Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special No-Dash .38 Special, 2 inch Blued J-Frame, 5-Shot Revolver (1968–1969)
This late-1960s Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special no-dash is a compact J-frame revolver with classic features and documented period provenance. It pairs a 2 inch tapered carbon-steel barrel with a five-shot fluted cylinder, fixed sights, and checkered walnut service stocks with S&W medallions. The revolver comes with its factory blue two-piece box with end label (BARREL field marked “3”; revolver is the 2-inch configuration), the period instruction sheet, and an S&W cleaning rod and brush, making it a complete, period-correct package.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There is extensive finish wear and pitting throughout the metal surfaces.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson factory blue two-piece box with end label
- Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special Model 36 instruction sheet
- Smith & Wesson cleaning rod with loop and bore brush (bagged)
The Model 36 Chiefs Special no-dash is a blued, carbon-steel J-frame with a round-butt grip profile. It features a 2 inch tapered barrel and a five-shot fluted cylinder chambered in .38 Special. The action is double-action/single-action with an exposed hammer and a smooth trigger.
Produced in 1968–1969, this example reflects the transitional, late pre-"J"-prefix configuration. Notable details include non-diamond checkered walnut service stocks with S&W medallions and a cylinder latch. It also retains the exposed ejector rod with a knurled tip and a short front barrel lug, along with the S&W round logo on the left sideplate.
Sight regulation is via fixed sights: an integral serrated ramp front and a fixed topstrap notch rear. The compact, micro-size J-frame format provides a traditional five-round capacity in a streamlined package.
Factory rollmarks and assembly markings are present and correct for the period: the right side of the barrel reads ".38 S.&W. SPL.", the left side "SMITH & WESSON.", the yoke cut is marked "MOD. 36", and the right frame carries "MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS." The original box end label is present and period-correct; its BARREL field is marked "3", which does not match this revolver’s 2-inch configuration.