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
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
