Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special .38 Special, 2-Inch, Blued, 5-Shot J-Frame (1984-1985)
This Smith & Wesson Model 36 (no dash) Chief's Special is a classic J-frame, 5-shot steel revolver with a 2-inch barrel from the mid-1980s. Built in the United States, it features a polished blued finish, round-butt frame, and checkered walnut service stocks with S&W medallions. This example reflects the post-1982 unpinned-barrel design, pre-lock configuration, and carries correct factory markings consistent with its 1984–1985 manufacture period.
Construction is all carbon steel with blued finish on the frame, cylinder, and receiver. The unshrouded ejector rod, anti-glare serrations on the top strap and barrel top, and round-butt grip frame are true to the Chief's Special profile. The yoke is stamped "MOD. 36," and the barrel is roll-marked ".38 S.&W. SPL." with no +P marking.
The revolver uses a double-action/single-action system with a smooth, narrow trigger. It has an exposed hammer with a checkered spur and the firing pin mounted on the hammer. Sights are fixed, with an integral serrated ramp front and a fixed square-notch rear, set up for fast, snag-resistant alignment on a snubnose defensive revolver.
As a no-dash Model 36 from the 1980s, this J-frame embodies the period-correct features that many buyers look for: steel construction, pre-lock configuration, unpinned barrel, and clean factory markings. It remains a compact, straightforward .38 Special carry revolver with the hallmark fit and finish expected of the era.
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: There are markings from previous handling and use. Please refer to the photos for a detailed look at surfaces and edges.
What's Included
- Leather holster molded for S&W J-frame snubnose
- Note: The HKS #36 speedloader shown in photos is not included.
The Model 36 Chief's Special is a 5-shot .38 Special built on the compact J-frame, pairing concealability with all-steel durability. This example features carbon-steel construction throughout with a polished blued finish and matching blued cylinder. The checkered walnut service stocks with inset S&W medallions complement the round-butt frame for a secure, traditional grip profile.
Factory sights are fixed and practical: an integral serrated ramp front pairs with a fixed square-notch rear. The top strap and the top of the barrel carry anti-glare serrations, a thoughtful detail that reduces glare in bright light. The ejector rod is unshrouded, preserving the classic Chief's Special silhouette.
Operation is double-action/single-action with a smooth, narrow trigger. The exposed hammer has a checkered spur for positive cocking, and the firing pin is mounted on the hammer, consistent with the period. The yoke is stamped "MOD. 36," confirming the model designation.
Chambered in .38 Special, the 2-inch barrel is correctly roll-marked ".38 S.&W. SPL." with no +P marking. This no-dash, pre-lock revolver reflects the post-1982 unpinned-barrel design and aligns with a 1984–1985 production timeframe, offering period-correct configuration and markings valued by many enthusiasts.