Chief's Special...Questions

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philo_guy

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I may have an opportunty to pick up a S&W Model 36 Chief's Special...5 shot .38spec, blued. I checked in the Gun Digest Book of Gun Values and it was listed at $275 new, $225 perfect, and $175 very good...
From the serial number (J27###) I have been told it's from the mid-70's. The blueing is in really nice shape but the grips look a bit worn. It's a standard DA/SA hammer.
Questions:
1) What would be a fair asking price?
2) Would this be a legit carry gun? (not a BUG)
...if yes, then...
3) What is the recommended method of carry for the Model 36? (I was thinking pocket holster)

Any other facts, info, insights, etc. are more than welcome, and thanks to all in advance.
 
Supica's Standard Catlalog of Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition, shows the following valuations for the Model 36;

NIB ..... $375
EXC ..... $300
VG ...... $250
Good .... $175
Poor .... $100

Since you didn't provide the dash number (if any) it's harder to identify when your specimen was manufactured. Perhaps someone else with a s/n list can identify the date for you. Mid 70's sounds about right. If yours is in excellent condition, without the original box, manual & papers, think along the lines of $275 to $325.

The model 36 is an excellent carry gun if you accept the limitations imposed by the short barrel and the .38 special cartridge. The small size of the J-Framed Model 36 lends itself to being carried in a myriad of ways, including; Shoulder holster, ankle holster, in Thunderwear-like products, IWB/OWB holsters, large pants pockets, coat pockets, purses and fanny packs. Keep in mind that the Model 36's exposed hammer can snag clothing when drawing from a pocket however.
 
Actually, J frames aren't the most valuable firearms. I put a basic, steel and 2" 38 Special at $300.00 NIB as a collectible. After being shot, used, abused and carried enough to show blue wear, I wouldn't give over $200.00 for one. They are easy to find and S&W made many of them. Are they a viable CCW? Yes, if you have small hands and a small frame. The J frame was designed for carry by people who might need a weapon. It is better than a rock. There are those who think the J frame is a combat weapon and suitable for duty use. I don't. I own one. A M30 6 shot 32 S&W Long. I like it and realize the limitations. I have carried J frames, emphasis on plural J frames. Three at a time. I don't carry a J frame anymore. I use a 2" M10-11 38 Special. A far better option. I do think everybody should own a J frame. I consider it the other must have. A 22 and a J frame are must haves. I wouldn't bet my life on either one though. A 3" RB M65 or M66 is a better choice.
 
Greeting's All-

I have a S&W model 60 (old model, stainless Chief's Special) that I now
carry on a daily basis. Its original, with the exception of the Hogue
'Bantam" grips it now wears; as I put the original walnut wooden
grips with the S&W medallions up for safe-keeping. In January of
this year I acquired a very cherry S&W model 37-2 Airweight Chief's
Special made it 1992-93. It is all original, with the walnut wooden
grips and S&W medallions. Its virtually UNFIRED, and I gave only
$225 for it; complete with an Uncle Mikes IWB holster. It won't
see much action at all, as fit and finish are excellent. I picked it
up cuz Smith has really cut production on their blued guns. It
makes a nice addition to my snubby collection.
 
I wonder why the huge disparity in prices between these two books. Could it be that the one has elevated prices because it's a book of S&W prices? I'm surprised they would go that high...I know they are no longer manufactured, but I figured that there we SOOO many out there and so many better choices for carry that these wouldn't be worth more than $200. Keep the info coming though, please.
 
It depends on where you are sometimes. You won't find a $200 Chief's Special in Kalifornia. They start @ the high $200s into the mid $300s here. I will be all over a $300 Model anything in SoCal.

You might find $200 M36s in the United States though.
 
Hmmm...well I'm in Michigan, and I think we're usually on the mid to low end of prices typically. That is, at least according to other postings in various forums.
 
I'll agree with the rest. Model 36's are very common so don't cost allot ( even in mint condition.) I've bought several 99% 36's in the last year for $200-$250. They make EXCELLENT carry guns with a decient ballance of size, shootability an firepower. A pocket holster works great as does an inexpensive IWB holster. IF you really want to make it carry sweet, have the hammer bobbed so it's snag free.
 
I wonder why the huge disparity in prices between these two books. Could it be that the one has elevated prices because it's a book of S&W prices? I'm surprised they would go that high...I know they are no longer manufactured, but I figured that there we SOOO many out there and so many better choices for carry that these wouldn't be worth more than $200. Keep the info coming though, please.
Click to expand...

It depends heavily on the gun and its condition. A flatlatch Model 36 with diamond grips in an honest 99% would be crowding the $400 mark. A cherry nickel 36 in the blue cardboard with the docs will flat jump off the shelf at $300. A typical Bangor Punta-era beater CCW gun is going to run about $200-$250 unless it really looks like its been dragged behind a truck.
 
Philo,
as you can see, firearms cost is different depending on where you live.
Where I live there were only three gun shops and a few pawn shops.
A Gander Mountain Store came into town and the prices at the local gun shops dropped. Example, At the Gander Mountain store they sold the exact same model of Browning HP that was $100.00 higher at a local gun shop. The local gun shops in this town had been gouging folk forever. The local Gander Mountain Store has sold seven units of that pistol, where as the local gun shop still has that one sitting in the counter. The gun shop gun is marked over retail. Since September the Gander Mountain Store has sold over 3000 firearms. If there was that big of demand, why didn't the local gun shops sell that many. Simple, the local gun shop had a monolopy and thought they could set and sell the prices they wanted to and the public would just have to pay it. I try to support my local gun shops, but not when they take unfair advantage of me. Shop around.

Jungle Work
BTW- J Frame Smith go from $200-350 depending on the model and the condidtion in Amarillo, Texas. I bought a 98% Smith 60-4, 3inch full lug, adjustable sights, in December for $250.
 
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Here in NM, blued Chief's Specials of the era and condition of Philo Guy's seem to fly off the shelves at $275-$335. It appears our prices run a bit warmer than anywhere else - maybe because we're the poorest state in the country? :confused:
 
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