New Member - First Post

[CS36]

I have recently purchased a Chiefs Special Model 36 in .38 Caliber and am totally enthused with it.

I am not sure of the revolvers history, I purchased it at a gun show here in the Northwest last month. I went to the library and checked out Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition.

This is what I learned:

Smith & Wesson Model 36: .38 caliber
1 7/8" Tapered & Pinned Barrel
Serial No. 3685** (manufactured early 1963?)
Flared Flat Latch (used betw.1950-1966)
Square Butt Grip
1/10" serrated front ramp sight, painted red
Combat square notch rear sight
Semi-target hammer spur
Narrow serrated target trigger with serrated 'shoe'

Can anyone more familiar with these guns add any information?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[s&wchad]

Smith & Wesson Model 36: .38 Special
Standard hammer

Welcome to the forum.

I fixed a couple things for you.
Nail polish remover should get the paint off the front sight and I'd lose the trigger shoe. It's a great gun.

 

[Col Defender]

Sounds like you already learned a bunch!! Welcome to the forum.

 

[bobelk99]

Hi!

Welcome to the forum from KY.

 

[fyimo]

Welcome to the forum and they are great guns. Yours has a model number so you can shoot +p ammo in it safety but I would warn you not to shoot a bunch of 125 grain +P because that could excessively wear the forcing cone. The gun was actually designed to shoot 158 grain bullets and they work best in that revolver.

 

[SWMod10]

Welcome!!!

 

[CS36]

Thanks for the welcome. I will post some pictures once I figure out how.

I have shot some 132 grain bullets out of it. Most accurate at 3 to 7 yds when I don't use the sights and point it like a finger. Not used to the sights yet.

 

[yooperpat]

The M36 is a great gun. You will like it.
I agree that it will shoot best with 158gr bullets. In particular, with 158gr SWCs.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[kennyb]

great gun...i carried one in an ankle holster for years...never had a problem qualifying with it on a combat course...i still carry it on occasion

 

[CS36]

Chiefs Special Model 36 Pictures

I had one question regarding the fitting numbers on this gun, does anyone know what the 'V' stamped in the yoke denotes? (refer to first picture)

Also, why the square butt? Was this possibly a police issue?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[s&wchad]

I had one question regarding the fitting numbers on this gun, does anyone know what the 'V' stamped in the yoke denotes? (refer to first picture)

Also, why the square butt? Was this possibly a police issue?

Thanks,

Eric

The "V" or upside down "A" is just and assemblers or fitters mark and there's no records tying it to a specific job or employee. The Model 36 was offered in both round and square butt versions, the round butt was considered easier to conceal and the square butt easier to shoot well. There's no indication it was sold to a law enforcement agency, but it could have gone almost anywhere. It was and is a popular gun with LE. Get a letter if you really want to know, but it'll cost $50.

 

[CS36]

Thanks. I will do that through the S&W site.