Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special No-Dash .38 Special, 3-inch Pinned Tapered Barrel, Blued (1969-1970)
This Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special is a no-dash revolver from 1969-1970 with a 3-inch pinned, tapered barrel. It features a blued carbon-steel frame and cylinder, color case-hardened hammer and trigger, and original-style S&W checkered walnut Magna stocks. The yoke is marked "MOD. 36," and factory markings include the S&W Trade Mark on the sideplate and the "MADE IN U.S.A. SPRINGFIELD, MASS." frame legend.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Widespread scratches are visible across the blued finish and on high-contact areas.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special revolver
This no-dash Model 36 falls in the 1969-1970 era and carries hallmark factory rollmarks, including the S&W Trade Mark on the sideplate and the Springfield, Massachusetts legend on the frame. The yoke is properly stamped "MOD. 36," consistent with period production.
The 3-inch carbon-steel barrel is both pinned and tapered, balancing compact dimensions with added sight radius. Sights are simple and durable: a ramped, serrated front blade paired with a fixed rear notch integral to the topstrap.
Mechanically, it is a double-action/single-action revolver with a swing-out cylinder. The ejector rod is unshrouded, and the revolver uses the classic teardrop-style cylinder latch found on this model and period.
The frame and cylinder wear a blued finish, complemented by a color case-hardened hammer and trigger. The trigger is case-hardened, and the exposed hammer supports DA/SA operation.
The square-butt frame is fitted with checkered walnut Magna stocks bearing S&W medallions, matching the compact size profile of the Chiefs Special series.