Smith and Wesson 36-1 Target

[Tommy Gun 1256]

I have a 1976 S&W 36-1 Target model 3" BBL with the original box. The box has some markings on the label in the "Special Features" that I can't make out. The gun has the banana style grips along with the standard grips. Would anyone know if a 36-1 Target would have to have been special ordered or would the banana grips be the "Special Features" referenced on the label? Any help regarding these questions would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Truckman]

A SWHF letter would possibly give the answer......Ben

 

[colt_saa]

The 3" Chiefs Special Target was not a special order firearm.

Produced in a small batches from 1955 to 1974 it was marked both as a Model 50 and as a Model 36 during that time frame

Since you mentioned the banana grips, is your 3" Chiefs Special Target a round butt?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The mid-1970s Chiefs Special Target Model 36-1 production was
213, but Dr. Jinks said only 202 shipped.

They were like the saa_colt posted, and they were in the 2J3xxx
serial range. They were all square butts. If yours has a round butt
it probably is not a factory CST.

 

[VASCAR2]

Here is a picture of three of my S&W revolvers, top model 15, middle model 18 22 LR and bottom model 36” with 3” barrel square butt with original grips.

The model 36 3” has fixed sights and a smaller diameter barrel than the 36-1. I believe the model 50 was a J frame 38 Special with adjustable sights.

 

[Model19man]

The 3" Chiefs Special Target was not a special order firearm.

Produced in a small batches from 1955 to 1974 it was marked both as a Model 50 and as a Model 36 during that time frame

Since you mentioned the banana grips, is your 3" Chiefs Special Target a round butt?

This one is a round butt.

 

[colt_saa]

This one is a round butt.

That 3" Model 36 Chiefs Special Target is from the -6 engineering revision. It is product code 101549 and is from 1989

 

[jcelect]

The mid-1970s Chiefs Special Target Model 36-1 production was
213, but Dr. Jinks said only 202 shipped.

They were like the saa_colt posted, and they were in the 2J3xxx
serial range. They were all square butts. If yours has a round butt
it probably is not a factory CST.

These 3" HB CSTs were between serial numbers 2J3134-2J3347 in 1975.
All the known CSTs were made with square butts until the run of 36-6 in 1989. The 36-6 guns differed from the earlier CSTs as they were produced with a 3" Heavy barrel, full underlug, RB frame, and a matt finish. All the examples I have seen were serial numbered beginning with "BEA". The CST is probably the model being faked the most from its introduction in 1955 to about 1975. The CST has always commanded a premium in the used gun market. The CST has always been produced in small quantities in different serial number blocks; however, I have found guns with serial numbers not in these blocks! A factory letter, stating a Chief's Special left the factory with a rear adjustable sight, is the only proof positive of a CST!
jcelect

 

[colt_saa]

These 3" HB CSTs were between serial numbers 2J3134-2J3347 in 1975.
All the known CSTs were made with square butts until the run of 36-6 in 1989. The 36-6 guns differed from the earlier CSTs as they were produced with a 3" Heavy barrel, full underlug, RB frame, and a matt finish. All the examples I have seen were serial numbered beginning with "BEA". The CST is probably the model being faked the most from its introduction in 1955 to about 1975. The CST has always commanded a premium in the used gun market. The CST has always been produced in small quantities in different serial number blocks; however, I have found guns with serial numbers not in these blocks! A factory letter, stating a Chief's Special left the factory with a rear adjustable sight, is the only proof positive of a CST!
jcelect

I believe product code 102305 was the first round butt CST. These stainless 2" Chiefs Special Targets were introduced in 1985

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I believe product code 102305 was the first round butt CST. These stainless 2" Chiefs Special Targets were introduced in 1985

That's a Model 60-1.

 

[colt_saa]

That's a Model 60-1.

Correct

Product code 102305 is a 2" Model 60 Chiefs Special Target manufactured during the -1 engineering revision

 

[Tommy Gun 1256]

Thank you all very much for your input. The information is very helpful. Happy New Year.

 

[max503]

I really like these revolvers.
A round butt, J Frame 38 with target sights and a 3 inch barrel would be a very useful gun to have.

 

[USBP SW]

I really like these revolvers.
A round butt, J Frame 38 with target sights and a 3 inch barrel would be a very useful gun to have.

Sounds like the 60-4 and yes they are very useful, if you can find one. Most folks seem to hang onto them.

 

[jcelect]

CSTs

If we include the SS models in the CST group, there is also the 60-4. 3", full underlug, SS, & 38 SPL.

The 60-15 in the Pro series. 38 SPL (top gun in the pic)

The 60-18 in 357Mag from 2005. It has a 5" barrel and the outer shroud or two-piece barrel.

The 632-1 in 327 Mag with a 3" ported barrel and in flat black finish(the upper left gun)

I'm sure there are more J frame guns in the more modern eras, with adjustible rear sights, but are they CSTs?
IMHO jcelect

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Product code 102305 is a 2" Model 60 Chiefs Special Target manufactured during the -1 engineering revision

​

To call it "the -1 engineering revision" is a bit misleading. It was
not an "engineering change" model number.

S&W under Bangor Punta made the first Model 60-1 parts in 1972.
They were--like the 1966 Model 36-1--3" Heavy Barrel Chiefs
Specials, and they had square butts. In 1978 the company
assembled the parts and offered the model to distributors. Only
169 of them shipped on June 12, 1978, to eight distributors.

Fast forward to January 1984 when Lear Siegler bought S&W.
With no regard for model number precedent Siegler made the
Chiefs Special Target Model 60-1, reportedly for Ashland
Shooters Supply in Ashland, Ohio. It was the last Model 60-1.​

 

[colt_saa]

The 632-1 in 327 Mag with a 3" ported barrel and in flat black finish(the upper left gun)

Very interesting

Not being a big follower of the 32 caliber revolvers and their model numbers, I was always under the impression that the x32 models were Centennials, not Chiefs Specials

 

[RubEric]

My Chiefs Special Target and Model 60:

 

[BC38]

I really like that 3".
Mine is a 2" SB.