The blued steel Smith & Wesson Model 36, chambered in .38 Special, debuted in 1950 at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention. It made such an impression that attendees voted to name it the “Chief’s Special.” Ever since, it’s been known by that moniker.

Carrying five rounds of powerful .38 Special ammunition, the J-frame Chief’s Special was ideal for chiefs of larger police departments whose duties were mostly administrative. While they weren’t likely to engage in on-duty gunfights, this compact, easily concealed self-defense handgun provided peace of mind against potential public threats. It also symbolized rank among upper-level administrators and detectives.

Hollywood helped popularize the Chief’s Special .38 through countless appearances in television shows and movies. Dragnet, featuring Detectives Joe Friday and Bill Gannon, showcased both characters carrying Chief’s Specials — just like many other on-screen lawmen over the years. Inspired by these portrayals, civilians followed suit and began purchasing the Smith & Wesson Model 36 as a concealed carry revolver or as a reliable home-defense gun in states where permits were available.

As shall-issue carry permits became legal in more states, the public began demanding more options in J-frame revolvers. In response, Smith & Wesson expanded the lineup. The Chief’s Special became one of the first company revolvers offered in stainless steel in 1964. The lightweight, aluminum-framed Model 37 also gained popularity, especially among law enforcement — one of my fellow officers at the Reynoldsburg Police Department swore by his throughout the 1980s and beyond.

Over time, additional chamberings joined the original .38 Special, including .357 Magnum, .22 LR, .22 Magnum, .32 Magnum, .327 Federal Magnum and 9mm. Few concealed carry handguns have seen as many variations and spin-offs as the Model 36, which has now returned in Smith & Wesson’s Classic line as a stunning and fully capable retro handgun — free of the internal lock. Like the Classic Model 10, the Classic Model 36 is a real attention-getter.

What Is a Retro Handgun?

I love the growing interest in retro guns. A retro handgun is a modern remake — or sometimes a creative “retake” — on a discontinued firearm, reimagined for the 21st century. These updated models often blend original design features with modern manufacturing techniques, making them more affordable and accessible to today’s shooters while preserving the look and feel of the classic originals.

Smith & Wesson Classic Models

In addition to the Classic Model 10 and the Classic Model 36 featured here, Smith & Wesson offers several other standout models in their current line of retro firearms — revived classics that appeal to both collectors and modern shooters:

  • Classic Model 29 .44 Magnum (6-Inch Blued Steel): Made famous by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry films, the Model 29 soared in popularity and quickly became scarce. Today’s Classic Model 29 is also available in a 4-inch version, which found its way onto the duty belts of rural law enforcement officers.
  • Classic Model 25 in .45 Colt (6-Inch Blued Steel): The Classic 6-inch blued steel Model 25 is chambered in .45 Colt.
  • Classic Model 27 in .357 Magnum (4-inch and 6 1/2-inch Blued Steel): Introduced in 1935, the Model 27 launched the .357 Magnum cartridge, quickly becoming a trusted law enforcement revolver and a top choice for handgun hunters alike.
  • Classic Model 57 in .41 Magnum (6-Inch Blued Steel): This powerful revolver is well-suited for hunting dangerous game, combining elegant design with hard-hitting performance.

Why Classic Revolvers Still Matter

These re-issued revolvers reflect the enduring appeal of old-school Smith & Wesson handguns. My interest in the Classic Model 10 comes from the fact that it’s essentially the same revolver — or close enough — that I once carried on patrol as a young law enforcement officer. The best part about these modern retro handguns is that they’re brand new. You don’t have to worry about diminishing any collector value by actually shooting or carrying them. They’re meant to be used and enjoyed.

Classic Model 36: Design Features

The true appeal of the Classic Model 36 goes far beyond its function. From its deep blued finish to its throwback grip panels, this revolver delivers standout vintage style with modern durability.

Bluing, Frame and Sight Details

The Classic Model 36 is a truly gorgeous retro handgun. Its deep blue-black bluing has a lustrous sheen rarely seen on modern firearms. Neither black nitride nor Cerakote can match the rich appearance of traditional bluing — a finish that defined most handguns throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, before stainless steel revolvers became acceptable for duty use. It took years for many law enforcement agencies to let go of the tradition that a proper police handgun had to be made of blued steel. While blued finishes offer minimal rust resistance, they look stunning when clean and lightly oiled.

Hammer, Trigger and Visual Appeal

The Classic Model 36 isn’t an exact replica of the original Model 36, and I’m glad it’s not.

One new feature gives it a very distinctive look. The barrel and front sight immediately stood out — a striking detail that gave the revolver unique visual character. Instead of the ramped front sight found on J-frame Smiths since the late 1960s, this version uses a half-round front sight reminiscent of pre-war Smith & Wesson revolvers. That includes the first centerfire handgun I ever owned: a Smith & Wesson WWII Navy Victory Model .38 Special.

The visual effect is impressive — this feature alone pushes the Classic Model 36 back in time by several decades. Although the half-coin sight looks thicker than the modern ramp style, I found it to be the same width when compared side by side with my Model 638. Combined with the unshrouded ejector rod, the revolver looks like something straight out of a 1940s detective movie. The rear sight is a simple groove cut into the top strap of the frame, while the front sight stands out clearly, offering a solid sight picture. The left side of the barrel is marked “.38 S&W Special +P,” indicating the revolver is rated for higher-pressure ammunition. The right side proudly bears the Smith & Wesson name.

The hammer and trigger show a light-colored casehardening finish, though not as deep or vibrant as what you’d find on older Smith & Wesson revolvers. Still, both components provide a nice visual contrast against the deep blued steel surfaces of the Classic Model 36, enhancing its retro appeal.

Grips and Handling Character

The wood grip panels on the Classic Model 36 are superb. They follow the service-style grip design, meaning they match the size of the grip frame, leaving the frontstrap and backstrap exposed with no overhang. While simply described as “wood,” the grips are deeply figured, possibly walnut, though I couldn’t say for certain. They’re finely checkered in the traditional pattern, with a distinctive diamond cut around the screw holes on both sides. Each panel features the classic Smith & Wesson silver medallion inset near the top, and a small Smith & Wesson emblem is etched into the left side of the frame about an inch to the left of the medallion.

Personally, I wouldn’t swap these grips for a modern set, not even Lasergrips, which I typically favor. If you want to make those kinds of upgrades, get a current-production J-frame revolver. Altering this one would defeat its purpose. And believe me, you can absolutely learn to shoot accurately with these Classic grips. Generations of shooters already have. In fact, the first revolver I ever fired was our family’s .22/32 Smith & Wesson Kit Gun, which also came with service grips.

Classic Model 36 Range Test

After admiring the revolver’s design and fit, it was time to see how the Classic Model 36 performed on the range. This hands-on testing focused on both mechanical function and practical accuracy.

Dry-Firing and Trigger Break-In

I added a couple of drops of oil to the trigger and hammer, then spent some time dry-firing. Since the action of a revolver relies entirely on mechanical energy generated by the trigger finger, it’s important to work the mechanism to help smooth it out. While these Classic Smith & Wesson revolvers are beautifully made, I don’t believe their triggers and actions received the same hand-tuned attention — such as emery cloth work from a craftsman — that earlier models once did. Dry-fire practice helps loosen things up and smooth out the action.

Historical Role and Test Distances

Smith & Wesson snub-nosed revolvers, Colt snubbies and many other short-barreled, close-range revolvers were commonly referred to as “belly guns.” These handguns were designed for unconventional carry — often tucked into waistbands — and intended for use at extremely close range, or what’s known as “bad-breath distance.” Because of this historical role, I chose to test the Classic Model 36 at practical distances of 15 to 20 feet.

Ammo Choice and Setup

All original fixed-sight .38 Special revolvers from the classic “.38 Special Era” — both small and large — had their sights regulated for standard velocity 158-grain round-nose lead cartridges. This was the common law enforcement duty load of the time. In contrast, higher velocity +P loads with lighter bullets typically print lower on the target compared to the 158-grain standard loads.

For my range test, I used Norma’s 158-grain Range & Training full metal jacket ammunition, which lists a claimed muzzle velocity of 968 feet per second and 329 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. Based on the relatively mild recoil, I suspect the actual velocity wasn’t quite that high. I fired my initial shots from 20 feet using a two-hand standing hold with the Classic Model 36.

Recoil Feel and Target Results

The recoil was relatively mild, thanks in large part to the all-steel frame and 19.64-ounce weight of the Classic Model 36 — 5 ounces heavier than my Smith & Wesson 638 Bodyguard Airweight .38. I hadn’t fired a J-frame .38 with the original wood service grips in many years, so it took some adjustment.

All groups fired with the Classic Model 36 shot to the point of aim. I began testing at the X-ring of a B-27E PROS target and scored two rounds in the X-ring, one breaking the 10-ring line, and two in the 9-ring at the 3 o’clock position. The performance was solid for a snub-nosed revolver.

The next group widened to 6 1/2 inches. After refocusing, I fired five more rounds at the scoring box from the same 20-foot distance, and that group tightened to 4 1/2 inches. I then fired another five rounds at the head of the target, also at 20 feet — again measuring 4 1/2 inches, though one round missed the head zone. The solid black color of the target’s head made it difficult to see the plain-black sights.

Final Group and Close-Range Performance

For my final five shots on paper, I moved up to 15 feet and aimed at the Scoring for Training and Qualification Box. Firing in single-action mode, four rounds landed in a tight 1-inch string. A single flyer expanded the total group size to 3 inches.

Carry Impressions & Classic Touches

After test-firing, I carried the Classic Model 36 in a Craft open-top J-frame outside-the-waistband holster. Access under my vest was easy, and the setup was very comfortable. The small service grips sped up access and made securing a shooting grip simple. Old-school handgun designers clearly understood how to optimize revolvers for fast, reliable access.

While the Classic Model 36 isn’t something I’d take into a fight against an active shooter armed with a rifle, it would serve well in a close-range self-defense scenario, such as a robbery at a gas station or corner store. (For more on how revolvers compare to semi-automatic pistols for concealed carry, check out this in-depth comparison.)

If I were to purchase this revolver, I’d add a Birchwood Casey white front sight pen to improve visibility. That would take me right back to the days when my fellow deputies and I marked our black sights with a dab of Liquid Paper borrowed from the secretaries. Now that’s a classic sight fix.

Sources
Birchwood Casey: BirchwoodCasey.com
Craft Holsters: CraftHolsters.com
Norma: NormaUSA.com
Smith & Wesson: Smith-Wesson.com

Classic Smith & Wesson Model 36 — Specs

Model: Classic Smith & Wesson Model 36
Caliber: .38 S&W Special Standard and +P
Frame: J-frame
Action: Double-action/single-action
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 1.88 inches
Overall Length: 6.94 inches
Height: 4.3 inches
Width: 1.33 inches
Weight: 19.64 ounces
Front Sight: Black blade
Rear Sight: Trough-style notch
Trigger Pull Weight: Double-action (10 pounds); Single-action (2 pounds, 8 ounces)
Barrel and Frame Material: Blued carbon steel
Grips: Wood, service-style
MSRP: $849

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the trigger action type on the Smith & Wesson Model 36 Classic?
The Classic Model 36 operates in double-action/single-action mode, allowing the shooter to choose between a longer, heavier trigger pull or a more precise single-action shot.

If you’re unfamiliar with how these mechanisms function in live-fire or defensive situations, check out this helpful guide to single-action vs. double-action pistols. It offers a clear breakdown of the differences and when each is most effective.

Is the Classic Model 36 a good option for concealed carry?
Based on its compact frame and comfort in an outside-the-waistband holster, the Classic Model 36 proved easy to conceal during testing. It’s well-suited for close-range self-defense scenarios.

What makes the Model 36 Classic different from modern J-frame revolvers?
The Classic Model 36 includes blued steel construction, a half-round front sight and service-style wood grips. It also lacks an internal lock — a detail some shooters may appreciate over modern variants.