Master Blaster---
This is one of those deals that makes me crazy! The $230 price is way up on the high end for just a nice Chief Special for a carry piece. If it is, like 95% condition and had proper box, paperwork and cleaning rod, then it gets over into the collectors' realm, and the price is a lot more acceptable. My problem would be in tying up this kind of money in a pistol that I would not want to carry, for fear of messing up the collector value. .
If you are comfortable that it was really manufactured in 1973, then it is over a quarter- century old and you may never have this chance again. The age puts it well away from the "sell out" era, and back when S&W just built good guns as tools for sports and defense and law enforcement, without trying to make them a political statement.
My personal idea is that there are other arms which are better for day to day carry for personal defense. I prefer the alloy frame .38 revolvers, such as the model 37 Airweight Chiefs Special, or the Colt Cobra or Agent. These are much lighter and easier to carry around.
This particular M-36 Chief will indeed handle Plus P ammo, but, one must realize, that this was before there was a system to "Rate" the snubbies for +P. In fact, there is one line of thinking that, because of the five-shot geometry, with the lock bolt cuts being located between the chambers, these little guns will handle heavier loads than their somewhat larger K-frame brethren.
Let's recall--the manufacturers did not make "weak" guns up to a point and then say, "They're stronger now--We'll call 'em Plus P."
ANY well made snub will handle some heavy loads--just not indefinitely. My Airweight Chief has been to the gun smith's shop twice to have end shake fixed because I used too-vigorous handloads in it. I don't do that any more--I practice with light loads at the range--But I still CARRY 158 gr. LSWCHP +P ammo IN it. It will NOT blow up with +P, but it WILL go out of tune rapidly.
G33--You suggest use of Gold Dots. I don't believe Speer markets any GDHP .38 Spl load tht is NOT Plus P.
If I were out to get a carry gun, I think I'd find one in not-quite-so-nice shape, for less money. Or, If I was ready to spent good money for a defensive piece, I think I'd want a Kel Tec P11 or a Kahr or other light weight 9 x 19 auto pistol. Lighter weight, more shots, equal or greater power. If you like the wheel guns better, you might want to explore the Taurus lightweight revolvers.
Obviously, this is a far-from-perfect world, and I know I haven't offered any real solution to your situation. If your situation is such that you don't want to or cannot carry on your person all the time, this nice Chief could do double duty: It could ride in a gun rug, loaded, beneath your car seat or in your brief case and be fairly handy for defense, while remaining nice and retaining collector value, pending the time you could get another piece dedicated to on-person carry.
Or, you may be able to afford a dozen little guns, and I am presuming, based upon my own economic situation.
In any case, best of luck--
Johnny
MOLON LABE!
