64 years agoS&W got it right!

Z

ZVP

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64 years ago the Model 36 Chief's Special came out and other manufacturers have been trying to re-invent it ever since!
I can't think of a more strictly business design that carrys, shoots and reliably works as well as this model!
Strengthening the revolver to shoot +P Loads was about the only needed improvement aside from a grip change if so desired.
I waited far too long to buy mine, always putting food or school clothes for the kids first but now that I finally bought mine, a no dash Model 36 and it's a 24/7 companion not soon to be replaced.

ZVP
 
In 1965, they got it right again, when they introduced the Model 60. I'm a big fan of J-frame revolvers, especially the older ones.
 
I have a 1966 vintage M36 that gets quite a bit of carry time. My only upgrade was to swap out the stock wood grips for a set of Uncle Mikes boot grips. I carry it IWB in a FIST kydex holster and it just disappears.
 
And then another fine variant, the 40/640 Centennial series. I've carried a dashless 640 for years.

Hell, J-frames are just great little guns!
 
Inherited a pre 36 from my Father in Law.

I think I looked up the year.. sometime in the 50's... just STD .38. Came with it's big brother ) a pre 10 )

Wonderful gun, I just can't shoot it for anything with the original grip. Just got a Hogue for it and the 10 last week, waiting to go shoot them both.
 
64 years ago the Model 36 Chief's Special came out and other manufacturers have been trying to re-invent it ever since!
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Actually SW tried to reinvent the Colt Detective Special which came out in 1927.
 
I recently bought a no dash M36, with a 3 inch barrel,square butt, its my EDC. Trying to get some pachmayr compacs for it. I have an IWB Pro-Carry.
 
+1 KY Jim. The Detective special was first, although the chief's special is a tad smaller and a tad lighter AFAIK.

As for the extra round that D frame Colts have (Diamondback, Agent, Cobra, Det Spec): if you fire 5x, and you need a 6th shot, you're probably in some really hot water...
 
As for the extra round that D frame Colts have (Diamondback, Agent, Cobra, Det Spec): if you fire 5x, and you need a 6th shot, you're probably in some really hot water...
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Was it Bill Jordan who said, "If you don't get it done with the first six, six more probably won't help much"?

I think it's about right with five as well, though if somebody wanted to give me a really nice Detective Special I certainly wouldn't turn it down.

No offense to civilians who feel the need to carry five spare mags for a .40 or .45, but I don't see it. My intention is to be able to save my elderly butt if a last-ditch, red alert situation occurs, not fight a sustained gun battle. My J-frame and maybe one Speed Strip make me feel pretty safe.
 
I'll side with RedBow. The Chiefs was a compromise piece who did not "need" to carry a full size. Making it light (M3) made it right.
 
Another Colt man here. My 70s Agent fills the snubby carry slot. In my hands, a J frame Smith draws blood.

Mine.

Cylinder latch bites my thumb unless I put Pachmayers on it, which defeats it's compactness. Not a problem with the small standard grip of the Agent.

With standard grips and a bobbed hammer, I'm good to go with a pocket pistol I can shoot without spilling my own blood. ;)

P.S. Now Smith K, L and N frames I can and do shoot.
 
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