All I see when I open the cylinder is a 4 and underneath that is the serial: 486XX. On the butt of the grip is 426XX. I'm thinking it's a Chief's Special or Model 36. If it is a 36, then my research tells me it was made in '53-'54. The owner doesn't know a whole ton about it. Locks up tight, but the cylinder release is a bit stiffer and stickier than a new revolver. Can't remember if it has a round or square butt. Finish looks like honest wear as it is a carry gun. Is $200 a good price?
Originally Posted By jnielsen:
All steel, blued finish?
Flat latch(old school cylinder release)?
Sounds like a pre 36 (chiefs special) same gun.
Yes $200 is great for an all steel classic with finish wear.
Is the cylinder release hard to move or the cylinder hard/sticky to swing out?
If the cylinder is hard/sticky to swing out make sure the ejector rod is not loose . I believe the old guns are right hand threads-later changed to left hand threads.
I believe it has a flat latch. Only the latch itself is a bit hard to move. The cylinder swings out fine.
Good price, how good depends on whether it needs any repair. I wouldn't be surprised if it just needs a good cleaning to free up the latch. I'd most likely buy it and I'm not even in the market for a pre-36.
$200 for a Classic S&W snubbie is vERY reasonable. Buy it.
Next time ask yourself WHAT does $200 buy in the S&W line TODAY.
Hope it's still here.
Going to pick it up today. I'll post pics once I get it.
Not a J-frame. Actually an I-frame.
