Quest for S&W Chief Special Model 36

[mward58]

About 1 month ago, I bought the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. I read through the book and I was smitten by the Model 36 Chief's Special. I pledged to myself that I could not buy another firearm unless it was a 60's/70's/80's Blued Model 36 between 300-400 dollars. I went to 3 shops near where I work and live that carry used firearms. They said they see them every once and awhile but not very often. Yesterday, I got a bright idea that maybe somebody might trade one in around Father's day.
I researched the Minneapol/St. Paul area for higher volume gun shops that sell used. I decided to travel to one I was familiar with about 25 miles from my home. i walked into the shop and the friendly shop keeper asked me if he could help me. I blurted out exacly what I was looking for very similar to Ralphie in "A Christmas Story". The shopkeeper's eyes lit up and he immediately went into the back room and brought back an older model Chief's Special. I ran it through the revolver checklist and it looked like a fine specimen of a model 36 no dash. I told him to please set it aside for me and I would be back in a few minutes because I wanted to go to my car and look up the serial number in my Standard Catalog. He said he would keep it set aside for 15 minutes. I went to my car and looked up the serial number and saw it was probably made in 1968 since it did not have double diamonds on the grip and did not have a j in the serial number. I quicly ran back in and said I would buy it. He told me that he does not see that many of those and when he does they go quickly.

Sorry for the long epistle, but buying a piece of history like this little beauty is what the shooting sports is all about for me. New is great, but something about the older classics really keeps me interested in the sport of shooting. If you feel the same way, please share your stories!

[Majer]

I feel the same way about Ruger 3 screw single action revolvers

[Bill Stryker]

Enjoy your classic S&W M36.
My wife bought me one new from the Rod and Gun Club at Ft Hood, Tx on Jan 18, 1968. It is a good one. Square butt, 2", I had the hammer bobbed by the Border Patrol Armorer and the action slicked up for carry. She was concerned because I was supposed to appear unarmed in Thailand. I still use it and it still looks great. That is one great revolver.
S&W advises not to fire +p in revolvers of the vintage.

[ericire12]

Post some pics please.

[mward58]

Post some pics please.

Here They are:
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll55/mward58/Model36002.jpg
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll55/mward58/Model36001.jpg

[Sponsor]

[Jkwas]

My wife has the same gun!   She took the wood panels off and I put some Pachmayr compacts on it.  Good shooter.

Hers was $300 out the door with a soft case.   Good luck with it!

[jaybet]

Neat! I passed one of these up at a nearby shop because it was pretty scuffed up. Now I'm kicking myself.

[ellis4538]

I passed one up as part of an estate, $300 as new unfired.  Older gun, still had the original ammo in it!  Belonged to a little old lady (REALLY).  Wish I had bought it but I had hospital and doctor bills to pay.  Oh well, maybe next time.

Richard

[mward58]

I passed one up as part of an estate, $300 as new unfired.  Older gun, still had the original ammo in it!  Belonged to a little old lady (REALLY).  Wish I had bought it but I had hospital and doctor bills to pay.  Oh well, maybe next time.

Richard

How many years ago? They seem to be going up 50 to 100 bucks a year now. Will plateau sometime, but I thought I would get mine now. Thanks everyone for sharing! Good Stories!

[ellis4538]

Just late last year.  The individual (a friend) taking care of the estate offered it to me but I didn't have the $$$'s.
Oh well, maybe next time.

Richard