Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special .38 Special J-Frame, Polished Blue, 1.875-inch Pinned Tapered Barrel, 5-Shot (1971–1972)
This Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special is a U.S.-made, early-1970s J-frame revolver with classic features from the period. It pairs a polished blue carbon-steel construction with a pinned, tapered 1.875-inch barrel and a five-shot cylinder. The square-butt grip frame, case-hardened hammer and trigger, and fixed sights underline its traditional configuration and appeal.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light handling marks are present on exterior surfaces from prior use.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special revolver
The J-frame steel construction with a polished blue finish, square-butt grip frame, and unshrouded ejector rod reflect the classic Chiefs Special profile. The later-style checkered cylinder release (not the earlier flat-latch) aligns with the early-1970s production window.
Its 1.875-inch pinned, tapered barrel is rollmarked "SMITH & WESSON" on one side and "38 S.&W. SPL." on the other. The right side of the frame bears the S&W logo with "MADE IN U.S.A. SPRINGFIELD, MASS." markings, consistent with factory practice of the period.
Sighting is straightforward and durable: a fixed, serrated ramp front sight paired with a square-notch rear milled into the top strap. The top strap provides a clean sighting plane.
The hammer and trigger are case-hardened, with a smooth trigger face and a hammer-mounted firing pin. Internal safety features include the hammer block and rebound slide. Walnut Magna-style service stocks with S&W medallions and non-diamond checkering complete the period-correct configuration.
Dating to 1971–1972, this example aligns with the early-1970s floating J serial-series characteristic, adding useful context for collectors verifying era-specific details.