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11-29-2020, 03:12 PM
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Model 36 3" Date of manufacture help
Last weekend I scored this little beauty from a gun show vendor, who does some estate purchasing. It cost me $550 out the door. As you can see from the photo, I acquired serial number 173311. My 3rd edition shows 1957 J frame serial numbers ending at 125000, then there is a gap until 1962 ending at 295000. Can I assume mine was produced in 1958 or 1959? It is model marked with 3 screws. The serial number also matches on the cylinder, extractor star, and the right grip. Thank you in advance to those that may shed more light.
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colt_saa, hannstv, Hondo44, jscheck, LCC, LPD256, mod29, NavySCPO, NY-1, Ozark Marine, Russell Cottle, two-bit cowboy, Waveski, Wiregrassguy |
11-29-2020, 06:01 PM
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Model 36 serial number 159127 was shipped in July 1959. Model 36 serial 185541 was shipped in April 1961. This is as close as I can come from published shipping dates. Looks like your gun was shipped in 1960. Maybe someone's database can narrow it down further.
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SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Last edited by Wiregrassguy; 11-29-2020 at 06:02 PM.
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11-29-2020, 06:30 PM
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Thank you Sir, I appreciate your effort and response!
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11-29-2020, 08:40 PM
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That's a grand Chiefs Special 3" square butt: my favorites! You scored at that price.
The closest 3" in my database to yours is Chiefs Special Airweight Model 37 177241, which shipped in April 1961. I believe only the 3" Chiefs from that era will give you a good idea of when yours might have shipped because their shipping dates are so different from the 2" models.
As Guy said, 185541 also shipped in April 1961 and it's a nickel Model 36 3". Blue Model 36 3" 198431 shipped in March 1961, and blue Model 36 3" 146374 shipped in December '58, which doesn't help much.
According to Roy Jinks, S&W's order dated June 12, 1957, assigned model numbers. The first carbon steel Chiefs Special I list with a model number is 2" 132293, but I don't know its ship date. The first 2" Airweight Chiefs Special Model 37 I list is 130774, and it shipped in September 1958.
This doesn't do much to narrow down your handsome Chiefs' ship date, but it might be a bit closer than you'd originally thought.
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Bob
Last edited by two-bit cowboy; 11-29-2020 at 08:52 PM.
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11-30-2020, 10:40 AM
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Model 36 3" Date of manufacture help
Thank you Bob for always sharing your extensive knowledge and great passion for the Chiefs Special Models. That would be awesome if mine was shipped in March of 1961. That is my birth month & year.
This past Friday I took the day off and did some browsing at some gun shops. One place has a 3" Model 37 in mint condition for $550 plus 10% tax. It's serial number is in the 330000 series range. If its still there this coming weekend I will probably get it. PS Is the aluminum alloy in these vintage 37'S known to be reliable?
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11-30-2020, 11:09 AM
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Flat latch 36 with 3 inch barrel.
NICE BUY !!!!
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11-30-2020, 11:17 AM
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What a beautiful example of the 3" Chiefs Special square butt revolver
At that price, I think you did spectacular
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"Acta non verba"
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11-30-2020, 12:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dino44
Is the aluminum alloy in these vintage 37'S known to be reliable?
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There's one problem with the older (I haven't heard of it being a problem with newer Model 37s) Chiefs Special and Bodyguard Airweights: the frame can crack under the thin place where the barrel protrudes through the frame. The cracks I've seen require the cylinder to be rolled out so you can inspect that part of the frame.
Best of luck with that 37. That serial range might put it in the late '63 - early '64 era.
ps: I don't really have extensive knowledge of the Chiefs. Lots of guys here have forgotten more than I know!
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Bob
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