My first "Baby" Chief

EarlB · #1 06-30-2018, 07:07 PM

I was at a really bad local show today but one thing did catch my eye. The seller had it listed as a pre model 36 which it is, but upon looking closer I could see that it was more. A baby chief unless I've misjudged it. It's a first year production (1950) I believe, S#6318. 5 Screw frame, all matching including grips. It is in pretty good condition to be 68 years old, not perfect (small chip on inside of right grip) a bit of edge wear on the bluing on the cylinders. But has pretty diamond stocks, small trigger guard, flat latch, and ramped front sight with no serrations. I think I got into it at a good price, if not then I just bought it a little early. Paid $700 for it.

Earl

quinn · #2 06-30-2018, 07:21 PM

Congratulations and welcome to the club! Really nice looking! Is that a smooth front ramp that I see?

KEN L · #3 06-30-2018, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlB

I was at a really bad local show today but one thing did catch my eye. The seller had it listed as a pre model 36 which it is, but upon looking closer I could see that it was more. A baby chief unless I've misjudged it. It's a first year production (1950) I believe, S#6318. 5 Screw frame, all matching including grips. It is in pretty good condition to be 68 years old, not perfect (small chip on inside of right grip) a bit of edge wear on the bluing on the cylinders. But has pretty diamond stocks, small trigger guard, flat latch, and ramped front sight with no serrations. I think I got into it at a good price, if not then I just bought it a little early. Paid $700 for it.

Earl

Attsa nice un!

Most likely shipped 1st quarter 1952.

shouldazagged · #4 06-30-2018, 07:39 PM

Sweet little gun, and the stocks are beautiful.

EarlB · #5 06-30-2018, 07:52 PM

Yes sir, no serrations all smooth. Earl

Quote:

Originally Posted by quinn

Congratulations and welcome to the club! Really nice looking! Is that a smooth front ramp that I see?

Jtown · #6 06-30-2018, 07:58 PM

Real nice, lucky man

Walt

kennethg · #7 06-30-2018, 08:26 PM

That is very nice. You did well.

Kingspoke · #8 06-30-2018, 10:36 PM

What a way to start with the Baby Chiefs!

I've been reading with interest the threads about these great lil guns and all the nuances have piqued my interest in finding one. Thus far my searches have not revealed the combination of features, quality, and price, you have there. Congrats on a great "heads up" find!

two-bit cowboy · #9 07-01-2018, 03:52 AM

Great looking little Baby. You're into it for a decent price. Congrats.

I'd say a mid-'52 ship date. My 292X shipped in February '52, and 685X shipped in August that year.

Hondo44 · #10 07-01-2018, 04:31 AM

Congrats, it's stunning! The price was right for that 4 digit gun in that all original and great condition.

It's about in the middle of the smooth ramp serial numbers and over lapped with the serrated ramp sight, #6541 being the earliest known with serrated ramp.

Number 6 is the 1st Baby J shipped Oct 27, 1950. Thru out the 2nd year of production, 1951, only round sighted Babies were shipped up to about #1754.

I agree with Bob's post above, yours likely shipped about mid 1952.

S&WsRsweet · #11 07-01-2018, 05:54 AM

That's a cool little revolver ,congratulations on the find.

OLDSTER · #12 07-01-2018, 06:09 AM

Congrats ! Beautiful, great find and wonderful condition.

EarlB · #13 07-01-2018, 04:21 PM

Thanks guys. I know a letter probably won't show anything outstanding but I'm going to letter it anyways..you never know. Earl