Pre Mod 36

redrover66 · Oct 27, 2010

Have widdow lady's pre mod 36, ser # 93XX, looks like from the book it is 1952, has unserrated ramp site, has flat latch but can not tell if 1st or 2nd version, does 1st have "any" ramping at all or is it totally same height. Second question, why are the assembly numbers so high, 429XX, or is there no relation to those numbers and the serial number?
Looks like about 95% blue or better on frame but with some loss on cylinder. What do you think is a fair price for this revolver. I have told her that I think she could prehaps get a more modern sst revolver in a trade. She thinks after she does complete the NRA safety class that she may rather have a shotgun.

sheriffoconee · Oct 27, 2010

That is a beautiful piece, small trigger guard, flat latch....looks good for her age too.
I would keep it and save my pennies for a shotgun....but that is me...a nice Smith like that would be hard for me to get rid of...

dacoontz · Oct 27, 2010

I think you are right about the first version of the thumb latch not having any ramping, search the forum and I bet this has been discussed before. Assembly numbers do not have anything to do with the serial number. I paid $300 for a factory refinished pre-36 that I would say is refinished at 99% with a turn ring and nothing more. When I bought it the grips were also incorrect as they were a tad bit longer for the later j frame models, that was another $50 for a perfect set. That one looks like it has some holster wear but otherwise looks to be in good shape. I hope that helps with your questions.

SDH · Oct 27, 2010

If you are referring to the half-moon, serrated or smooth ramps as indication of versions, I think they were somewhat mixed with the half moon earliest and all three mixed then the lost the upper screw but were still pre-36's. I don't know about latch versions except that there were a few.
I'd sure like to own one and would get your widow friend a great shotgun in trade for that one.
Best,
Steve

linde · Oct 27, 2010

That's a very desireable Baby Chief Special she has there with an unusual combination of features during it's 1953-1954 transition phase to what we would call a pre-model 36.

There are some very interesting threads in this forum with some very helpful information. Do a key word search for "baby chief".

Russ

chief38 · Oct 27, 2010

Beautiful piece!!

I have a 3 digit one (exact same gun) myself that I found in a gun store about 6 years ago just sitting there in its original RED box. It was marked $175.00 and when I asked if that was the correct price (thinking it was too low and must have been mismarked) the salesman said......oh yes that is correct and because we have had it for a while I can take another 20% off. I paid $140.00 for it and when I got it home I took a very careful look at it and saw that it had never been fired. It is in 100% new condition and I really don't know how much it is worth.

These are "transition" guns that took the gun from a 38 S&W to the 38 special. The grips are not J-frame size, they are I-frame grips, so I would be very careful with them as they are not easy to find in pristine condition, and are very pricey even if you could.

A really nice gun!!

chief38

stonehorses · Oct 27, 2010

Awesome piece...let me know if she decides to sell.

ar15ed · Nov 1, 2010

that is a jewel. i bought one in the same serial range, about as nice as that, about 3 years ago for 335.00. surely they are worth a little more than that on the open market, nowadays. if she were anywhere near me, i would definitely do some shotgun-trading for it!

good luck!
ed

Pre Mod 36

redrover66

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sheriffoconee

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