S&W 36

[RaVis]

Is this the firearm that is generally known as the 1950's Detective's side-arm?

Disclaimer: L.A. Confidential on Sundance caused me to post this question.

 

[Boom Boom]

It's called the Chief's Special, a nickname from bring introduced at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Colorado in 1950.

 

[FFBWMD]

I believe the model 36 pre 1957 was called the "Chiefs Special"

 

[august1410]

The Colt Detective Special was also very popular at the time. Easily identified by the exposed ejector rod.

 

[RaVis]

The Colt Detective Special was also very popular at the time. Easily identified by the exposed ejector rod.

Guess it was a Colt that they were using in the movie.

 

[august1410]

Guess it was a Colt that they were using in the movie.

That's a Colt alright.

 

[RaVis]

That's a Colt alright.

I think the S&W 36 is more aesthetically pleasing. I'm sure both are/were equally ubber reliable.

 

[Johnthetoolguy]

The S&W model 37 was an airwieght version of the same thing, as was the Cobra for Colt. Both also very nice little revolvers.

 

[RaVis]

That's a Colt alright.

I'd wear a 1911 on the hip with a 36 as back up if I had a choice of props for this movie.

 

[Threeband]

The Dick Special is a six-shooter, though a bit bulkier.

 

[RaVis]

The Dick Special is a six-shooter, though a bit bulkier.

Wow. The Colt was introduced in 1927.

 

[august1410]

Wow. The Colt was introduced in 1927.

A couple of years back, Continental Arms had one in their display case from either 1932 or 1939....