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01-09-2015, 04:58 PM
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what did I buy? new-to-me snubnose
Howdy guys, I just picked up a new toy and am curious what exactly it is. Thanks!
It's a hand ejector, no model# on the yoke
Serial # has no letter prefix, 5-digits 355XX
1-7/8" barrel stamped 38 S&W SPL
Fixed Sights
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01-09-2015, 05:44 PM
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You have what collectors call a Baby Chief.Its a early Chiefs special which then became the Model 36.Looks like a pretty decent little Gun,Enjoy!
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01-09-2015, 05:56 PM
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It's a "Baby" Chief's Special, from ca. mid-1953.
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01-09-2015, 05:59 PM
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Thanks guys, I'd say I did OK @ $300+ tax, can't wait to shoot it!
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01-09-2015, 06:01 PM
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$300 is a reasonably good buy for a Baby Chief in average condition. They are fairly desirable, being early in the production run.
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01-09-2015, 06:04 PM
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Nice find & welcome to the club.
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01-09-2015, 07:34 PM
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Hard not to like those.
Read about their introduction and evolution here:
Simplified Chronology - "Model .38 Chiefs Special" Simplified Chronology - "Model .38 Chiefs Special" - Smith & Wesson Forum
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01-10-2015, 12:12 AM
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According to that chronology mine should be a full size j frame chief special not a baby, agreed?
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01-10-2015, 12:59 AM
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No, you have the smaller rounder trigger guard, serial number below 45000, and shorter grips. You have a Baby Chief.
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01-10-2015, 01:05 AM
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Oops I read the serial number range wrong. It feels great in my hand that's for sure, now to find a holster, ankle & pocket to have on hand, for times when I'm not comfortable with my shield iwb.
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01-10-2015, 01:07 AM
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I would buy those all Day long for $300.
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01-10-2015, 03:46 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrantA
Oops I read the serial number range wrong.
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Never question these folks when a question is asked and answered, some of the most knowledgeable people on S&Ws here on this site.
I carry model 37 and wouldn't trade for any modern day polymer CCW out there.
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01-10-2015, 07:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem
Never question these folks when a question is asked and answered, some of the most knowledgeable people on S&Ws here on this site.
.
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It won't happen again :-)
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01-10-2015, 11:40 AM
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Amen to that!
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01-10-2015, 03:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem
I carry model 37 and wouldn't trade for any modern day polymer CCW out there.
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^^^^^^ This.
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01-10-2015, 04:33 PM
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Five screw J frame, small trigger guard , short grip frame, 1st style "flat latch" cylinder release , early hammer spur, serrated ramp FS ... (guessing) it has plastic grip medallions instead of nickeled brass ?
While 1953 is an Early Baby Chief three design changes had already occurred since introduction in 1950.
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01-10-2015, 05:25 PM
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$300 for a baby chief like that -- I should be so lucky! Enjoy
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01-10-2015, 11:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Engine49guy
Five screw J frame, small trigger guard , short grip frame, 1st style "flat latch" cylinder release , early hammer spur, serrated ramp FS ... (guessing) it has plastic grip medallions instead of nickeled brass ?
While 1953 is an Early Baby Chief three design changes had already occurred since introduction in 1950.
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Is there a way to ID the medallions without removing them? I didn't know there were 2 types, the bottoms of the medallions do seem to have a brass color to them (hard to get that t show up in a picture), it could just be dirty though as I have not tried to clean them. They seemed to be cold to the touch too which makes me think they're not plastic. I just pulled the grips off and the right side is stamped with the serial number, not the left though- is this typical? Here are some pictures
Oh and I couldn't help but wonder, would I be crazy to consider rust bluing it?
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01-10-2015, 11:31 PM
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With the grips off the revolver put a small magnet to it, plastic won't attach. Serial number would be on inside of right grip, not left.
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01-11-2015, 02:00 AM
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The medallions can be nickel plated brass, plastic or steel. From photo I can see they aren't plastic. The magnet will verify if steel.
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01-11-2015, 09:16 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GrantA
Oh and I couldn't help but wonder, would I be crazy to consider rust bluing it?
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Not if you just want it to look good and don't care about hurting it's value.
Most guys here would rather have it original even if not perfect.
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01-11-2015, 09:30 AM
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My mess up a fine weapon. Clean it and go. Snubbyfan makes a nice J frame holster. Good price quick shipping.
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01-11-2015, 09:42 AM
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Very nice find. IMHO I wouldn't reblue Just carry as is and change the oil regularly like the car only sooner
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01-11-2015, 10:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44
The medallions can be nickel plated brass, plastic or steel. From photo I can see they aren't plastic. The magnet will verify if steel.
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I agree with Jim, the closeup shows they are likely steel medallions and that makes sense for a 1953 gun.
Apparently Korean war shortages of brass had S&W first try plastic medallions and then steel before switching back to nickeled brass around 1954.
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01-11-2015, 11:47 AM
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Nice find, as others have said, clean it up and shoot it! Don't worry about the character marks, enjoy it.
If any of us look in the mirror we have plenty of character marks and I'm not interested in going back to the factory for a refinish job!
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01-11-2015, 11:49 AM
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Thanks guys I will check to see if it's a steel medallion and don't worry I'm not refinishing anything anytime soon, I had just seen a thread about rust blue and it looked interesting
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