Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action revolver today for a penny start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson 36-1.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 36-1
Serial: J969860
Date of Manufacture: 1982
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: Pinned 3" Heavy
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Blade Front / Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut w/ Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 36-1 is a rare and highly interesting variation of the classic Chief’s Special revolver, combining the compact concealability of the famous J-frame platform with an extended and more practical 3-inch heavy barrel configuration that gave the revolver improved balance, accuracy, and shootability compared to the more common snub-nose versions. Manufactured by Smith & Wesson, the Model 36 series was first introduced in the early 1950s as the Chief’s Special, quickly becoming one of the most iconic concealed-carry revolvers ever produced. The Model 36-1 engineering variation, produced primarily in the late 1960s and 1970s, stood apart for its heavier-profile barrel and ejector-rod shroud, features that gave the revolver a more substantial appearance and improved handling while maintaining the compact dimensions of the J-frame design. Chambered in .38 Special, the Model 36-1 retained the traditional five-shot cylinder capacity and double-action/single-action operating system that made the Chief’s Special line so respected among law enforcement officers and civilian defensive shooters. One of the defining characteristics of the 36-1 is its 3-inch heavy barrel, which not only increased sight radius and practical accuracy but also added forward weight that helped reduce muzzle rise and improve recoil control during rapid firing. The revolver typically featured a carbon steel frame with a polished blued finish, checkered walnut grips with silver Smith & Wesson medallions, fixed sights, and the exceptionally smooth lockwork for which classic Smith & Wesson revolvers became famous. Mechanically, the revolver offered a crisp single-action trigger pull and a smooth double-action stroke that many shooters considered among the finest available in compact defensive revolvers of the era.
Model: 36-1
Serial: J969860
Date of Manufacture: 1982
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: Pinned 3" Heavy
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Blade Front / Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut w/ Inlaid S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 36-1 is a rare and highly interesting variation of the classic Chief’s Special revolver, combining the compact concealability of the famous J-frame platform with an extended and more practical 3-inch heavy barrel configuration that gave the revolver improved balance, accuracy, and shootability compared to the more common snub-nose versions. Manufactured by Smith & Wesson, the Model 36 series was first introduced in the early 1950s as the Chief’s Special, quickly becoming one of the most iconic concealed-carry revolvers ever produced. The Model 36-1 engineering variation, produced primarily in the late 1960s and 1970s, stood apart for its heavier-profile barrel and ejector-rod shroud, features that gave the revolver a more substantial appearance and improved handling while maintaining the compact dimensions of the J-frame design. Chambered in .38 Special, the Model 36-1 retained the traditional five-shot cylinder capacity and double-action/single-action operating system that made the Chief’s Special line so respected among law enforcement officers and civilian defensive shooters. One of the defining characteristics of the 36-1 is its 3-inch heavy barrel, which not only increased sight radius and practical accuracy but also added forward weight that helped reduce muzzle rise and improve recoil control during rapid firing. The revolver typically featured a carbon steel frame with a polished blued finish, checkered walnut grips with silver Smith & Wesson medallions, fixed sights, and the exceptionally smooth lockwork for which classic Smith & Wesson revolvers became famous. Mechanically, the revolver offered a crisp single-action trigger pull and a smooth double-action stroke that many shooters considered among the finest available in compact defensive revolvers of the era.
In practical use, the Model 36-1 became highly regarded as a compromise between a traditional snub-nose carry revolver and a more shootable service-style handgun. Shooters appreciated the added barrel length because it improved ballistic performance, sight alignment, and overall controllability without making the revolver excessively difficult to conceal. The full-length ejector rod also allowed more positive extraction of spent cases compared to shorter snub-nose J-frame revolvers. Law enforcement officers often favored 3-inch J-frame revolvers as backup or off-duty guns because they provided noticeably improved shootability while remaining compact enough for discreet carry. Because production numbers of the Model 36-1 were significantly lower than standard 2-inch Chief’s Special variants, surviving examples in excellent condition have become increasingly desirable among Smith & Wesson collectors and revolver enthusiasts. Today, the Smith & Wesson Model 36-1 is regarded as one of the finest classic J-frame configurations ever produced, admired for its balance of concealability and shootability, elegant craftsmanship, and status as a somewhat uncommon variation of one of the most influential compact revolvers in American firearms history.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1178684649 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-06-07 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
105 |
