Smith & Wesson Model 36 “Chiefs Special” .38 Special, 2-Inch, 1969 Production, Custom Grips
Made in 1969, this Smith & Wesson Model 36 “Chiefs Special” is a desirable no-dash J-frame snubnose that retains the classic pre-MIM, pinned-barrel construction collectors look for. The revolver has been tastefully updated with grey/black laminate finger-groove grips and polished silver replacement hammer and trigger, giving it a distinctive look while preserving its vintage mechanical features.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratching, scuffing, and blemishing are present, and the revolver was refurbished at some point in its life.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 36 “Chiefs Special” revolver
- Grey/black layered laminate finger-groove grips (installed)
- Polished silver replacement hammer and trigger (installed)
This early no-dash Model 36 is built on Smith & Wesson’s compact J-frame, offering a five-shot cylinder chambered in .38 Special. The 2-inch pinned carbon-steel barrel and hammer-mounted firing pin mark it as a pre-1982 example, features often singled out by S&W enthusiasts.
The factory blued finish remains uniform, contrasting sharply with the aftermarket silver hammer and trigger for easy visual indexing. Fixed sights consist of a serrated ramp front and a square-notch rear integral to the top strap—simple, rugged, and true to the Chiefs Special lineage.
The layered laminate grips add modern ergonomics and a controlled grip surface without altering the revolver’s original profile. Their finger-groove design guides consistent hand placement, useful for both double-action and single-action work.
Serial number 723XXX places manufacture in 1969, squarely in the period when the Model 36 helped define the concealed-carry revolver market. Collectors appreciate this era for its carbon-steel construction, hand-fitted parts, and absence of modern internal locks.