tro55
Member
I'm just in awe,ran into a friend at a flea market today.Takes me to his car and hands me this brand NIB 38 chief special 3" barrel.Serial502xxx in the box.I wasnt ready for it but couldnt pass.Great Day. Tro
Labor Day Score
- Thread starter tro55
- Start date
![20250831_153751[1].webp](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/669/669603-a85b903ff5649e0ba30601b72631fad2.jpg?hash=U03fqBx_I3)
![20250831_153834[1].webp](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/669/669604-c46b30d2dfdde8584c1f6f0c177def7c.jpg?hash=F2JMp2qDqt)
![20250831_153912[1].webp](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/669/669605-c1e5de6e6fb693fa4e9d2ed4d30053dd.jpg?hash=OA6Nc7W1bh)
![20250831_153953[1].webp](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/669/669606-8ab43931f29b23312b18fc6568ecb756.jpg?hash=F7ucDzrKW4)
![20250831_154037[1].webp](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/669/669607-4788bd23b724b6ce4112ebe621c65147.jpg?hash=dYMZSntFS9)
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Wow! Thats a really good friend. And a sweet gun. Both Keepers!!
imashooter2
Member
Sometimes you simply have to buy. Nice score!
heeter3
Member
tro55,that is a home run.Good for you.
Don't know what you paid, but I would have jumped on it at a reasonable price too! Very nice!
Very very jealous !! Congratulations !!
Very nice!
Congratulations, have the same gun, like the 3" version
![20250831_153953[1].webp](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/670/670205-8a3862a7a40f2cb29c18ce487075c251.jpg?hash=F7ucDzrKW4)
![20250831_153912[1].webp](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/670/670206-7feaa8823f6c4c6ccc0e2ceca5175309.jpg?hash=OA6Nc7W1bh)
Congratulations on that one.
You're probably close on the ship date. The database shows 501664 shipped in January 1967.
Does yours have matching serial numbers on the inside of the right stock and on the box?
You're probably close on the ship date. The database shows 501664 shipped in January 1967.
Does yours have matching serial numbers on the inside of the right stock and on the box?
yes two-bit,all matching,though the label on box is really faded.Looks like it was only marked 36 and 3".I have a 5th edition and certain times seems confusing.Mine has 3" standard taper and is 36 no dash,book shows 2" round butt,3" square butt.It has conventional thumb piece and diamond stocks.Yea 67 looks about right on ship date. Just thought it might be an oddity.Thanks Tro.
Thanks for the update.
Here's the simple skinny on Chiefs Special Models 36 & 36-1.
Model 36, 2" or 3" lightweight barrel, round or square butt, blue or nickel. (Model 36 3" lightweight barrel discontinued in 1976.) Model 36 2" replaced in 1988/89 by the Model 36-2 2".
Model 36-1, 3" Heavy Barrel, round or square butt, blue or nickel. (New model number; NOT an engineering change. Made concurrently with the Model 36. First ones we know of--serial numbers 456070, 456176, & 456212--shipped in September 1966.) Model 36-1 3" Heavy Barrel replaced in 1988/89 by the Model 36-3 3" Heavy Barrel.
Here's the simple skinny on Chiefs Special Models 36 & 36-1.
Model 36, 2" or 3" lightweight barrel, round or square butt, blue or nickel. (Model 36 3" lightweight barrel discontinued in 1976.) Model 36 2" replaced in 1988/89 by the Model 36-2 2".
Model 36-1, 3" Heavy Barrel, round or square butt, blue or nickel. (New model number; NOT an engineering change. Made concurrently with the Model 36. First ones we know of--serial numbers 456070, 456176, & 456212--shipped in September 1966.) Model 36-1 3" Heavy Barrel replaced in 1988/89 by the Model 36-3 3" Heavy Barrel.
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