Chief Special or not?

[GunSquad]

Do you consider all S&W .38 Special Model 36 as a "Chiefs Special"?

Little History that most everyone knows:

The "Chiefs Special" was a designated name given to S&W new gun design introduced in 1950. It was produced as the "Chiefs Special" until 1957, when it then became the Model 36.

S&W Still used the name "Chiefs Special" in 1957 and after the introduction of Model Numerical designations, but is it your opinion that the only real "Chiefs Special" were those prior to the Model 36 designation?

 

[mbliss57]

Do you consider all S&W .38 Special Model 36 as a "Chiefs Special"?



Little History that most everyone knows:



The "Chiefs Special" was a designated name given to S&W new gun design introduced in 1950. It was produced as the "Chiefs Special" until 1957, when it then became the Model 36.



S&W Still used the name "Chiefs Special" in 1957 and after the introduction of Model Numerical designations, but is it your opinion that the only real "Chiefs Special" were those prior to the Model 36 designation?

No. The addition of a model number is just that, an addition. It is still the same gun. A .38 Chiefs Special. Model 36 or 37


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[KSDeputy]

I own a Chief Special .45 semi-auto (model CS45), as well as a model 60.

 

[Alk8944]

A 5-shot .38 Special S&W, with exposed hammer, is always a "Chief's Special" regardless of the model number added ca. 1958.

The semi-automatics so named are a sad attempt to capitalize on the name Chief's Special by what is the current owner of Smith & Wesson. Pathetic! Just like what they have done with M&P, even extending it to rifles.

 

[Ranger514]

I have the model 60 version, which is just a stainless chief's special, IMO.

 

[mbliss57]

I have the model 60 version, which is just a stainless chief's special, IMO.

You are absolutely correct !



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[Protected One]

Wasn't the Model 60 the first Chiefs Special?

 

[OldChief]

There is only one Chief's Special and that's the Model 36!!

 

[jsfricks]

There is only one Chief's Special and that's the Model 36!!

Umm, you may want to read the small print of the above ad about the model 60.

 

[Hondo44]

The correct name is Chiefs Special, not Chief's Special.

"Chiefs" is plural but not possessive.

 

[jsfricks]

The correct name is Chiefs Special, not Chief's Special.

"Chiefs" is plural but not possessive.

Jim, it appears S&W let that slip by in their ad.

 

[mbliss57]

Jim, it appears S&W let that slip by in their ad.

Hah I didn't even catch that. It's always been a Chiefs Special. I wonder who got chewed out when that ad hit the magazine in the possessive!
The Original Chiefs Special came out and was named in 1950. It was an blued finish steel frame 5 shot .38 Special hand ejector. Made on an improved I frame. Then shortly after the Air weight. The model 60 didn't come out until the 1960s The original Chiefs Special was what some call a pre - model 36. Honda has a commentary on them.


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[petepeterson]

Yes, still a CS.

Just like my 28 is a Highway Patrolman, and a 15 is a Combat Masterpiece...

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

2" ( 1-7/8" barreled improved I or J frame .38 special revolvers are the true Chiefs Special.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Jim, it appears S&W let that slip by in their ad.

And other places, too.

 

[Hondo44]

Jim, it appears S&W let that slip by in their ad.

Yep, that's not unlike when you find 'Gonzales' stocks written on the bottom or label of gun boxes for guns that have the Goncalo Alves stock option!

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

So the OFFICIAL ad and the much sought after BOX are WRONG? Makes ya wonder why we all put such store in these things, unless we collect them for their mistakes.

 

[Hondo44]

The Original Chiefs Special came out and was named in 1950. It was an blued finish steel frame 5 shot .38 Special hand ejector. Made on an improved I frame. Then shortly after the Air weight. The model 60 didn't come out until the 1960s The original Chiefs Special was what some call a pre - model 36. Honda has a commentary on them.

2" ( 1-7/8" barreled improved I or J frame .38 special revolvers are the true Chiefs Special.

There seems to be some confusion about the early Chiefs Specials: they were all built on the J frame which is the only small frame with a Cyl window long enough for the 38 Special cyl.

The 1950 to 1953 Chiefs are built on the Baby J frame which had the short I frame size grip frame, but with coil spring, and small trigger guard.

From 1953 until the JM (J Magnum) frame in 1996 were built on the Model of 1953 NEW J frame forging with 1/8" longer grip frame and larger, egg shaped trigger guard.

There were no Chiefs 38 Spls built on the Improved I frame nor any I frame.

 

[Hondo44]

So the OFFICIAL ad and the much sought after BOX are WRONG? Makes ya wonder why we all put such store in these things, unless we collect them for their mistakes.

Occasionally, yes.

The only rule with S&Ws is there are no rules.

 

[mbliss57]

There seems to be some confusion about the early Chiefs Specials: they were all built on the J frame which is the only small frame with a Cyl window long enough for the 38 Special cyl.



The 1950 to 1953 Chiefs are built on the Baby J frame which had the short I frame size grip frame, but with coil spring, and small trigger guard.



From 1953 until the JM (J Magnum) frame in 1996 were built on the Model of 1953 NEW J frame forging with 1/8" longer grip frame and larger, egg shaped trigger guard.



There were no Chiefs 38 Spls built on the Improved I frame nor any I frame.

Thanks for the correction./clarification. You are the expert. I knew the grips were I frame sized. But the others I would have had to go to one of your posts anyway for a refresher course.