Looking for a model 36 and is there a more desirable one like a no dash or a dash 2 etc? I would prefer a 3 inch barrel and probably a blued finish. I thought I read somewhere that they made a change to a few parts that they started using hardened parts like the firing pin maybe.

It all comes down to what you like. I prefer the 36-1 because of the heavy barrel, but finding a 3" 36 is not an easy thing to do - at least in my neck of the woods. The change to MIM parts came with 36-9, but I wouldn't worry too much about that. If I was in the market for a 3" 36 I'd jump on the first nice one to come my way.

Keep an eye out over on Gunbroker, good luck...

Welcome aboard from Wyoming.

The 3" Chiefs Specials really aren't that hard to find, but be patient. Prices are all over the chart: < $400 to > $800 depending on the model and what comes with it. If you want the box, paperwork and tools you'll pay a bit more.

I posted these photos on another thread recently, but they might offer an idea of some, not all, of the variations you might find offered on Internet sites.

The two on the left were limited editions from 1989: a Lady Smith 36-3 ($525) and a Target model 36-6 ($725). The other two are a 4-screw pre-model number from 1955 ($570) (model numbers started in 1957/8) and a 36-1 heavy barrel from 1976 ($360). Prices are within the last year.

The -1 signified the 3" heavy barrel, although, obviously there were 3" barrels before the company released the -1s in 1967.

Hope this helps. Good luck in your search.

Slàinte,

Bob

Attached Images

	A pair of '89s.jpg (112.0 KB, 77 views)
	A pair of pins.jpg (107.8 KB, 61 views)

__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

The Model 36-7 is the best they ever made IMHO. All the improvements without the deficits.

My 36-8 with Combats and DAO
My new carry piece.

^^^^^^^

I want one of those!

Wow.

__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob