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


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  #1  
Old 07-16-2012, 05:42 PM
NICKDCI NICKDCI is offline
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Hey guys,
I am looking at a 36 for sale. The serial # is 123xxx.
I date that before 1957 so would that make it a pre-36?
It also does not indicate a model on the frame.


thanks for any info
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Old 07-16-2012, 07:19 PM
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murphydog murphydog is offline
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Yes, official name Chiefs Special, probably shipped in the mid-50s. The collector types only call it a "pre-36" since 1957 when numbers were assigned.
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Old 07-16-2012, 07:28 PM
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JSR III JSR III is offline
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Just realize that S&W has been recycling some of the "old" names. There is the Chief Special revolver and now the Chief Special semi automatic. There is the Lady Smith revolver in .22 caliber and now the Lady Smith revolver in .38 special IIRC built on the model 36 frame. So it does get confusing.

The original Chief Special became the model 36 in 1957 at around serial number 125,000 so the one you are looking at is one of the last "pre model" 36's made.

Hope that helps.
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Old 07-16-2012, 08:54 PM
crsides crsides is offline
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If the serial number is 123456, I'd be interested in it.


Charlie
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Old 07-16-2012, 09:48 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NICKDCI View Post
Hey guys,
I am looking at a 36 for sale. The serial # is 123xxx.
I date that before 1957 so would that make it a pre-36?
It also does not indicate a model on the frame.

thanks for any info
It actually dates to production within 1957 albeit it may have shipped in 1958. So it's officially a "Model of 1953 Chiefs Special" produced on the 'cusp' and is just barely a pre Mod 36 (a collector term) since it's not stamped. It should have a flat latch and diamond stocks.

If produced from 1950 when introduced, but prior to the Model of 1953 it's officially referred to as "Cheifs Special" or Baby J frame (another collector term). That's because they have the smaller tirgger guard and grip frame of the I frames.
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Old 07-17-2012, 04:42 AM
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They are nice old guns and if it is in good condition and the price reasonable, go for it!
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