Smith & Wesson Model 36-10 Classic .38 Special +P Nickel-Finish Revolver – 2-Inch, 5-Shot J-Frame
The Model 36-10 Classic pairs Smith & Wesson’s storied J-frame design with a bright nickel finish that was produced in far smaller numbers than the standard blued version. Chambered for .38 Special +P and fitted with period-style diamond-inlay walnut grips, this compact, 5-shot revolver offers modern +P proofing in a package that stays true to the original 1950s Chief’s Special profile. Its tapered 2-inch carbon-steel barrel, flat-latch cylinder release, and factory checkered walnut stocks make it a standout for collectors who appreciate authentic details in a recent-production gun.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good – shows honest handling wear with light carbon scoring.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks; rifling is sharp and well-defined.
Specific Condition Notes: Light carbon fouling around the cylinder face and forcing cone, consistent with regular firing but careful maintenance.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 36-10 Classic revolver
The 36-10 Classic retains the slim 2-inch tapered barrel and half-lug ejector-rod shroud that keep weight down and balance quick. Rated for .38 Special +P, it offers increased performance over earlier Chief’s Specials while preserving the compact dimensions that made the J-frame famous.
A factory bright nickel finish covers the carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and barrel, adding corrosion resistance and a distinctive mirror-like appearance rarely seen on modern production runs. The matching nickel flat-latch release nods to early-production Chiefs and contributes to the revolver’s period-correct look.
The checkered walnut round-butt stocks feature diamond inlays and silver S&W medallions, mirroring mid-20th-century grip patterns and providing a secure hold without bulk. Fixed iron sights consist of a serrated ramp front and an integral rear notch machined into the top-strap, ensuring snag-free carry and classic lines.
This example carries the CMT serial prefix associated with the Classic-series run that began in 2007. Nickel-finished examples were cataloged but produced in smaller quantities than blued guns, enhancing their appeal to collectors seeking factory-original variations.