Value of a Chief Special Mod. 36?

[Wraith_K]

I'm looking at a blued Mod. 36 Chief's Special w/square butt. The Current owner says it has no wear marks.

I have not looked at it in person yet, so I haven't seen the ser.# or what it's 'dashed'. Is there anything I should look for as far as problems or special markings that will set it apart?

I'm thinking of that or buying a new 637/638 or maybe a 442.

I know they are all related J frames. Would it just be a matter of preference? They are priced about the same ($450).

It would be purchased to be a future carry weapon.

Thanks for all of the insight. Here's a pic the owner sent me of the model 36.

[snubbiefan]

A better carry-weapon is one of the others you mentioned above....638, 442, 642 due to the alloy frame and less weight. Good all stainless CW's....649, 640...etc. None of these have exposed hammers. BUT....the nostalgia associated with the Model 36 and 60 make them a preference in many circles, if you can have only one Jay. $450 OTD....I'd say if it's in good shape...snag it. J-Frame NL prices seem to be creeping up lately.

[hotrod150]

I actually prefer my old 36 & 60 to the 442-2 I bought (and sold off) a while back. I like a bobbed-hammer gun better than a Centennial (aka hammerless), plus the little bit of added weight makes them nicer to shoot yet (for me) doesn't affect carryability. But if I pocket-carried, that might be a different story. I'd recommend buying the 36 if you don't mind the square butt, esp since it's a vintage pinned barel model. The square butt for me does make a difference in cancealability-- that little extra sharp corner tends to print when I carry IWB. Even if they're priced the same, you might be able to dicker the price down easier (esp with a wad of c-notes) with the 36 than would be the case with a new gun.

[Kadonny]

Pinned and square butt both make it a little rarer. Try to get it down to $ 400 and I think you got a good deal based on the condition.

[Wraith_K]

I concealed carry a 4" 1911 off and on while process serving, so I imagine I would be ok with something a little smaller and lighter.

Thanks for the input. I'll see if I can talk him down on his price a bit.

I'll post some pics and a partial ser.# if I pick it up.

[RussellD]

I recently passed this gun for 375.00 at the local gun show. I fyou are happy paying that price and feel good. Early j frames are nice. Square butts are a little more and fit most hands better. I would certainly prefer it over a new model at a lower price.

[hotrod150]

I actually prefer a round butt-- they point well & feel better in my hands. One of my RB Chiefs has uncle mike boots, and the other one has CT105 boots. I have a nice one-off set of Badger boot grips on my SB Chief, and it points a bit higher than do my RB's. But any Chief is good, whether square butt or round.
I don't think that I'd want to pay more than 375 or so out-the-door for the one pictured, even if the grips are original, unless it came with the box (and "etc" ) or some other value-adder (holster, ammo, etc). Keep in mind that you'll have less options for aftermarket grips with a square butt Chief-- for example, I don't think Crimson Trace makes a laser grip for the SB j-frame. And no one except Spegel (long wait, big money) makes a boot grip for it.

[mc5aw]

Get the 36, some nice leather, and then a grip adapter. It will make for a great CCW set up.

[HotRoderX]

What its worth I carry a 637 or a model 36 daily. I got the 637 originally as my first CCP. I wanted a model 36 found a nice used one that was in good condition for a out standing price. I find I carry the model 36 most day's unless I am feeling sick and the added weight is undesirable.