Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-24-2009, 11:37 AM
Trader Dix Trader Dix is offline
Member
S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information***  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information***

I recently received this pistol from an estate and would like some help in identifying the year it was manufactured.

The serial number is 41976.

Best i can tell at this point is it was made between 1952 and 1955.

If anyone can help me out or point me to where i can get the information it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks......
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-24-2009, 12:07 PM
s3dcor's Avatar
s3dcor s3dcor is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 489
Likes: 348
Liked 968 Times in 133 Posts
Default

The book is not very specific. 1953 started with serial number 28916 while the 1955 year starts with 55050. I would think your M36 whould be about 1954.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-24-2009, 09:23 PM
Trader Dix Trader Dix is offline
Member
S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information***  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Thank you for replying. I was having trouble coming up with an approximate year.

Your response helps me greatly.

Have a Merry Christmas!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-25-2009, 12:03 AM
crsides crsides is offline
US Veteran
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information*** S&W Model 36 "Chiefs Special" ***Need Information***  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: upstate SC / Mtns SW Va
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 3,064
Liked 9,875 Times in 1,986 Posts
Default

to piggy back on Trader Dix question, I looked at 2 chief's today. Bought # 699280. The other one is a flat latch 405089. Can I get an approx date of mfg on them.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-25-2009, 01:20 AM
s3dcor's Avatar
s3dcor s3dcor is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 489
Likes: 348
Liked 968 Times in 133 Posts
Default

The books only gives a general date so it is not possible to give a closer date. What it says is:

1962 sn295000
1969 sn786544
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-25-2009, 01:33 AM
ajpelz ajpelz is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Desert of AZ
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I am no expert, but, technically, I do not think you have a model 36. First of all, no model numbers were assigned until 1957, so at the very least, it is a pre-36. However, with this model, I am pretty sure that there was a significant change from the your gun to the model 36. If I am right, the J frame grips will not fit your gun. The grip is shorter than what would become the J frame. These were actually known as "Baby Chief Specials." If I am off, please somebody let me know. I have one that is serial # 35XXX, and it is from 1953 or so. Great guns, and if in decent shape, they are worth a pretty penny. 500-600. Does it have a flat latch cylinder release?

Check with s&wchad, he has got some good info on these little guys.

Help identifying a snub-nose .38

Last edited by ajpelz; 12-25-2009 at 01:36 AM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
j frame, m36, s&w, snubnose

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Value of model 36 chiefs special 3" tmat89 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 5 03-13-2016 12:06 PM
Chiefs Special "Target" Model 36 jackvs1 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 9 06-09-2015 02:11 AM
FS: Model 36 no dash 2" "Chiefs Special" Ex. Cond. xssv GUNS - For Sale or Trade 2 10-14-2014 10:58 AM
Model 36 "chiefs special" .38 RollTide227 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 13 04-18-2013 12:39 PM
FS: S&W model 60-2 "NY-1" NYPD Chiefs Special weaselmeatgravy GUNS - For Sale or Trade 1 10-07-2010 09:13 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:30 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)