Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special Flat Latch .38 Spl DA/SA Revolver 2-Inch, Blued, 5-Shot
This Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special is a compact, steel-framed .38 Spl. revolver from the 1957-1966 era. It features the desirable flat/low-profile checkered cylinder-release thumbpiece (flat latch), a 2-inch steel barrel, and a 5-shot fluted swing-out cylinder. Notable details include checkered walnut service stocks with S&W medallions and a diamond around the screw, along with color-contrasting hammer and trigger.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive 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.
Finish Condition: Fair condition, showing significant wear.
Mechanical Condition: Fair condition, showing moderate wear but remains operational.
Stock/Grips Condition: Fair condition, showing wear from use and handling.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver is in solid functional shape. There are scratches and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny. Pitting is present.
What's Included
- Black leather basketweave-style holster
Built on a compact, round-butt grip frame, this Model 36 keeps the classic Chief's Special profile in an all-steel package with a blued finish on the frame and cylinder. The 2-inch barrel and fixed sights maintain the traditional snub-nose configuration, with an integral fixed front sight and a rear notch/groove milled into the topstrap.
This example is a 5-shot, fluted, swing-out cylinder revolver in .38 Spl., with a DA/SA action and an exposed hammer. The steel cylinder matches the blued finish of the gun, and the color-contrasting hammer and trigger provide a distinctive factory look.
The checkered walnut service stocks feature S&W medallions and the diamond around the screw, a detail that many buyers look for on period-correct Model 36 configurations. This revolver also has an additional stamped number in the yoke/crane area separate from the butt serial, as noted.
Made in the United States, this Model 36 is identified as collectible and includes a black leather basketweave-style holster for carry or storage.