Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 36-3 LadySmith

Serial Number: BDN6534

Year of Manufacture: 1989

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 5-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.

Barrel Length: 3”, Heavy Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood combat stocks with finger grooves that enclose the round-butt grip frame. The left panel has a few minor marks at the screw-hole and there is a cluster of small marks at the bottom-rear across the seam between the panels. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a maroon plastic case with an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, cleaning rod, bore mop and box with serial-matching label.

Our Assessment: The Model 36, designed primarily for plainclothesmen and off-duty police officers, made its public debut at The International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in 1950. At the conference, the Smith & Wesson sales force asked the police chiefs to vote on a name for the new revolver. The most commonly suggested name was .38 Chief’s Special. Designed with the needs of law enforcement officials in mind, the Chief’s Special proved to be a popular revolver for personal protection due to its size and weight. When Smith & Wesson adopted model numbers in 1957, the Chiefs Special became the Model 36. In 1989, S&W introduced the "LadySmith" variant of the 36, taking the name from a much earlier Smith revolver from 1902. The revolvers were marketed to women for concealed carry. This example has a 3" heavy barrel and round butt with combat stocks. It is in phenomenal shape and comes with its original box and case. This is a classic Smith revolver to add to a collection, but would still make a great carry revolver for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!