S&W .38 SPL Chiefs Special Target Revolver

[RubEric]

Upper gun is a 36-6 which I believe is a true "Chiefs Special Target" I paid $900 for it in 2017. Lower is a 60-4 with KB's purchased new in 1995 for $485.00

 

[Retired W4]

The test run of 3" SB (pictured above) were distributed as noted below. I was surprised that HH Harris was not on the list.

 

[MajorD]

Here’s a picture of the inside of the cylinder. Again, this is my first Smith & Wesson revolver, and I’m curious do all of them have this number 1 stamp ?

It is not a number 1. It is a partially struck letter V. Back when nickel guns were popular, most S&W cylinders for nickel guns had a similarly stamped N on them
To keep the confusion between Nickel and stainless to a minimum at the factory, the stainless cylinders were stamped with a V.

 

[Jase2007]

Yes I still have it Jace. Do you still have the 60-9 357?

Here is the Ashford 60-1 with my special run 60-1 (one of 171) 3" SB from June 12, 1978.

I still have it. I’ve got a 60-4 38 target 3” and a 60-10 target 357 3” as well

 

[H Richard]

The 36-6 is classic but this 36-1 target wouldn't letter as a target, but whoever did the work did a great job.

 

[Chop]

I have one ANB54xx. Think I bought mine new when I lived in Georgia.
Perhaps 1989ish..

 

[pasound]

Hammer2024, did you find more grips?

 

[Hammer2024]

Hammer2024, did you find more grips?

Found them!!! I really need to consolidate my bits pieces parts boxes, but remember I got this pistol over 25 years ago and been thru a bunch of moves since then. I’m just glad I found them!
They were at the bottom of a box with a set of Makarov Grips that the deputy chief had replaced with Pachmeyer grips on that 9mm pistol as well. I remember now he also gave me this extra black cylinder for a quick reload and I remember him show me how to use it.

Yes, they look awesome but I can see why he put the Pachmayer grips on the revolver because they’re so small and thin specially for my size hand.

Now I need to figure out what to do with the other set of J grips that have the diamond on them because I don’t have the pistol that he must’ve got those for. I guess I can trade or sell at a gun show or something.

 

[Hammer2024]

Now that I found its correct grips, can y’all give me an idea of what this special revolver is worth in today’s market? I didn’t pay anything for it because it was given to me as a gift, but I would like to know of course what it’s worth now����

 

[Hammer2024]

I finally received the Smith & Wesson historical foundation letter and they verified that my revolver is in fact a Chiefs special target Model 60-1 that was part of the special production run made for Ashland shooters supply in 1985. This revolvers serial number is the only one of its type made in this special production run of 660 or so revolvers. I really appreciate everybody encouraging me to get this validation letter.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Great news!!! I can't really estimate the value but the letter certainly improves its worth. Are you inclined to hold onto it?

The Model 60 can be an addiction. So far I'm holding fast to my lone specimen, a -4.

Todd

 

[Hammer2024]

It’s definitely more interesting to me now that I have this verification letter and I’m still considering selling it.

Since getting this historical foundation paperwork, I’ve had someone offer me $1200. I’m playing on taking it to a large gun show in Florida next month to show it to a couple collector enthusiast to see if they want to purchase it, and if they don’t, I probably will sell it to the gentleman who’s offered me a great price for it.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

60-4 makes a good bee gun too.....Handload 38 spl case with #9 or #12's. Makes great airial shooting.
Would love to find a non lug 36 target like the one shown above!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Since getting this historical foundation paperwork, I’ve had someone offer me $1200.

One almost as new in the original one-piece box, with papers and
tools sold in May this year for $1,069 on the big auction site.

You paid $100 for your letter, and you don't have the box & goodies.

Take the $1,200, smile, say, "Thank you," and run.

 

[Hammer2024]

Yes, I do believe it’s a very generous offer.

What are the tools that you were referring to that would have come with the revolver? When the deputy chief gave me the revolver he also gave me a black hard plastic cylinder that he said was a speed Reloader for it.

 

[Rodfac]

This M36-6 has been in the family since December of 1992, when I bought it for my wife who was travelling extensively in the mountains of eastern Kentucky on State business.

It's been 34 years since I wrapped it up for her Christmas that year, but IIRC, it came with S&W finger groove combat grips. I could be wrong however. These are the Pachmayrs I have on it now...in the 1st pic. The M63, in the 2nd pic has the grips that were originally on it...again, IIRC. Best regards, Rod

 

[two-bit cowboy]

You are correct, not wrong!

The Model 36-6, Product Code 101549, came with Hogue's Monogrip.

S&W introduced the model in 1989. Despite erroneous reports of
other numbers, there were 2,000.

Neat revolver.

S&W's first Chiefs Special Target Model with a ribbed barrel.