This is my first "substantive" post as a new member.

In 2006 my step-father, who was then 90 years old and losing his eyesight, asked me to get a package from the "sock drawer" in his dresser. In it was a revolver that he had purchased in August 1975 following a break-in at their home. My mother had returned one afternoon and found the door to the house open, and she wisely called the police. When they arrived and entered the house, much of the silverware had been taken, the thieves were gone, but there was a kitchen knife on the floor at each interior doorway. The police explained that the burglars had left them strategically placed so that they could use them if my mother had come inside the house and surprised them.

My step-father, who was like a father to me as my dad had died when I was seventeen, was a former FBI agent, and he immediately bought a gun to have on hand in case of another burglary. When he and my mother moved into a retirement home, he took the gun along, and it was there, soon after my mother died, that he gave it to me. He died about a year later.

The gun has never been shot. The box of ammo that was with the gun when he gave it to me was full. It is a Chiefs Special model 36- serial no. J3177XX. The grips are stamped inside with the same serial number (I checked them after reading some posts on this forum). There is the original box and papers. I understand there once was a cleaning tool, but I did not get that. There is also an unused black holster with the S&W logo and the number "B25 62." He also had a set of larger grips, also unused. Photos are attached below.

In any event, I am trying to decide what I should do with the gun. I have a concealed carry permit and have previously carried an aluminum alloy 642, but I found it uncomfortable to shoot in practice and have sold it. I think a heavier steel gun would encourage me to shoot more. I'm sure the model 36 could be ideal, but I would intend to start shooting it frequently at the range and the finish also would likely become worn from carrying.

I began to wonder whether it would be better to preserve the unfired state of the model 36 and buy a new stainless model 60 for carry, but I do not think I will ever be a serious collector. Yes, there is some sentimental value to this model 36, but I also wonder whether a real collector might appreciate the gun more than I. I also assume that there were thousands of these models sold, so they are probably not rare, even in unfired condition.

Thus, my request for advice. Should I carry and enjoy using the gun, or should I keep it in a box and hope someday that one of my kids (not one of whom now shoots) develops an interest and would like it, or should I see if a collector would like it? I just don't know whether unfired guns of this model have any special value to a collector. My guess is that some members of this forum have perhaps been faced with a similar choice. I'd sure appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

Scott

Nice package there Scott, almost complete. You could replace the missing tools with the right set for not too much money, put a WTB (want to buy) ad in the classifieds if you're interested in that.
I wouldn't part with it if I were you. I think you'll regret it if you do.
The main question is wether or not to shoot it. There is a turn line, so the action has been cycled, many times would be my guess. I see a bit of wear on the trigger too I think. It's not a new in box gun, it's a 98% unfired gun, and so there is no harm in shooting it. Thats what I would do.

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Geoff. Since 1960.

Very nice gun and story,
You sound like you have the facts and a good grasp on the situation.
If the gun has sentimental value I would keep it especially if you dont own another gun right now .
While its a nice little package and a nice example of a clean 70's era J frame .38 these are not exactly meant for taking to the range every week to target shoot but were intended as a backup gun or CCW and occasional practice fire .

You said you had an Airweight and had trouble shooting it.
IMO the Airweight version Model 37 is much easier to carry concealed but that light weight aluminum frame works against you when shooting and is more punishing to shoot.

I have a model 36 but carry a Model 37 Airweight version.

You know your options of keep it, sell it, carry it, shoot it etc.
Its sometimes difficult to ruin a pristine old gun and the SS Model 60 may hold up better to carry use.
Maybe make a list of what you want and need in a handgun if in fact you want and need a handgun,
Also what your intended main purpose is, Carry, shoot, home defense etc,
Then decide if you want a blued gun or a SS gun or an airweight, smaller J frame or larger K or N frame etc.

IMO no one gun does it all and incidentally they make a .22lr version (Model 34) in blue ( 63 in Stainless) if you like the little J frame and are looking for a small .22lr version for cheap practice or as a companion plinker to the Model 36.
The larger .22lr K frames like the SS Model 617 or classic Model 17 or 18 IMO cannot be beat for more serious target use and backyard fun.

As far as I'm concerned you need to keep and think of the two of them every time you look at it and shoot it.

+1

If you take the 36 to the range often, you will get the urge for a different gun. Not to replace - to augment. My first gun was a 36. I still carry it. Hard to beat for CC.
But you're right, it's not exactly a range gun. So it may well become only one of a half dozen in different calibers and types.

No way should you get rid of it. Ever. Until maybe when you're 90 and handing it down to your offspring.

I am an old law dog and sentimental as well. That is a beautiful gun with an interesting story. Unless you need the money for something else I would keep it and remember where it came from. Then pass it and the story on to the next generation. Thanks for sharing.

The only firearm my dad ever owned was a Model 36 made in 1968. He had several LEO friends and shot with them quite often. There are 1,000's of rounds through the little gun, many of them +P-which it really isn't rated for.
Guess what, she's still reasonably tight, completely in time and about 90% finish wise today.

The Chief's Special is one of my most prized possessions since my father passed in 2003. I don't carry it anymore, but it still gets to the range a couple times a year.

My advice is to keep the gun you inherited and shoot it as often as you like. My dad's gun was carried regularly in a high ride leather holster for about 15 years and it still looks good. No reason your gun can't do the same with proper care. You can always get a Model 60 to supplant it as a carry gun later.

Keep it, shoot it and enjoy it, it's not highly collectable.

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Dick

Thanks to all who responded. On the sum of your excellent advice, I will hold onto this fine gun and its memories. Since, as Dick reported, it is not highly collectible, I will plan to shoot it and probably to carry it. I was concerned that I might be damaging something that should be preserved in its unfired status. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments.
All the best.
Scott

I have to disagree with the statement that it's not highly collectable. How many of the total made survive with the box in practically unused condition? I see no harm in shooting it, but I would not carry it since the condition is too nice. If you ever had to use it, it would get thrown into some evidence locker and not be cared for. Hold on to it, shoot it, enjoy it, but please don't carry that. The family ties it has are not replaceable. Get yourself a current production J-frame like a 442 or 438 to carry. They are replaceable if you ever had to use it. Just my $.02.

My thinking is that it's probably worth as much as something to replace it. But why?

Keep it , carry it , shoot it , care for it , pass it on to your kids.

I am in the camp that says keep it. There are few things in life that we can pass on to the next generation that have both a sentimental and practical side to them. Most of the things we possess today end up on the garbage heap of consumerism. Guns of this sort, with the box, etc. last almost forever. Think of your grandson telling his son the story you just related. It should put a smile on your face and some warmth in your heart. Keep the gun.

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Existimo ergo sum armis

What C Broad Arrow sed,

I'd say your step father bought the gun to protect his family. It's still doing exactly what he had in mind.

Shoot it, learn it, take care of it, and pass it on when the time comes. It will gain family value as yours and the upcoming generations add to it's tale.

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Eccentric old coot

That was a great post. Never sell the 36, even if you never shoot it.

The gun and the story need to be passed down.

If you decide to carry it, take it out of the holster at the end of the day and wipe it down. Holster time should be limited to actual carry time. It'll stay nice for a long time.

Best, Rick

Welcome to the forum.

The story and memories are worth much more than the gun, and the gun will always remind you of the story. That makes the gun priceless.

Keep the gun. Shoot the gun. Carry the gun.

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But then, what do I know?

I am with the group that says keep it. Your father bought it to protect your mother. If you could ask him I think he would want you to keep it for the same purpose, "Protect Your Family"

My vote: Keep it, shoot it and carry it in memory of the gentleman who left it to you. I have a 1968 Colt Cobra, my first off-duty gun, that will be left to my girls when I'm gone.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Rarely in life are we given something out of love. Your step-father loved you enough to give you something and he will never be able to do so again on this earth. Keep it. Treasure it. Use it. Think of him when you do.

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Eaglebeaver

Not to sound crass about it, but what is the going rate for a 36 these days anyway?

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Existimo ergo sum armis

It is one of the best guns out there to carry concealed and shoot. I bought about the same year nib for about $350s about 7 or 8 years ago. While as nice as it gets, it aint like a new registered mag or triplelock. I am guessing $450s and that might be only $50 to $100 more than a similar 90% one. Not exactly worth stressing over useing, is it?

Mine has 90% + finish and lock us tight as a drum. A few scratches here and there and a little holster wear. They ask $300 at my LGS and I got it out the door for $250.

If you don't want to carry it - put it away and buy a used 36 or some other J frame and carry it instead.

Keep it, shoot it, carry it. I think that's what he would have wanted.

Very nice story and gun.

Keep it! As stated above, it's a link to your family's history.
I'd print a copy of your original post and store it with the
box for the gun. As far as shooting is concerned, I practice
with an Airweight ans plink with a Model 36. After shooting
an Airweight, the 36 is an easy recoiling gun. Accuracy at
ranges up to 25 yards is quite good. Wadcutters are pretty
much fun to shoot. Hang on to your piece of history. TACC1

You will do well to hang on to that little piece of personal history. No need to trade it for something just like it. That one is fine.
I'm not a big J frame guy, but that one is special to you and is a tangeable relic of a guy who was very special to you.