Smith & Wesson Model 36-1 Chiefs Special .38 Special, 3-Inch Heavy Barrel, Bright Nickel, J-Frame Revolver
This Smith & Wesson Model 36-1 is a Chiefs Special variant with a 3-inch heavy barrel, bright nickel finish, and square-butt J-frame. Built in 1976–1977 with pinned-barrel construction, it features a 5-shot fluted cylinder, double-action/single-action operation, and classic checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions. It presents as a clean, period-correct example with fixed sights and factory rollmarks.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling Condition: Excellent - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light handling marks from previous use.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Chiefs Special (Model 36) owner's manual
- Smith & Wesson factory cardboard box (Bangor Punta era)
The Model 36-1 pairs the compact J-frame with a 3-inch heavy profile barrel, offering a longer sight radius and added muzzle weight compared to shorter snubs. This example uses pinned-barrel construction and an unshrouded ejector rod, consistent with pre-1982 manufacturing practices.
The bright nickel finish is applied over a carbon-steel frame and cylinder, matching the period-correct aesthetic of late 1970s production. The square-butt grip frame is fitted with checkered walnut Magna-style stocks wearing S&W medallions.
Sighting is straightforward and durable, with a pinned, ramped, serrated front blade and a fixed rear notch milled into the topstrap. The revolver operates in double-action/single-action with an exposed hammer.
Factory markings include MOD. 36-1 on the yoke and standard rollmarks on the barrel and frame: SMITH & WESSON and 38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG. Assembly numbers inside the yoke are non-serial. Origin is USA, and the production window is 1976–1977 within the Chiefs Special family.