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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 36 (also known as the Chief's Special) is a revolver chambered for .38 Special. It is one of several models of J-frame revolvers. It was introduced in 1950 and is still in production in the classic blued Model 36 and the stainless steel Model 60. The Model 36 was designed in the era just after World War II when Smith & Wesson stopped producing war materials and resumed normal production. For the Mod …

Bryant Ridge's AnalysisThis small revolver, 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 f …