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03-19-2024, 03:25 PM
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Can you help me figure out this gun history? < Baby Chief
I inherited it and want to know more about it.
.38 special
Serial # 8359
Last edited by Chris Giles; 03-19-2024 at 03:29 PM.
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03-19-2024, 03:43 PM
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Welcome aboard!
You have an early Chiefs Special that was probably made in 1952. The Chiefs special was introduced in 1950 on the then new J frame. Collectors refer to yours as a Baby Chief, because of the smaller trigger guard and shorter grip frame than J frames made after 1953. There were three variations of front sight: a half round, a plain ramp and a serrated ramp. I'm guessing yours has a plain ramp (non-serrated).
Nice little gun!
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Last edited by s&wchad; 03-19-2024 at 03:45 PM.
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03-19-2024, 04:49 PM
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I would also add that the Baby Chiefs are very popular and worth about a 20% premium over any other 5 screw Chiefs Special. Maybe even 25%-30% more for the early ones with the half moon front sight. That's a nice inheritance.
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03-19-2024, 07:40 PM
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Let me also add that that looks like a square butt Baby Chief which are few and far between.
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03-19-2024, 07:45 PM
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It has a round butt grip frame.
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03-19-2024, 10:16 PM
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Very Nice!
Congratulations.
Your post inspired me to drag out my SCSW and put a date on my 36 and 34-1.
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03-19-2024, 10:27 PM
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Welcome to the forum from Texas.
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James
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03-20-2024, 04:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter Rego
I would also add that the Baby Chiefs are very popular and worth about a 20% premium over any other 5 screw Chiefs Special. Maybe even 25%-30% more for the early ones with the half moon front sight. That's a nice inheritance.
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The only 5 screw frame Chiefs Specials are the "Baby" variation. The next type (model of 1953) have a 4 screw frame.
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Alan
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03-20-2024, 09:48 AM
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Welcome to the Forum, Chris. Check out the Forum section (up above on the Home Page) entitled "S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896-1961". You'll find a ton of Posts and information regarding the Chief's Special (and Baby Chiefs). Enjoy!
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03-20-2024, 10:51 AM
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Moved to correct forum.
Guys, please report S&W threads placed in
Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
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Lee Jarrett
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03-20-2024, 11:14 AM
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Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.
Very nice heirloom. If your inheritance is due to a loss of a friend or family member, I offer my condolences.
Others in the database that bracket your Chiefs Special's serial numbers shipped in May and June 1952.
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Bob
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03-20-2024, 01:56 PM
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Welcome to the forum from Massachusetts the once proud home of Smith and Wesson until climate change affected their desire to stay.
That is a really nice Chief that you have there and most of us feel that the added feature of it coming down through your family makes it priceless. There are a lot of Chiefs and model 36's out there but only 1 on this planet came down through your family.
I have 7 family guns in my meager collection but I value them above all of the others.
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03-20-2024, 03:31 PM
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That is a very nice looking Chiefs Special, and with 'family ties', well worth holding on to. I suggest that you have the least common Baby Chiefs with the smooth ramp (non-serrated) front sight. I base that on what I have seen for sale over the last five years. I'm not aware that that adds to the value, but the condition of yours does. I hope you enjoy being the new custodian and keeping it in nice shape.
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