STILL SOME DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

[OLDSTER]

I purchased this Chiefs Special, not only because I like that model, but because of the nice stag grips. It was described only as a "model 36" , mechanically good, with a 75% finish.. Stag grips are wonderful, the finish was dull due to grime. Couldn't believe it when I inspected it. Finish 99%+, recoil shield shows no sign of ever being fired, cylinder ( front,rear,chambers,extractor, ratchets) show no sign of use, and barrel the same, and screws look like they've never seen a screwdriver. Some times we can still find a deal out there. $ ? $150 -$185 less than any other 4 screw ( this one numbers to 1955) Chiefs Special I was able to find.

 

[Jdavis]

Congratulations on finding your new (old) "diamond". You are right that there are deals still out there but, you have to be lucky to find them.

 

[Eddietruett]

That's why I hit every pawn shop and LGS I see in my travels. The "hunt" is sometimes better than actually owning. Great snag! The nice ones are getting harder to find. I recently saw a dozen or so Chiefs that a LGS purchased. LE trade ins. They were horrible. Looked like they had never been cleaned and were shipped in one box with no protective padding. Was hoping to find one like yours that needed a good cleaning, but these were beyond help. Almost cried. Seeing yours helps restore the faith

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats on getting that nice Chiefs.

I good eye beats luck every time.

Those stags are gorgeous.

 

[Mblhopo]

The amber Sambar Stag like yours has always been my favorite...……………………………………..M*

 

[quinn]

Must be a lucky charm. Some copy carried that gun a lot of miles without ever getting into a gunfight. Flt latches rule!

 

[OLDSTER]

Thanks for your kind posts. I hope this experience inspires all of our fellow "diamond" hunters that "diamonds" are still out there waiting to be rescued. BTW, since my original post, I removed the side plate to check out the innards; once again, no wear or use detected, just old grease

 

[Gebe]

Absolutely beautiful stags!

 

[Hondo44]

That's a gorgeous and early ".38 Chiefs Special Model of 1953 NEW J frame" which still has the Baby J frame earlier hammer, the 4 screw side plate, and satin finish. Plus beautiful genuine India Sambar Stag grips.

Congrats!!

 

[les.b]

Wonderful find!!!

Those grips are magnificent!! What a pleasant surprise to find a true diamond in the rough.

Best Regards, Les