Questions on a "Baby" Chiefs Special

[Relic Hunter 451]

I came across a early S&W pre model 36. It has a ramp front sight that appears smooth, five screw, flat latch, snub barrel and is sporting walnut grip panels w/ diamond center. The gun seems to be in great condition overall for the age with a turn line of course. The gun dealer has it dated a 1952 mfg. I am interested in the gun, but i am unsure of what a resonable price is for these particular models. The price on the tag is $599.00. I have not owned this early of an example and am wondering if this is a deal or not so much. These dont seem to come around that often in my neck of the woods. Any insight is always appreciated.

 

[murphydog]

A very good deal at that price, if you want it and have the funds.

 

[murphydog]

As a side note, the smooth ramp sight variant is not common; they don’t look as distinctive as the “half moon” type but may be about as common/scarce as these.

 

[CZU]

Smooth ramped sights on these are hard to find, you see the serrated variety much more often. I would probably get it, Baby Chiefs are hard for me to pass up.

 

[delcrossv]

Smooth ramp is the second most uncommon after half moon sights. $599 is a good deal.

 

[Relic Hunter 451]

Smooth ramped sights on these are hard to find, you see the serrated variety much more often. I would probably get it, Baby Chiefs are hard for me to pass up.

The one in question is very much the same as the one you have pictured. It has a five numeral serial number.

 

[Walter Rego]

$599 for ANY variation of a Baby Chief in nice shape is a good deal.

 

[CZU]

The one in question is very much the same as the one you have pictured. It has a five numeral serial number.

I'd be on that like a duck on a june bug. If you don't want it let me know where it's at and I'll be glad to take it off their hands.

 

[rjm6120]

I picked up a Baby Chief with smooth ramp and a cylinder release latch like the one that CZU displays in his pic (without a box or any extras) for $582 OTD about 18 months ago, and I considered it a pretty good deal then. I would definitely grab it if you want it.

 

[mbliss57]

The price on Baby Chiefs has softened some in past 5 years but that is still a very good deal as long as it's all ok. I seem to remember one selling about 5 years ago on GB for over $2K. Several in the $1200-$1500 range. Lately I haven't seen any sell for over $1K. They are still very cool guns.

 

[22hipower]

I'd probably try to buy it for less but don't see them very often so would probably pay it. This one, sn 12630, was $200 but that was ten years ago.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Relic Hunter 451]

I am hoping I can lure it home.....we shall see. Maybe the shop keeper will feel like parting with it....fingers crossed

 

[two-bit cowboy]

At one point I had eight '52 (my birth year) Baby Chiefs. The smooth ramp versions ranged from 2928 to 12042, shipped February through September. The serrated ramp is 21249, shipped in October.

Clearly they are addictive!

Since it's a 5-screw .38 Chiefs Special, it's not a "pre-Model 36." The Baby Chiefs ran from serial number 1 through 45962 (there were some later Airweight models in that mix, too). The "later" model we call the "Model of 1953" because it had a 1/8" longer grip handle, a longer, oval trigger guard, and only 4-screws -- eliminating the screw in front of the trigger guard (see attached photo).

I sold two '52 smooth ramp Baby Chiefs at a show last weekend for $525 and $550. They showed some "character" in the blued finish and the grips.

If the one you're looking at is truly in "great condition" I think you're okay at the asking price, but it never hurts to try for a better deal.

One thing to look for: ensure the serial numbers match on the butt, bottom of barrel (pull the cylinder out to see it), the back of the cylinder, and certainly on the inside of the right grip panel.

Best of luck getting the one you're looking at.

 

[Relic Hunter 451]

The one in question is very much the same as the one you have pictured. It has a five numeral serial number.

So I went back and re-analyzed the "baby" chief today. It is the exact iteration as CZU's photo above. The hammer is the earlier type, five screw, smooth ramp style sight, flat oval style cylinder release. All numbers match on the gun. I did not get a chance to check the numbers on the grips, but they look to be original. The gun has turn lines like the one pictured and some light wear on high points. It locks up as tight as any I have ever seen with no end shake. My guess is it has seen very little if any use as it looks like drawer duty wear. I am somewhat of an indecisive buyer. What is the rarity and desirability of this particular gun?

 

[jcelect]

What is the rarity and desirability of this particular gun?

Desirability = very high if you are a collector or accumulator
Rarity = you will never see this gun in a shop again at that price

If you want it for a shooter or to carry, buy a later model 36. Probably cheaper and you will find many more very easily!
IMHO jcelect

 

[JP@AK]

Relic Hunter 451
All I can tell you is if I saw what you have described at an LGS here, it would be in my safe already.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I am somewhat of an indecisive buyer. What is the rarity and desirability of this particular gun?

Of the more than two million Chiefs Specials made between 1950 and about 1982, 2% are Baby Chiefs. You decide if 2% makes it rare. It is highly desirable!

I'm not indecisive.

If you don't want it please send a PM to me with the shop's phone number.

 

[Relic Hunter 451]

So, I secured the "baby" Chief. All numbers match. Her serial is 12750. Smooth ramp sight and oval latch. Needs a little cleaning , but it is very tight and It looks to have been fired very little.

 

[murphydog]

The Society of Baby Chiefs Special Enablers commends you on your purchase.

 

[40_CALIBER]

The price on Baby Chiefs has softened some in past 5 years but that is still a very good deal as long as it's all ok. I seem to remember one selling about 5 years ago on GB for over $2K. Several in the $1200-$1500 range. Lately I haven't seen any sell for over $1K. They are still very cool guns.

They are cool! I got one coming soon myself.
I’m looking forward to it