Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 1950
| Weight (empty) | 538 g (19.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Barrel Length | 51 mm (2.01") |
| Height | 117 mm (4.61") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Muzzle Velocity | 260 m/s (853 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 273 J (201 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 30 m (33 yd) |
| Frame Material | Carbon Steel |
Primary Caliber: .38 Special
The Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special is the original J-frame revolver, introduced in 1950 as a revolutionary compact defensive handgun chambered in .38 Special. Designed specifically at the request of police chiefs who wanted a concealable backup weapon more powerful than .32 caliber pocket automatics, the Model 36 created an entirely new category of defensive firearms. Built on Smith & Wesson's newly designed J-frame, which was engineered to handle the increased pressure of .38 Special a...
Country of Origin: United States