Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special .38 Special, 2-inch Blued J-Frame Revolver, 5-Shot
The Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chiefs Special is a compact, all-steel J-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special with a 2-inch tapered barrel. This example features a polished blued frame, fixed sights, and checkered walnut grips with S&W medallions. Marked Made in U.S.A., it carries classic S&W rollmarks and falls into the triple-alpha serial era (ABU-prefix), aligning with later-production Chiefs Specials.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver has minor scratches and blemishes. The bore is clean and shiny. The action cycles smoothly and the lockup is tight. The cylinder and barrel finishes show discoloration compared to the frame. There are a few small pitting deposits on the left side of the frame, with additional small spots of pitting present.
What’s Included
- HKS Model 36 speedloader
This Model 36 retains the defining features of the Chiefs Special: a small steel J-frame, double-action/single-action operation, and a 5-round swing-out fluted cylinder. The exposed, checkered hammer spur supports both DA and SA shooting, and the standard S&W checkered thumbpiece provides familiar cylinder release ergonomics.
The 2-inch carbon-steel barrel is tapered and paired with fixed sights: a serrated ramp front and an integral topstrap rear notch. An unshrouded, knurled ejector rod reflects traditional Model 36 configuration.
Its polished blued frame is complemented by a blued steel cylinder and barrel. Two-piece, checkered walnut grips with silver S&W medallions and an exposed backstrap complete the classic carry profile.
Factory legends include the .38 S&W SPL. barrel rollmark, SMITH & WESSON barrel legend, and the MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. frame mark. Assembly markings “41353” and “E1” appear under the yoke.
An ABU-prefix serial places this revolver in S&W’s triple-alpha serial era.