Special Edition 36-6

[Pizza Bob]

I just purchased this on Halloween. I have seen it referred to several times as a "Special Edition" 1 of 615 made, but I have no idea whose. It isn't listed in the Lew Horton Listing in the SCSW IV. Maybe a Sports South or Talo? 3" barrel with a full underlug, bead blast finish and adjustable sights. Product Number is 101549...

Any input?

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[H Richard]

This was back in the 90's and what is sometimes referred to as the "Gun of the Month" program that S&W was doing. They made quite a number of small batch's of desirable handguns. Roy did tell me that there were actually about 2,000 made. The "sister" gun, the 60-4 was the same configuration but in stainless.

This one is now in another collectors hands.

 

[Pizza Bob]

This one was August 1989, going by the Julian date on the box. Was the 60 concurrent with this or before or after? Was that 2K just this SKU or the 60 & 36 combined? Sorry for all the questions - I appreciate the input.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[WCCPHD]

They look like small 686 and 586's when you put the S&W J frame target grips on them.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

This one was August 1989, going by the Julian date on the box. Was the 60 concurrent with this or before or after? Was that 2K just this SKU or the 60 & 36 combined? Sorry for all the questions - I appreciate the input.

Questions are good.

According to the Special Products Bulletin Roy sent to me S&W introduced the Model 36-6 in August 1989. He told me the company produced 2,000 of them (I have no clue where the 615 number originated).

Here's a copy of S&W's New Product Information sheet for the model.

The Model 60-4 was a completely different model, introduced in 1990 and produced through 1995. The most clear distinction of the Model 60-4 is its serrated combat trigger -- the only Chiefs Special of that era to have the serrated trigger.

 

[75Vette]

And another rare find. Bob you sure have a knack for finding the odd balls. Congrats on the latest, she's a beauty.

 

[jcelect]

CST

Also, the 36-6 was the last blued model made of the special runs of the Chief's Special Targets which were started in Mar of 1955. All of the 36-6 guns I have serial numbers for in my database begin with the prefix "BEA".
jcelect

 

[Catwrangler]

I saw a review in early 89 in a gun magazine and they referred to it as the "Trail Masterpiece" only knew I Wanted one! Next gun show I attended I found one NIB and bought it. Great little woods walking firearm and the little gun's more accurate that a small revolver has a right to be. My only problem is the matte bluing is a little tender and shows wear quickly. None or My Smiths are safe queens. I shoot them all, but I'm beyond buying gun of the month. My son can keep it or take the hit for the wear, but at that point it won't matter to me.

 

[Engine49guy]

My buddy dangled a pre IL full underlug 3" Model 60-? In 357 under my nose years ago and I admittedly was very tempted....
That being said when I closed my eyes could not detect any weight savings compared to my 2.5" Model 66 which offers 6rds vs 5 in the j frame.
I have a Model 37 airweight that makes for a great ccw.
The full underlug 3" J frame is a conundrum IMO the J frames biggest benefit is reduced weight and size , with a 3" full underlug barrel that kinda goes away.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Also, the 36-6 was the last blued model made of the special runs of the Chief's Special Targets which were started in Mar of 1955. All of the 36-6 guns I have serial numbers for in my database begin with the prefix "BEA".
jcelect

As does this one. Thanks to all who submitted info.

Adios,

Pizza Bob