Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special No-Dash .38 Special Revolver – 2" Pinned Barrel, Blued
This early-1970s Smith & Wesson Model 36 no-dash combines classic J-frame concealability with all-steel durability. A 2-inch, tapered, pinned barrel, polished blue finish, and round-butt walnut Magna stocks give this Chief's Special its period-correct look and feel. The revolver is mechanically sound, retains strong case colors on the hammer and trigger, and comes with a leather OWB holster, making it a ready-to-carry collectible.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling. Minor handling wear and minor finish loss on the cylinder are present, but function remains excellent.
Bore Condition: Excellent – clean, mirror finish with sharp lands and grooves.
What’s Included
- Black leather OWB belt holster with thumb-break retention
The no-dash designation places this revolver among the earliest Model 36 production after the model name replaced the original “Chief's Special” roll mark.
All major components are forged carbon steel, finished in Smith & Wesson’s polished blue. The exposed hammer and smooth-face trigger retain vivid color-case-hardening, a feature collectors look for on pre-MIM guns.
The compact J-frame houses a five-shot cylinder chambered for standard-pressure .38 Special. Fixed sights consist of an integral serrated ramp front and a square-notch rear milled into the top strap, providing a snag-free profile for discreet carry.
A round-butt grip frame wears factory walnut Magna service stocks with sharp checkering and inset S&W medallions, adding both control and period authenticity. The checkered cylinder-release latch and pinned barrel further underscore its early-production pedigree.