Two .38 Specials inherited, help identify?

[Matt_X]

Yes, they will be fine with any factory .38 Spl from a reputable manufacturer not marked (+P). They will probably hit closest to point of aim or slightly above with a 158 gr bullet but the difference even at 25 yards is only going to be a few inches if you use a 130 gr round. Target wadcutters tend to be around 148 gr and make nice clean holes in paper.

 

[NavyVet24]

Thank you KSCHARLIE. I guess I was confused by difference in nomenclature and did not know they were interchangeable. My apologies to the OP for any misinformation.

 

[janman]

The grips on the M&P appear to be rounded at the base. Those style grips were put on short barreled square butt K frames such as the 2" or 3" M&P,
Model 12, and Model 15. Supposedly to facilitate better concealed carry for detectives and undercover cops.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

The Chiefs Special database lists ship dates for other Chiefs with 113xxx serial numbers between December 1957 and July 1958 so yours could certainly be in that era.

Yours has the less common square butt, and based on the appearance of the stocks I would almost bet you will find the butt's matching serial number stamped inside the right stock in two rows: 113 above the last three digits.

Yours also has the fifth style flat thumbpiece, which we first see in early 1955 and through early 1959.

Congratulations on being the recipient of those two heirlooms. They're handsome creatures to be sure.