Pre model 36 Chief Special 3"

[endzone]

A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a really nice pre 36 Chief 3" at a local pawn shop. I paid $550 for it. I didn't think it was a great buy, but considering what it was and it's condition, I felt it was probably a good investment. Thanks to resources on this forum, I've dated it to 1955. The finish is probably 90% with a little wear on the barrel end and on one side of the cylinder from the old SD Myers leather holster that it's been sitting in for a long time. I've looked hard for info on this gun but haven't had any luck. I guess my main question is how common is the 3" in this particular gun? Any comments are appreciated. And I'm more than happy to post pics if someone can point me to some instructions.

 

[22hipower]

This link might help with your question about posting pictures. The "official answer" is included with a separate link. Several ways to do it, not all that hard really. Good luck and would love to see that pre 36 3 inch.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum-...ost-help-me-please.html?547899=#post139901705

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Howdy endzone, and welcome aboard from Wyoming.

Sounds like you've got a nice one. I don't believe the 3" models are that uncommon, but you certainly don't see as many of them as the snubbies. I also have a 1955 38 Chiefs Special, sn 59221, 4-screw, with a round butt. Looking forward to seeing photos of yours.

 

[Hondo44]

I guess my main question is how common is the 3" in this particular gun? Any comments are appreciated.

I particularly like the 3" tapered barrel Pre Model and Model 36.

When I look at my database for the period of 1952 when the 3" was introduced on the Baby J, 2nd model, thru the pre model period to the 1958 model stamped period, they're almost non-existent.

Later, until the slender 3" barrel's demise when the heavy barrel of the Model 36-1 (1967) became standard in 1975, they do pick-up in volume to be fairly common but never approach anywhere near the 2" numbers.

The scarcest 3" in any vintage period of course will be the sq butt version and rarest, the 3" HB sq butt M36-1 Target, 213 produced.