Show and tell Model 36's

[Drifter Mike]

Just have to show off my latest find at the local indoor range and pawn shop ( only guns and gold ). Model 36 ( no dash ) un-fired since leaving the factory! Old man ( 95 ) brought it in as he was going into a retirement home, said he bought it about 30 to 50 years ago as a house gun but never fires it! Has all the original paperwork, tools and even the original price tag of $109.00!
It now resides in my safe with a pre Model 36 flat latch in a non original box ( box it came with is for a model 38 ) in 98% condition!

 

[Drifter Mike]

Show and tell

A few more pictures

 

[Grimjaws]

Curious

Ok I have to know

Ballpark what did you pay?

 

[Drifter Mike]

The owner gave me a great price..........$350 out the door! When he told me the price I couldn't believe it and almost broke me hand getting my wallet out!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Nice find on that new one.

To call your old one a pre-36 isn't exactly correct. It's a Baby Chiefs, and I can't quite make out the serial number, but if the first digit is a 1 then it likely has a smooth ramp front sight, and I'd guess it shipped from the factory about spring of '52.

To clarify, the ones known as pre-36s were the "Model of 1953" and they had the bigger, oval trigger guard and ⅛" longer grip frame and grips (just as your newly acquired one has).

 

[Drifter Mike]

16920 is the serial number on the flat latch ( or Baby Chief's )

 

[endzone]

Deal of the year!! What a score!!!

 

[Targets Guy]

That's a beauty. Good work.

 

[MetalMan]

Nice score!

I have 1968 and 1983 vintage 36's.

Just picked up the older one at a local gun show a couple of weeks ago and, it too, seems to be unfired or very gently used. Came in period correct box with papers and tools but not numbered to the gun. I have sporadically carried the younger Chief but it's older sibling may be relegated to safe queen status.

 

[flagman1776]

My M36 No Dash



Unfired. Origially sold in 1976.

 

[peterdeb]

The owner gave me a great price..........$350 out the door! When he told me the price I couldn't believe it and almost broke me hand getting my wallet out!

I FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR!!!

 

[dhtwalden]

The owner gave me a great price..........$350 out the door! When he told me the price I couldn't believe it and almost broke me hand getting my wallet out!

Just my opinion, but if you could find the previous owner, a visit to the nursing home might be uplifting for him. I can't imagine having to give up that gun to go into a facility. I suspect he would enjoy some kindness and compassionate visits. Great story. Glad to hear you appreciate your find. With metta, dht