What Model & Grip Question

[Ky Bob]

Do these appear to be factory pearls? I bought the pistol today and it appears to have never been shot or if so very little with very light turn line. I'm guessing it's a Model 36 but it's unmarked at the yoke and didn't have the original box.

 

[murphydog]

Without a model stamp, it may be a four- or three-screw .38 Chiefs Special, from between 1953 and 1957. I believe you will find the stocks to be simulated pearl from Jay Scott.

 

[Ky Bob]

Without a model stamp, it may be a four- or three-screw .38 Chiefs Special, from between 1953 and 1957. I believe you will find the stocks to be simulated pearl from Jay Scott.

Thanks Murphydog! What would be the correct grips for it?

 

[murphydog]

It would have had square butt Magna stocks with the uncheckered diamond around the stock screw.

 

[Ky Bob]

It would have had square butt Magna stocks with the uncheckered diamond around the stock screw.

Thanks. I'm not familiar with those and I'm guessing they would be hard to find and expensive.

 

[shouldazagged]

Thanks. I'm not familiar with those and I'm guessing they would be hard to find and expensive.

Expensive, yes.

 

[Waveski]

Expensive is relative. You could easily be spending $100 on the correct grips..
To me it would be worth it. Clearly a personal call.

 

[jebstuart]

I believe you will find the stocks to be simulated pearl from Jay Scott.

Yep, Jay Scott. I have a couple of sets. One that I installed Colt medallions in. I think I paid $24 per for them. They're pretty ugly, but they're strong and comfortable - 24 bucks well spent.

 

[Hondo44]

Upper left stocks:

Photo credit: Engine49guy

 

[murphydog]

The correct stocks show up occasionally - $50-75 or so. Try posting a Wanted to Buy ad here and watch online auctions.

 

[delcrossv]

Also Ebay is a good source for used factory grips.

 

[Jim Watson]

The "tell" for Jay Scott grips is that the plastic pearl, ivory, or stag is laminated to a dark colored base material.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

That's a nice looking nickel Chiefs Special.

Here are a couple more views of the correct square butt grips. First one is a 4-screw from '55, the second is a 3-screw from '59 (stamped "MOD. 36"), and the last one is a '62 nickel Model 36.

As you look for grips, watch out for a chip at the top inside -- very common.

 

[Ky Bob]

Yep, Jay Scott. I have a couple of sets. One that I installed Colt medallions in. I think I paid $24 per for them. They're pretty ugly, but they're strong and comfortable - 24 bucks well spent.

You got the ugly part right!

 

[Ky Bob]

Just curious. How much would the pistol be worth?

 

[murphydog]

If it is mechanically sound and the right side is as nice as the left, I would guess $450 - 500.

 

[Ky Bob]

If it is mechanically sound and the right side is as nice as the left, I would guess $450 - 500.

I was told by a widow lady I bought it from that her husband bought it new and never shot it but did pack it years ago. I also bought a supposedly new S&W K-22 with 8 3/8" Barrel and it also has a very very faint turn line. Not a speck of rust, wearing a beautiful deep blue coat.

 

[jebstuart]

You got the ugly part right!

Well then, from "Do these appear to be factory pearls?" to "You got the ugly part right!" within the span of a few hours. Perception certainly is fluid.

 

[Ky Bob]

Well then, from "Do these appear to be factory pearls?" to "You got the ugly part right!" within the span of a few hours. Perception certainly is fluid.

Yep. I didn't have a clue if they were real or fake so I asked. I never have and never will like Pearl or Ivory grips on a handgun.