Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special .38 Special, 2-inch Nickel J-Frame, Square-Butt, 5-Shot Revolver (1981, Pinned Barrel)
Built in 1981, this Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special is a 5-shot J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special with a 2-inch pinned barrel and a nickel-plated finish. It features a square-butt grip frame with checkered walnut Magna grips and fixed sights. The revolver comes with the factory blue S&W box and the Model 36 instruction manual.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
This revolver is in solid functional shape. Light scratches and blemishes are present. Scorch marks are present.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson factory blue cardboard box
- Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special Revolver Model No. 36 instruction manual
This Model 36 is the classic steel J-frame Chiefs Special with a nickel-plated finish over its steel frame and cylinder. It is configured with a square-butt grip frame wearing checkered walnut Magna grips with S&W medallions. The action is double-action/single-action with an exposed, checkered-spur hammer and a smooth-faced trigger.
The 2-inch steel barrel is pinned, a pre-1982 feature valued by many S&W enthusiasts. Sighting is straightforward and durable: an integral serrated ramp front sight and a fixed top-strap notch rear, with a serrated top strap to reduce glare.
The 5-shot cylinder is steel with a nickel finish. It uses an ejector rod with a knurled tip and a short under-barrel lug. Chambering is .38 Special, aligning with the revolver’s compact defensive role while retaining classic S&W handling traits.
Factory markings are correct throughout: the yoke is marked "MOD. 36," the barrel is marked ".38 S.&W. SPL.," the left side carries the "SMITH & WESSON" roll mark, and the right side of the frame is stamped "MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS." The serial falls in the J787xxx range, indicating 1981 production in the United States.