Recent content by JSR III

The closest I can come is 20768 that shipped 10/14/1952 and as your title states this is a Chief Special and not a model 36. Model numbered guns are a couple years away in 1955. I am making a wild guess that the early baby chief and the later larger chief special would have the same size...

It will take time but eventually it will seem like its always been like this.

Certainly a much better acquisition at $895 as opposed to $3,000. Having serial matching stocks also adds to the package. Congratulations!!

Being one of S&W's most popular models, this gun in various forms has been produced over 7,000,000 times. That said there are many of us that treasure firearms that have come down through the family. As stated, S&W has made over 7 million but only 1 came down through your family. Many of us...

Personally I destroy mine. Some of the information written in these journals is of a private nature only meant for the eyes of fellow members. Members of the S&WCA adhere to a strict code and there is a very important honor system observed at the gun room during the annual Symposiums that...

Reminds me of the old saying, "He who hesitates is lost"

I stopped reading after the first three pages so forgive if this was asked and answered. Did you reach out to S&W to see if repair is possible? I think they stopped working on older guns but not sure of the date. Otherwise perhaps a local gun smith could look it over and make an assessment...

Don Mundell is one of the experts on S&W catalogs having authored that section in the Supica/Nahas books on S&W. If you have specific questions about catalogs, Don is your go to authority!!!

Wow a lot of good information and a few comments of confusion. I cannot tell you much about 2213XX as I would need the full serial number. For guns in that range I only have one in my database and it is 221382 and although I have details on the gun, I do not have ship date or destination and...

Lots of good suggestions here so I will add my observations and those learned from the conservator at the Springfield Museum . NEVER use steel wool. Besides its higher abrasive quality it breaks down during the process and can leave micro particles on your gun. Should you miss any of those...

138271 shipped in June of 1911 and 138708 shipped in July of 1911. I will add the left stock imprint number to the database. If you could post photos of both sides of the gun I will add the other features as well.

My recommendation would be to join the Smith and Wesson Collectors Association. IIRC the first year dues are only $60 which is less than the cost of a letter and once you are a member you get a discount on the cost of letters. Kind of a win win. Secondly, as a S&WCA member, you have access to...

Well my 5th edition purchased from the publisher arrived yesterday and unfortunately one day after ordering I found the book online for about $30 less. Oh well...... Immediately upon unwrapping the book I went to my favorite section regarding the "Bekeart" or .22/32 HFT. While reading through...

As others have stated, it is almost impossible to place value without clear photos from all angles. It is even better to examine the gun in person. Basically beyond what comes with the gun, box, papers, original cleaning kit and sight adjustment tool (screw driver) the next 3 criteria are...

OK, thanks Tim. I assumed that the photos were triple locks which contradicted Lee's post. So even though there were 2nd and 3rd models, they were not triple locks. Got it...