Now, let me say that I have no illusions about using a J frame Smith in a shoot out against a bunch of double stack semi autos, of course, but I have a lot of experience shooting J frame Smiths and I do have a use for one of these little gems that I can carry in a pocket or a purse. Here goes.
1968 Chief's Special, Model 36 no dash
This one is collectible. I bought it to carry and shoot, though, at least that was my intention. Now, this one will stay in the box. I'll explain, in bit. I bought it from a reputable local collector I know, who in turn bought it from a retired Chicago cop, who had it in his collection. Needless to say, the trigger in SA and DA is superb.
For those who don't know, the Model 36 Smith is the iconic detective's carry gun and also the duty officer's backup gun, back in the day when LEOs were carrying revolvers. The Model 36 may also be the most seen revolver in movies and TV shows that feature people using revolvers.
1988 Chief's Special, Model 36-3, 38 Special
After buying the above Model 36, I went to our local LGS to pick up some ammo the next day and, wouldn't you know it, there was another Model 36. Now, I have gone years waiting to find even one Model 36 for sale in our area, and here was another one the next day. This later 36 does not have a pinned barrel like the '68, but it is still a no lock, plus the price was much nicer, so I bought it. This one will be my carry gun, instead of the 1968 version. The trigger is equally nice.
1989 (?) Model 49 Body guard, 38 Special
After the Model 36 came out in 1950, it was an instant hit, the only complaint being that some folks had issues with the exposed hammer catching on clothing when it was drawn. The Model 49 with the hammer covered with a shroud was Smith's answer. Yes, it looks a bit odd, but one feature I love about the Model 49 is that you can still shoot it easily in single action because the hammer is still accessible. Here's how.
Again, great trigger, as you would expect on vintage Smiths. Not sure if that grip was standard or if it was added at some point, but that style of combat grip was used on a number of Smith revolvers in the late 80s and 90s. I really like the grip, though, so it will stay.
By the way, the original Bodyguard was an alloy frame gun, but some LEOs requested an all steel version, so the all steel Model 49 came out after the alloy version. S&W, of course, still makes all kinds of alloy Airweight hammerless options and they are very popular, even win this day of autoloaders. Finding the all steel 49, though, is a lot tougher.
So here's my carry J frames. I figure I might as well carry classics when I carry and these surely are that.
So that's it for J frame Smiths now in the collection. Next up will be some gorgeous K frame Smiths. Stay tuned.
