Model 36 Chiefs Special ???

[Bill Douglas]

Hi Guys, I know so little about these guns that I don't even know if this is the right year forum.

Anyway... Back on topic. A Model 36 Chiefs Special in nickel, and in fairly good condition is coming up at auction. I haven't seen it yet, but thought I'd research it in advance. Are these a "desirable" model? Anything I should know?

I'm no expert on S&Ws and only have one which is a Model 28-3 that I've posted pic's on the Highway Patrolman thread in the past.

Thanks, Bill.

 

[JP@AK]

Sure. The Chiefs Special is well-favored by many of us. It was the very first J frame revolver made by Smith & Wesson, back in the early 1950s.
Here is a photo of one that goes just about everywhere I go:

Sorry for the poor picture quality. This happens to be the only photo of this gun I have available. The CS is too busy riding in a holster protecting me to be posing for the camera!

 

[Bill Douglas]

Thanks JP. That's a nice looking gun. I think I'll move on this when it comes up at auction in a couple of weeks. And rules are rules, I'll post pics

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Thanks JP. That's a nice looking gun. I think I'll move on this when it comes up at auction in a couple of weeks. And rules are rules, I'll post pics

The 36 is a great carry gun. Of course, if one can manage to carry a K-Frame, he's a good bit better armed IMO. Most (me included) can just shoot a K-Frame so much better than a J-Frame, but when extreme compactness is required, the J-Frame is excellent, and, with practice, is a pretty good shooter too.

 

[bigjo911]

I had a 36, dash, J frame. It was in very good condition, a forum member said high 90% mint. I sold it for $450. It was blued, diamond grip.

 

[Bert Man]

I have a blue Model 36 2 inch that I bought new in 1974 and would be lost without it. It protected me as a backup and off-duty piece for nearly 30 years and is my primary CCW gun to this day. True these smalll J-frames take a bit more practice to gain proficiency but they are concealed easily and the all steel frame dampens felt recoil considerably better than the airweight examples. If you can, get one for a reasonable price, do it. I don't expect you will be sorry.

 

[Bill Douglas]

Great advice thanks guys. I just wanted a snubby and I like the look of these ones. Also .38 special would have to be my favorite caliber.

 

[Twiki357]

You said coming up at auction so decide in advance what your top price is and stick with it. Auction bidders can get a little out of control and bid well above what a gun is worth. As a point of reference for you, I've bought 5 Model 36's in the last 18+ months with prices ranging from $250 to $450 depending on condition. But, I'm in Arizona, not New Zealand so those price ranges may be out in left field for your part of the world.

 

[Bill Douglas]

Good advice Twiki. I'm quite hardfaced at auctions I mentioned the model 36 to internet buddies on a car site and one of the guys (US based) said he paid $450 for his one too. Funnily enough, our prices seem to be about the same as yours. So there goes the idea of me sending you the early serial number war issued .45 ACPs and going halves in the profits - damn.