36-2 factory dao, bobbed hammer and matte black finish

[sturb59]

i recently inherited an excellent condition 36-2 dao, bobbed hammer with a matte black finish. it's serial # BDW28xx. he said he got it new in the late 80's / early 90's when he was a police commander but that they went to semi-autos soon after so that he never used it except for less than a box worth when he first got it. he switched the grips to hogue monos and it's sat in a holster in his safe ever since.
i'm keeping his 6944 (one of his carries that i really like) but since i'm not a big revolver guy, i'm thinking of offering it up to someone who appreciates them more or that has an affinity for these in particular. it seems that these were a short production run made for police with the overage sold off to mainly police departments. i shot a cylinder's worth through it and it feels a bit lighter (even though it's a steel frame) and seems to have a smoother lighter dao trigger pull than a 36 that i already had but i haven't weighed it and don't have a trigger pull gauge to verify.
i'm hoping someone can tell me more about when it was made and guess some ballpark value. i liked him and could keep it as a safe queen but it seems too interesting a piece to have to be like that for the next couple-few decades before it's my turn to pass it on. any helpful insight is much appreciated and thank you all in advance.

 

[drumminor2nd]

There was a run of these guns in 1989, according to SCSW 4th.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

My condolences on your loss.

S&W made 2,000 of the .38 Chiefs Special Model 36-2 Double Action Only for the civilian market after filling an order for the NYPD for the identical revolver.

The finish is "glass beaded satin blue."

The original grips were S&W Goncalo Alves Combats.

Mine (BDW2341 & BDW2435) shipped in April and May 1989.

They have the best triggers of any Chiefs Special I've ever shot.

The demand for the model doesn't seem to fluctuate much. Through the last three years I've documented sales of about a dozen. The prices average between $600 and $700 for ones that are almost as new in the box with the correct grips. The combat grips can bring as much as $200.

 

[sturb59]

he was an all-around good guy that got to live life the way he wanted to. he also had at least two extra plays and was well prepared for, and kind of even looking forward to, it being over, so he had it pretty good.

thanks for the detailed info. that finish certainly is something; definitely very unique. so i didn't just imagine that it had a great trigger; i was pretty sure that it had both a lighter and smoother pull. glad to have that confirmed! from the run in 89 and those serial numbers in 89 also, it seems that 1989 is the likely made/sale year.

i'm not sure what to do with it but it certainly deserves a good home. i don't know if sitting in a safe all the time is a good way to end up. if it was in a museum, maybe 'cause at least it could be appreciated/inform & etc. but to just sit locked up is a bit sad. especially so since i'm not into revolvers. having his worn carry is nice; that may be the new night-stand piece. that also has a very sweet da trigger.
just fyi, i also posted at the other sw forum and that one never showed up. maybe it will eventually appear as this post didn't show up here until the next day. thanks again.

 

[kaaskop49]

Not knowing (or caring) much about value, and provenance being a personal matter in this case, let me say it never hurts to have an extra Chief. ESPECIALLY one with such a very smooth action and a factory bobbed hammer to facilitate pocket carry. Without paper also helps.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[sturb59]

these are all very good points and generally is very good advice that i agree with. i just feel bad that it will sit mostly, if not totally, unused. i could get rid of the other one and keep this guy which would allow it to get a little playtime...or maybe just keep everything which is probably the easiest, and maybe best, thing to do. thanks for the perspective.

 

[kaaskop49]

these are all very good points and generally is very good advice that i agree with. i just feel bad that it will sit mostly, if not totally, unused. i could get rid of the other one and keep this guy which would allow it to get a little playtime...or maybe just keep everything which is probably the easiest, and maybe best, thing to do. thanks for the perspective.

If you live in Vegas, I'm your huckleberry! Just hit big on Sunday with 4 aces so I'm flush! Name your price. Appreciate your thoughtful reply to my post. All good wishes,

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[sturb59]

If you live in Vegas, I Appreciate your thoughtful reply to my post. All good wishes,

unfortunately, not anywhere near vegas...pretty close to the windy city though. thanks again and the best to you also.