S&W Revolver

[Chris1496]

First post here, all information is greatly appreciated, inherited this revolver, just curious what model and age it is. Also curious if the grips are original, I’m thinking not. Serial number is 764xx

Again all information is appreciated.
Chris

 

[adrianolsen]

Looks like a pre model 36, late version. No round front sight. Grips are not original. Need diamond Grips. Guessing 56-57

 

[Hondo44]

Very nice Model of 1953 New J frame 4 screw version no later than about 1955. Was designated the Model 36 in mid 1957 but not stamped as such until later sometime in 1958.

 

[Chris1496]

Thanks for the help, so the grips are not original? If not could someone point me in the direction of some originals?

Chris

 

[rct269]

My less than perfect memory tells me your grips are "J frame targets".

My considerably superior memory tells me those are VASTLY superior to the originals if you intend to shoot the gun.

The original grips are all well and good if that's what floats your boat just because they're that----the originals. Of course, the replacement "originals" aren't the real originals.

And if all this is even remotely worrisome to you, get a letter before you do anything else.

Got all that?!!

Ralph Tremaine

Then again, it's entirely possible, never mind unlikely, the gun was a special order----fit with J frame targets---stranger things have happened.

 

[Chris1496]

Thanks RCT I guess you are right I should get the letter, yes these grips feel nice in the hand for sure, I just plan to keep it in the safe for sentimental value. Since I originally posted I took the grips off and there is a sticker inside that say $19.99 so I’d say they aren’t original for sure.

Chris

 

[rct269]

Thanks RCT I guess you are right I should get the letter, yes these grips feel nice in the hand for sure, I just plan to keep it in the safe for sentimental value. Since I originally posted I took the grips off and there is a sticker inside that say $19.99 so I’d say they aren’t original for sure.

Chris

You got that right! Then again, I'm particularly fond of J frame targets because I won more money than I lost with them.

It was my practice to comment on low slow fire scores posted at Bullseye matches---"I can shoot better than that with my snub nose!" (a Chiefs Special Target, with J frame target grips)

It was inevitable that someone (or more) would challenge that snarky remark with the challenge, "Oh yeah, for how much?!!") Then the race was on!

 

[rct269]

If ever you decide use this gun as a shooter----there all several alternatives to be had without laying out big bucks for the custom made to order grips. The J frame targets stand at the front of the line---simply because you already them.

Another is pretty much the same---only very likely better; and those are known as combat grips. I never had any for a J frame, but if they work as well on the J frame as they do on a K frame; you're going to be a happy camper!!

There are more than a few to be had without spending big bucks, and I don't know if S&W has such or not. I dare say the aftermarket has A BUNCH of them!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[DWalt]

I wouldn’t advise spending anything to get a letter or different grips. It is a very common revolver and there are better uses for your money.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! As you've learned, you have inherited a very nice .38 Chiefs Special with 2" barrel (aka "Model of 1953" and "Pre-model 36"). These became the Model 36 in 1957-58. Yours has the later version serrated front sight and longer trigger guard, probably manufactured in early 1956 (s/n 764xx). Originally that J-frame revolver would have come with checkered diamond walnut stocks (grips). Yours is a 4-screw version (right side plate), and perhaps a transition revolver because S&W supposedly eliminated the 4th screw in 1955 (s/n 75000). Since your revolver is now a family heirloom, I would consider finding some original stocks. You can find them reasonably priced on eBay, or advertise here on the Forum ("Want to Buy") and one of our Forum members probably has a nice set that they are willing to sell. Enjoy!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Based on others in the Chiefs database I'd bet S&W shipped
yours in or around spring 1956.

S&W issued Engineering Change #168 on December 13, 1955,
to eliminate the fourth frame screw. Due to guns in the pipeline
at the time the change order was published, it took some time
for change to be seen. The first known three-screw carbon steel
Chiefs Special is serial number 73759. The company neither
produced nor shipped guns in serial number order so there is an
overlap in features and serial numbers.

Yours has the new large hammer, though. Engineering Change
#463, issued on December 23, 1955, changed from the small
hammer to the one like yours.

Another noteworthy detail about your Chiefs Special appears to
be its bright blue finish. S&W changed from the postwar satin
blue to the bright blue at some point in or around spring 1956.

Those target stocks hide whether your Chiefs Special has a
round or square butt. Here's my square butt four-screw Chiefs
Special that shipped in May 1956 with the small hammer and
bright blue finish. I added the nickel one to give you a
perspective on what the round butt stocks of that era look like.

 

[Vettepartz]

I have to disagree with what some of the posters have replied here. We all are entitled to our own opinion. I think it would be extremely hard to find the set of original stocks. However, with a little searching, I think you could find a set of the 'correct' stocks for your handgun.