How do you know what you've got?

[QckSlvr]

New to the handgun scene and have a few semi-auto pistols (mine P226 Elite Platinum 40S&W, the wife's M&P 9mm) but the family also has a few handguns of old revolvers from years past.

Mother in law has a S&W 38 Special they keep calling it a "Chief's Special" don't know if that helps, but anyone on here know what model number that unit was?

I can post pics if needed.

 

[QckSlvr]

New to the handgun scene and have a few semi-auto pistols (mine P226 Elite Platinum 40S&W, the wife's M&P 9mm) but the family also has a few handguns of old revolvers from years past.

Mother in law has a S&W 38 Special they keep calling it a "Chief's Special" don't know if that helps, but anyone on here know what model number that unit was?

I can post pics if needed.

 

[jeremyws1]

Swing out the cylinder. What numbers are stamped into the frame (36, 36-?, 37, 37-?, etc.)? What number is stamped on the butt of the gun (including any letters)?

 

[Wheelgunner840]

The snubnose model 36 was called the "Chiefs Special". Some had a square butt grip frame base, and some were round butts.

Welcome to the forum.

WG840

 

[QckSlvr]

Originally posted by jeremyws1:
Swing out the cylinder. What numbers are stamped into the frame (36, 36-?, 37, 37-?, etc.)? What number is stamped on the butt of the gun (including any letters)?

MOD - 36 on the frame
butt has - J551917

 

[kmyers]

One of the best ways is either internet search. Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson is also a great resource for anything Smith.

 

[jeremyws1]

The SCSW 3rd dates it to 1976-1977.