Pre Model 36

[CulinaryMilitia]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a S&W Chiefs Special Model 36 with serial 553XX would have been produced in 1955 making it a "pre model 36", correct?

Thanks

[nickel plate]

Are you referring to a "pre LOCK model 36"?

[003]

I believe he is talking about an older S&W made before they started using model numbers. Culinary is it a "flat latch" ? If so it is a late 40's/early 50's.

[Mr. Beretta]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a S&W Chiefs Special Model 36 with serial 553XX would have been produced in 1955 making it a "pre model 36", correct?

Thanks

You are correct, your Chiefs Special (not model 36) dates in 1955.

S&W began marking these neat lil guns in 1957 with "model 36" beginning with
the serial # 125,000.

And yes, your gun is commonly called a "pre model 36".

[beerman]

I believe he is talking about an older S&W made before they started using model numbers. Culinary is it a "flat latch" ? If so it is a late 40's/early 50's.

actually, the flat latch model 36s were made untill around 1965/66. Here's a pic of my SN 400,0xx ...made in '64

[CulinaryMilitia]

You are correct, your Chiefs Special (not model 36) dates in 1955.

S&W began marking these neat lil guns in 1957 with "model 36" beginning with
the serial # 125,000.

And yes, your gun is commonly called a "pre model 36".

Thanks! I've read that it's supposedly accurate at 25 yards, but... uh... not for me More like 5-10 yards. But I imagine it was built for fairly personal interactions. It's a fun little gun, although a little heavy compared to what I've seen people carrying.

[Sky_DiveR]

Where's the Por.... uh... I mean, pics?

[CulinaryMilitia]

I only have one pic and it's not the greatest...


I had my "dog on the beach" filter on lol

[Mr. Beretta]

I only have one pic and it's not the greatest...


I had my "dog on the beach" filter on lol

OH MY!....You are the owner of a "Chiefs Special Target" ! It looks all original from what I can tell by the pic. Serial # 555XX is in the correct range, 55,000 to 57,000.

Love those early J -Frame square butt diamond grips. Do they number to the gun? I would strongly suggest getting a S&W factory letter to document the gun. Mint examples of these gems have been know to fetch $1,500.

Congrats!