom of the grips. This trimming of the hammer spur reduced snagging of the hammer when drawing from a pocket or purse.It has a trigger shoe added to improve trigger "feel". The hammer has been "nubbed" on this little beauty, as was the style back in the day for pocket carry. Early pinned barrel and "flat latch" style cylinder release. 38 special, Serial #1638XX, Snub-nosed revolver, 5 shot round butt on the handy S&W "J" frame. Description: ** CLASSIC** SMITH &WESSON Model 36, cal.