Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Chiefs Special, "Pre-Model 36", 5-Screw

Serial Number: 46766

Year of Manufacture: 1953-1954 / C&R

Caliber: .38 Special

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

Barrel Length: 2”, Pinned

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checked walnut magna grips with S&W medallions and smooth diamond around the grip screw. The checkering is defined with modest peak wear. There are scattered nicks and compressions. There is a small chip The grips rate about Good overall condition. The right grip has a matching serial number.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color trigger and hammer.

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows standard operational and handling wear. There is pitting under the new finish. The case color is somewhat muted with more vibrant color held in the hammer. There is thinning on the leading edges. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has light side-to-side movement. The single action is crisp. The double-action trigger is smooth. 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: None.

Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the Chiefs Special in 1950 as a compact five-shot revolver built on the company’s newly developed J-frame, which was sized to chamber the more powerful .38 Special cartridge in a concealable package. Unveiled at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention, the revolver received its enduring name through a vote held among attending law-enforcement officials. It remained marked as the Chiefs Special until Smith & Wesson adopted numerical model designations in 1957, after which the design became the Model 36.

This early five-screw Chiefs Special has the classic 2" pinned barrel, fixed sights, and matching-numbered diamond Magna stocks. It retains about 90% of its current refinish, with scattered handling and operational wear, intermittent oxidation, while the bright 8/10 bore and smooth, correctly functioning action remain strong attributes. This revolver will make a great addition to any Smith & Wesson or small frame revolver collection.