|
|
 |
07-22-2017, 02:25 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
|
|
Nickel Plated Baby Chief Five Screw
Hello everybody, first thread here.
I just picked up this revolver the other day, first pistol I've ever owned. Judging from some threads I've read on here and what a guy at a gun shop said, I think it's a Baby Chief, nickel plated, five screw with flat latch and ramp sight.
I'm new to most of these terms but I was wondering what ya'll thought of this thing in terms of it's value. Should be a 1952 model.
The serial is 7393.
It's got a few scratches and marks here and there but overall doesn't look too bad.
Also, if you've got that book, please lemme know when it was shipped.
You don't wanna know what I got it for, like next to nothing.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
07-22-2017, 02:26 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
|
|
Pic of butt.
Also, in the OP in the photo with the grip taken off it's hard to see but there's a stamp or engraving or whatever it's called of a "R-N" within a rectangle. At least that's what I think it is. Could be a B-N. Next to that is a "679".
Then there's an "R" on the bottom left corner of handle.
And another thing, not sure if it's round butt or square. Again, all of this is new to me.
It's not as dirty anymore. I've since cleaned it up after taking pics.
Last edited by Ronmartin_Realdude; 07-22-2017 at 02:40 AM.
|
07-22-2017, 03:05 AM
|
 |
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 3,543
Liked 3,996 Times in 1,627 Posts
|
|
WELCOME TO THE FORUM. I TEND TO SHUT MY MOUTH, ABOUT GUNS THAT I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT.......
I CAN, HOWEVER, OFFER MY CONGRATULATIONS IN PICKING UP A PRETTY NICE LOOKING REVOLVER, FOR A REASONABLE PRICE, AS YOUR FIRST HANDGUN PURCHASE. ENJOY IT, AND OUR FORUM......
__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.
Last edited by one eye joe; 07-22-2017 at 04:33 AM.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
07-22-2017, 06:45 AM
|
 |
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,892
Likes: 987
Liked 19,012 Times in 9,303 Posts
|
|
Welcome! It is an early Chiefs Special, I think from 1951.
The grip frame stampings (R-N and 679) indicate it has been refinished-nickel, probably in June, 1979 (this would appear as 6.79). If you like, you can obtain a "letter of authenticity" to find out if it was an original nickel gun:
Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come
Cool find, enjoy!
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
|
07-22-2017, 07:57 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,249
Likes: 11,917
Liked 20,594 Times in 8,582 Posts
|
|
Nice "steal"!
If there's no B in front of the serial # bottom side of the barrel, it was originally nickel plated from the factory. You'll need to look with magnification.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
|
07-22-2017, 08:09 AM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,628
Likes: 241
Liked 29,134 Times in 14,087 Posts
|
|
The R-N is definitive that it was later nickeled by S&W. But whether it was originally nickeled is a little more difficult question best answered by a letter if that knowledge is worth $75 to you. I would think it was originally blued. I don't think the B SN prefix was still used that late to indicate it was shipped blued. 7393 would date its manufacture in the early 1952 production period. The closest BC SN on my list is 74xx shipping in 6/52.
Last edited by DWalt; 07-22-2017 at 08:11 AM.
|
07-22-2017, 08:17 AM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 9,594
Likes: 3,710
Liked 8,949 Times in 3,556 Posts
|
|
Welcome to the forum.
Neat looking Chief Special. Unfortunately, the Goodyear stocks are not original for this gun and the refinish relegate it to shooter status. Collectors typically want guns all original with matching numbered stocks with box, paperwork and tools. Although, a factory refinish is not considered as negative as one done outside the factory.
The "baby chief" will have a smaller trigger guard and the butt frame is about 1/8" shorter like its I frame predecessors. Regular J frame stocks will not fit.
The Chief Special was originally designed after the I frame but due to the longer .38 special round required a longer cylinder and cylinder window so the J frame was born. As the story goes, the trigger guard and butt frame were considered too small by the plain clothes LEO's that the gun was originally designed for and so the factory lengthened the butt and increased the trigger guard size.
They are great carry guns and fun to shoot. 
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
|
07-22-2017, 08:21 AM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,892
Likes: 987
Liked 19,012 Times in 9,303 Posts
|
|
Here is another current thread on an early BCS, one with the early barrel and front sight:
Baby Chief pre 36
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
|
07-23-2017, 10:12 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Liked 2 Times in 1 Post
|
|
I assume this thing shouldn't take +P right?
If so, what's best self-defense ammo to use? 158 grain semi-wadcutter?
Also, so this IS a J frame? or like... what? If I were to purchase some new grips what size would I need?
Last edited by Ronmartin_Realdude; 07-24-2017 at 02:27 AM.
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
