Wait, wait, WAIT!!! You bought a 52 year old S&W revolver, NEW in box!???!!! You’re my hero!!! I know that you will be a great steward of that fine piece of craftsmanship; however, it was born to be used! I’m a fan of 148 grain wadcutters. Primary carry round. Seriously, another great video Greg!
I love everything about this video! The background music, the grape soda, the way you used different colored dots to differentiate the different ammo. But most of all, that you got a brand new 1972 Chief’s Special in the box. Congratulations!
Love the boogie woogie background music! Those J-frames are so sweet. Currently have a 642, 442 and a 432! They just do their job with no complaints. Personally favorite .38 is the old old FBI +P 158 LSWCHP and favorite .32 mag is the Buffalo Bore hard cast 130 SWC.
When you said "new and in the box" I figured you bought one of those brand new "S&W no lock Classics" they just came out with. They look pretty cool. That is a sweet Chief's Special you got there. Beautiful blueing on those older guns. Edit: I've been using the Remington Classic Wheelgun 158 grain LSWC in my j-frames.
I've been drooling over the no lock model 10. I love an exposed ejector and pencil barrel. I hope(but not likely) that they'll make a model 25 in 45 colt that has the same features.
Hi John - NIB is a term FFL's often use for guns bought, but never shot. I haven't seen one of the new Smith's in the wild yet. I like the retro look. I'm leaning toward the 158 grain LSWC myself.
Good evening from Brazil, my friend. What a wonderful revolver. Congratulations on your purchase. Your friend did well to sell it to you, because without a shadow of a doubt, this weapon will be well taken care of. Thanks for the video, Have a great Sunday and a great week to you and your family. God bless you. And God bless the Americas 🙏🏻🇧🇷🤝🇺🇲
I’ve made a little change to my EDC! I’m carrying my S&W model 60 357. I carried 2 with speed 2 loaders ! Now I carry one model 60 and beretta 92fs ! Philadelphia Pennsylvania is really getting worse by the day! I hoping they start with the deportations on Monday here!
@joecampana3398 Sounds like you carry in style. My pocketed Shield Plus 9mm is pretty basic but high capacity. My pride and joy is my primary carry. The S&W 627 PC 8-shot .357. It's in a Lobo Gunleather enahnced pancake holster and sports some Altamont NU G10 grips (grey and black).
@ well the model 60 is a small 5 shot and the beretta is a full size model! I wear cargo pants and a black stiff gun belt. The model 60 S&W is for my left hand bottom side pocket in a pocket holster and the 92 is inside the waistband at 3 o’clock! Extra mag in my left front pocket for the 92fs !
@ also I have been trained to shoot with both hands! I was that in the Philadelphia police academy how to shoot with both hands! I’m not uncomfortable carrying a weapon for my left hand! 🫲 I remember seeing a video of a taxicab driver who had a customer in the front seat and was attacked and killed by the passenger with a knife! Had he been able to have a weapon for his left hand he would be alive today! Unfortunately he had no weapon on his person! And it was in South America! But I think he would have survived if he had a left hand weapon!
Everything I've seen of Hornady's various CD loads tells me they almost always lack penetration (unless they fail to expand). Still, they don't have excessive felt recoil in an airweight, and they're safe in older revolvers, so I consider it a good compromise load. I'm at a point now where I've become very intolerant towards a lot of recoil in my snub; that's one of the reasons I switched to carrying .32 caliber snubs.
@@LionquestFitness That is the absolute truth Greg! I own a duty size Ruger Security-9 which I like, but due to arthritis in my off hand thumb am beginning to struggle some with racking the slide. For the most part I carry a rotation of different revolvers now. A Taurus 856, Ruger LCR in .327FM, and intend to add a Charter Arms Professional and Undercoverette in .32H&R Mag. But in the mean time I just purchased a Ruger Security-380. I can use the same holster I have for my Security-9 and mag carrier. Haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but expect it to become a staple in the rotation also. God bless, Rob
S&W is releasing some of their classic line without the key locks FINALLY. Yeah, they’re still not the same (MIM parts, frame-mounted firing pin, etc) but the key lock was the biggest detractor I think. 2025 is off to a decent start.
@TheKingOfHeartsIV I haven't seen them in stores, but they seem pretty nice. I wonder if that new. 38 is rated for +p, or just standard pressure rounds.
Beautiful revolver... definitely a dream gun of mine !!! ... and all the better because you gave your friend the option to buy it back. That's why I love this channel !!!!!!!
Personally when I carry a Chiefs Special I use standard pressure lead semi wad cutters.. accuracy and penetration. I live by it’s not with what or how many holes you put in them it’s where you put the holes that count. So carry a load you can shoot accurately and quickly and put the holes where they need to go..
did you hear about S&W' s new release s in their classic line for this year ? old school versions of the chief's special, a 4in pencil barrel square but Mdl 10, looks just like the victory model from the war , and a 4 1/2 in Model 19 just like what Bill Jordan wanted
You just prompted me to their website. No locks! However, I am confused by the plain wood “service stock” type grips but no other military feature. Maybe they didn’t want to spring for the tooling for a lanyard loop, or wanted a bigger difference between their models. Very nice looking pieces though
I believe wadcutters are the answer for non magnum snub nose revolvers. You are not going to get expansion and penetration at the same time. Penetration is far more important. Wadcutters are soft shooting, accurate, and give very good penetration. The ones I have found are the underwood 150 grain lead Wadcutter in 38 special and the Buffalo Bore 100 grain Wadcutters in 32 Smith and Wesson Long. BB and Underwood also have hard cast that offer faster reloads if required. I think that pistol will become a fast favorite and thanks for the video.
@@LionquestFitness thank you for all your content. you shoot straight both with guns and advice. you share your life experience, gun experience, and other good tips and advice ala mr. holster who i miss both as that moniker and as ruger ranger. this summer, after i leave my position teaching in a private school over an hour away, i may start making xome content.
The only problem was there was a bit of a kick to them that made me pause on follow-up shots. Still, that's a round that has potential in a four inch revolver.
You're a good friend and an honst gentleman. The youngsters don't appreciate what we do, yet. I prefer 148 gr target wadcutters in small frame revolvers or standard velocity hollowpoints. Why beat up the operator and ballistically degrade the firearm ? Its for very up close anyway.
Those chiefs specials are impressive at range. 28 yards out double action only I shot 43/50 possible points, two bullseyes touching inside the 10 ring (quarter size bullseye) two 8s on center line, and one 7 in lung/heart region. Honestly surprised myself with what I could do at that range, with less then half an hour shooting it. I normally carry and shoot j frames tho, have hit range 1 to 2x a week with mine for years 🎯 they shoot more accurately then we can at range, all about good fundamentals. That was my only group on paper as we shot steel with heart swingers, or soda cans the rest of the day, but I still miss that gun, and wish my brother never sold his no dash flat latch 😅 ah well life goes on he has a beautiful 686-3 now 🇺🇲
To answer the question. What round would be the most effective. I don’t think it matters . Observation of a long time hunter, where you hit them is much more important than what you hit them with.
I would go with those semi wadcutters. I have a S&W Model 10 snub I bought about 10 or 12 years ago, Made in 1963 and it was unfired until I got it home!!
You might look at Buffalo Bore 150 grain .38 special standard pressure hard cast wadcutters. Made for revolvers you do not want to shoot +p out of due to age of the gun or severe recoil in modern light weight revolvers. Softer shooting with more penetration due to the hard cast lead. I load my S&W Model 638 with them. Thanks for the great videos.
I tote 158gr lead round nose . Been doing the job forever. The 36 is very nice I like to get them like that. Just like you went back in time and got it new.
Fine classic you have there ! it's timeless. Like the old Model 60 with pinned barrel, too. Very accurate revolvers, with good grips (bantam like). DA is no problem even at longer ranges. Fixed sights help with accuracy, but they are really small and you'll need good eyes 🙂 Wth the little chief special, i think that ammo does not matter (as long that it is of good quality) but placement and maybe bullet weight will for sure, so keep the most accurate and POA one, i'd say. Kudos .
I have a pet, early 1990's, 649 that I acquired as new in box. Used it for several years as EDC and went on a Standard Pressure load "viability / validation quest" (bought Clear Ballistics gel to test even) what I settled on as best for that gem is Remington HTP 110gn. Standard Pressure. Hands down very best. Even advocated and helped fund a GunSam video about the round (Back when he had just added "Baloney Pectoral media" and MDF to his water jug •or not• process. With regards to /inclusive of Standard Pressure constraints, he pronounced it essentially near perfect. It does hit a bit high, but that influenced me to adopt a centered and slightly proud/held high front sight picture, but that actually results in a better target field of view. Best, & Safe shoot'n everybody!
Hi Greg. This tiny SW is a dandy. I’m glad it is in your hands now. Besides understanding the “real historical value” of this piece you shoot it very well too. God Bless. Happy Trais
@@LionquestFitness That's the one I use also. Plus during the winter months here in Kansas the first 6 rounds loaded are the Underwood hardcast full wadcutters. Reloads are this load.
Another great video Greg and congratulation on the purchase of your new older Chiefs Special a fine looking handgun. Glad you have decided to use it as a carry gun, since that is what it was designed and made for.
Saving the world, one revolver at a time! :-) At least, this one found a perfect home! For the ammo, it must be easily available, it must be compatible with a small frame revolver so that you train regularly with it, and efficient enough at short range (5-7 yards). A classical choice is the wadcutter, but you may have some other .38 spal that are compatible with s short barrel and a j-frame.
Surprised by the differences in the fire out of the short barrel on some of the rounds while others had a complete burn with only smoke. All my revolvers are 4" barrels. Never shot snub nosed wheel guns. Going to have to look into getting myself a snubie.
That's a sweet piece, Greg. I can't blame you for shooting it. As for the new model 36, I think the msrp is upper 800. At least, they don't have the trigger lock. On a side note, are you going to Shot Show?
@LionquestFitness I'm not certain, but I thought gun UA-camrs had a process by which they could attend the event. I'm not sure what all the process entails, but guys from Hickok45 to Yankee Marshal and in between have attended Shot Show.
Since you you are prior law enforcement stick with the proven classic 158 grain LSWC in that classic revolver. I remember that it was and is refered to as the "man stopper" round.
Smith&Wesson is releasing the model 36,10 and 19 in their original formats without the Hillary hole. Model 10 is a 4 inch with the pencil barrel and is +P compatible. 😊
Greg, I haven't bought a factory round in decades. So I'm not qualified to say anything about that part. However, I load for over half a dozen or so that chamber 38spl. As such I have found over the years that a fixed sight 38spl prints best with 158gr SWC loads around 750fps to 825fps from 2" to 4" barrels. Standard chamber pressure. Enough power to be counted on. And hits point of aim. This is based on loading my own since 1960. Reckon I have some idea what has worked for me. Perhaps it might for you and that "new" 36 you have. I kknow you'll take good care of it too! Proud of you!👍
@@LionquestFitness I agree 100%! I have over 75 or more bullet moulds in many calibers, 20 of which in 38. The best is an old Ideal 158gr RN designed in 1904. In my 1922 Colt Army Special 4", one of my favorites. It will print point of aim at 15yds with all rounds touching if I do my part. I'm confident you'll find the right round. 👍
It definitely seems the most accurate to me; higher up than the PMC - closer to the bullseye 🎯... The PMC is most likely lower because it's a weaker loading.
What a nice classic revolver. My carry load for the 38 Spl snubby (Ruger LCR) is the Underwood 150gr hard cast wadcutter. I prioritize penetration first, and expansion isn't really a thing with the hardcast wadcutter, but it does punch a pretty good hole. Enjoyed the vid, thanks for sharing!
I have to start following your channel more often. I started deer hunting this year, had a lot of fun, saw a few deer, but never had a good shot. It was a nice adventure and I want to learn more.
Excellent revolver! 1972 in the original box. Nice! As far as a carry load: I like the 125 grain Golden Saber, Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 Grain +P Ammo and the158 grain Buffalo bore LSWC-HP standard pressure. All give a nice balance between expansion and penetration. If you're going to use the Critical Defense, I would opt for the plus P. Being all steel, these guns can handle limited use of the hotter loads, but to save wear and tear on the revolver, I would shoot the weak stuff for practice.
Remington 158gr FLN, JHP or 158 simi wadcutters 38spl standard or +P in any of my Snub nose revolvers. I have also had some good results testing Sig Sauer V-Crown 125gr JHP Very accurate rounds.
That revolver is a beauty. As far as terminal ballistics goes, I don't know what's the best. I do believe penetration is pretty important. You also have to be able to hit with it. The latter doesn't seem to be an issue.
Greg ironically, the new Chiefs specials were just re-released with no lock. Pencil barrel, and some other nods to the classic, along with model 36, they have now re-introduced no lock models of the model 10, 19, and a mountain gun version of the 686. The new no lock model 36 is rated for +P as well! I love the classic chiefs special, my brother used to have a no dash flat latch, and I shot it better then any other 38 special I have come across before or after still to this day. Love that j frame that really started it all 🇺🇲 awesome gun, great pick up! Love this channel, and love smith & wesson revolvers, new or old!
We all have our opinion and they are worth what you pay for them. But I’ve always thought the accuracy was the most important thing. Anything you can put in the right place will do the job. I guess you can think of extreme example otherwise. But as a general rule anything you can put in the right place.
Greg, you are the man. You helped a friend in need and helped your self as well. Both parties are satisfied. I always used LSWCHP ammo when I was working. Now days I'm using Hornady Critical Defense in my J-Frames. Thanks for another great video. Where can I buy those grips?
I am quite a fan of the Federal 38G that seems to be easily available now with just a google search. LSWC-HP +P so a 3-4 incher will likely expand, in a shorter tube it will still have the SWC effect, and it is still very mild shooting, also with nickeled cases. Have a good day in The Palmetto State.
You got a fantastic revolver on that deal! Carry ammo is a relative thing for sure. The first and foremost consideration for me in any caliber is ammo that hits where I’m aiming or at least close enough to make those fist size shots at the typical ranges one expects. Your tested rounds do that. I really like the old Remington .38 special 125gr +P SJHP round in my snubs. It’s a long time standard and still works well in my opinion. You probably carried it at some point for duty ammo. It should shoot well in your revolver too. I also like Federal Punch .38 Spl +P 120gr JHP. It’s soft shooting and matches my criteria for hitting where I want as well as the Remington 125 SJHP load. And then there are those who prefer wad cutters at paper punching velocity. I might get to that point one day, but for now I prefer something a little stouter. Wad cutters do shoot soft and penetrate deep though and that’s their greatest benefit. I’m sticking with the 125 SJHP +P Remington load. I’d like to see how it works for you in that revolver. Great video.
That Remington load was my go to round before Covid, I still have 300 rounds stashed way. In general it would pattern the same aimpoint as 158 grain bullets.
A target 148 grain Wadcutter!. full size hole, soft shooting ( not just on the hand but also on that fine example of a snubby) and gets about 14 to 16 inches in jello after the denim barrier. I really like the lines of the old revolvers. Colt and S&W. nothing fits the pocket better. just seems like they were made for the pocket. better than some bulky, blocky, boxy semi auto. and you can't have enough snubbies. I have quite a few myself ( just can't pass them up).
😅I feel you on snubbie addiction. I've got more snub revolvers in my collection than any other gun. From Film Noir to Vietnam (yes Virginia the snub revolver made quite a few appearances officially and unofficially in that hellacious war) the snub has had a mystique all it's own. Those of us who grew up in the sixties and seventies associate them with cops, crooks and TV detectives.
Nice Model 36, Greg! Have you seen the three new revolvers S&W announced? A Model 36 that replicates the old timers, with slender barrel, half moon front sight, traditional cylinder release, and no Hillary hole - then a Model 10 with the same treatment, and a nice Model 19. I just read an article by Dr. Fackler in the Fall. 1999 Wound Ballistics Review; he likes a very hard & sharp full wadcutter in a snub .38 revolver.
Hi Greg, good shooting! To me, it seems the LSWC had less flash, but maybe the light was brighter at the time you shot them, I'd say less flash is good, also, you shot the best group with them.
Federal loads a round designed for short barrel revolvers. It's a hollow point round that is recessed into the case. It allows for a bit more dwell time. I have had wonderful terminal performance with it. I don't use it in my older revolvers due to slightly higher chamber pressures. Thank you for showcasing that beautiful wheel gun.
I agree best to shoot not keep in safe. But have you owned a new one and an old one and side by side compared them to really know? I have, and the new ones are better quality in a variety of ways. Bluing is best on older models, but gunblue here on youtube is former armorer for 40 + years. Trained by s&w to build and maintain their revolver from ground up. He went thru an old and new model, maybe 19 iirc, and showed how the new models (with each dash, with exception of adding the lock) generally removed parts that fail and replaced them with more reliable parts. They strengthen the steel, they beef up design in parts that ware or break etc. There is A LOT to like about new s&w revolvers. The one major drawback is the quality control has let too many lemons out. They will fix it. May take a trip (or two for some folks, but I'd bet they didn't include all their gripes clear or specifically enough) back to s&w they will fix it and you'll have a gem for life. I have 2 new j frames. Each went back 1 time (one sticky ejection even clean, other timing off spit lead) both fixed in 1 trip back to s&w and run flawless for thousands of rounds a year now. The one was a new model I bought used and didnt inspect well enough, timing was off on 2 cylinders from being cowboy slammed shut by former owner, s&w fixed it for me for free anyway, and now I have 2 absolute perfect (for me) carry revolvers. Their customer service is top notch too. I call its always answered by an american during their hours. I lost a spring cleaning one, they sent 2 out for free priority mail. Not a huge cost but they calmed me down on phone i was stressed i had broken my gun by losing the spring which I did, but they made it right and sent a back up spring just in case i lost that one. Few yrs now and i still have the back up and still love the guns. Always on me!
@ Good points, but if frustrating to purchase a new gun only to have issue due to lack of quality control. I have dealt with S&W service they do take the gun back but twice I’ve had to resend for the same concern,,,,It’s not just S&W , I’ve have issues with a new Colt Python and a pistol from Ruger, but these two were corrected in one trip.
@@jackgreenstalk777 You made good points. The guns are stronger structurally, but the QC issue has been around since the late eighties. I am familiar with Gun Blue, I like the guy, he has more experience than I have, and I listen, but I don't always agree with him. Rightly or wrongly I tend to believe S&W quality was best from the early fifties to the early eighties. Guns from that time period have fewer quality control issues and seem better built in terms of fitting.
It definitely looks interesting. I showed my wife a picture of the new Model 10, and she exclaimed that it looked like her 1950's pre-Model 10, which is a fine shooter.
Nice find and nice shooting. I think there’s lots of reliable ammo out there. I like Speer Gold Dot and Sig V Crown for carry ammo. I can find it at very reasonable prices. They both cycle / perform flawlessly, no malfunctions, for me. Price is a consideration because I like to practice a lot. GB
I sold then in the '70s and they were wonderful guns. Wish I'd bought ten of them. Check out the blueing on those old guns. New ones can't hold a candle to them.
Western 200gr super police lrn shoot great out of my heritage rosco! Shoots point of aim all in the 10 ring at 7yards. Just wish I could find more. Paid 50bucks for a box. Had the original price tag of $8.96 from pay and save lol
Greg, first - congrats on a great purchase! Glad you were able to get that and help your friend out at the same time. And I am the same. I don't buy guns to put in the safe and/or show-off or just for investment purposes. I shoot all of my guns. Out of those rounds you were testing out, I would personally go with the LSWC rounds. You might try the Remington HTP LSWCHP rounds for factory loads- they expand better than the Federal version of the same old 'FBI load'. For that vintage of gun, I personally would stick the lead bullets that are very easy on the bore. With my Taurus 605, I have Lehigh 140 grain Defender rounds loaded to around ~1000 fps - ++P .38 Special for 357 Mag chambered guns only (Alliant Power Point). Much easier to shoot quickly and accurately than .357 Mag. and I am very confident that they'd do the job. Thanks for the vid!
0:02 Great video, as always. And you helped me with a dilemma. I just bought a NEW IN BOX Charter Arms Undercover (mfg 1966), and a couple of months ago, a new Charter Arms (no box) mfg 1964. I'm certain the 1964 is new because the cylinder turn line is virtually non-existent. 1964 is the year I enlisted. The 1966 was, I think sent to shot show, or similar, because the box has instructions for setting it up for display, and the gun was missing its transfer bar, which made it impossible to fire! 😂. 1 spent 1966 in Vietnam, so I'm leaning toward carrying that one. Any advice? Btw, 148 Gr wadcutters is what I intend to carry.
If you call charter arms they might be able to help you out. The modern company bends over backwards there to make their owners of their guns new or old happy and they'll try whatever they can to make it work.
Possibly a snubnose Model 10. If it fires six rounds it probably is. That would be a K frame. The I frames were smaller than the J frame and fired .32 caliber bullets.
Have you seen the new lockless Chief Special M36 that S&W just came out with the thin barrel and half moon sight? (Along with lockless M10 and M19) Very nice gun! A gun is a gun is a gun. Shoot away! Carry it! I would go with the .38 Spl+P Remington LHP for street carry and those LSWC +P reloads for woods carry if I wasn’t carrying a larger pistol.
@@jackgreenstalk777 and I was a month too late as I just got a M19 for Christmas. Did a review of it and my one and only complaint is the lock. Other than that it is great. I’m hoping S&W will now allow customers to send in lock S&Ws to have locks removed and plugged without voiding the warranty.
Greg, let us know how it goes picking the load. Light weight and faster, heavier and slower? Several ways to skin the cat. There is something for everyone with 38spl and 38spl+P loads.
@onedirection3510 I could be wrong, but I'd mostly stick with standard pressure rounds. Maybe loading the cylinder with +p rounds for daily carry wouldn't be too bad, but only used in the moment of need.
Wait, wait, WAIT!!! You bought a 52 year old S&W revolver, NEW in box!???!!! You’re my hero!!! I know that you will be a great steward of that fine piece of craftsmanship; however, it was born to be used! I’m a fan of 148 grain wadcutters. Primary carry round. Seriously, another great video Greg!
Thanks for the input.
Great purchase! Beautiful classic.
Thanks Marc!
I love everything about this video! The background music, the grape soda, the way you used different colored dots to differentiate the different ammo. But most of all, that you got a brand new 1972 Chief’s Special in the box. Congratulations!
Thanks Michael!
Love the blues music 🎶!
Like the new music ,I saw the same gun at a local pawn shop for 700 new with beat up 1973 box . Chief special is a keeper carry that St. Louis load !
Love the boogie woogie background music! Those J-frames are so sweet. Currently have a 642, 442 and a 432! They just do their job with no complaints. Personally favorite .38 is the old old FBI +P 158 LSWCHP and favorite .32 mag is the Buffalo Bore hard cast 130 SWC.
Good choices.
A local gun store here has an old model 36 in almost ment condition for $750. Nice chief special Thanks.
For the video.
When you said "new and in the box" I figured you bought one of those brand new "S&W no lock Classics" they just came out with. They look pretty cool. That is a sweet Chief's Special you got there. Beautiful blueing on those older guns.
Edit: I've been using the Remington Classic Wheelgun 158 grain LSWC in my j-frames.
I've been drooling over the no lock model 10. I love an exposed ejector and pencil barrel. I hope(but not likely) that they'll make a model 25 in 45 colt that has the same features.
Hi John - NIB is a term FFL's often use for guns bought, but never shot. I haven't seen one of the new Smith's in the wild yet. I like the retro look. I'm leaning toward the 158 grain LSWC myself.
Such iconic revolvers. Good shootin'
Thanks Santee!
Good evening from Brazil, my friend. What a wonderful revolver. Congratulations on your purchase. Your friend did well to sell it to you, because without a shadow of a doubt, this weapon will be well taken care of. Thanks for the video, Have a great Sunday and a great week to you and your family. God bless you. And God bless the Americas 🙏🏻🇧🇷🤝🇺🇲
Rezemos, meu amigo, para que agora que Trump está de volta, haja um efeito positivo no Brasil também.
@LionquestFitness estamos com muita esperança aqui também, que Deus direcione nossos governantes para que tenham sabedoria e força. 🙏🏻
I’ve made a little change to my EDC! I’m carrying my S&W model 60 357. I carried 2 with speed 2 loaders ! Now I carry one model 60 and beretta 92fs ! Philadelphia Pennsylvania is really getting worse by the day!
I hoping they start with the deportations on Monday here!
@joecampana3398 Sounds like you carry in style. My pocketed Shield Plus 9mm is pretty basic but high capacity. My pride and joy is my primary carry. The S&W 627 PC 8-shot .357. It's in a Lobo Gunleather enahnced pancake holster and sports some Altamont NU G10 grips (grey and black).
👍 big fan of the Beretta.
How do you carry the second gun? I've tried carrying two IWB but it just doesn't work for me.
@ well the model 60 is a small 5 shot and the beretta is a full size model! I wear cargo pants and a black stiff gun belt. The model 60 S&W is for my left hand bottom side pocket in a pocket holster and the 92 is inside the waistband at 3 o’clock! Extra mag in my left front pocket for the 92fs !
@ also I have been trained to shoot with both hands!
I was that in the Philadelphia police academy how to shoot with both hands! I’m not uncomfortable carrying a weapon for my left hand! 🫲
I remember seeing a video of a taxicab driver who had a customer in the front seat and was attacked and killed by the passenger with a knife! Had he been able to have a weapon for his left hand he would be alive today! Unfortunately he had no weapon on his person!
And it was in South America!
But I think he would have survived if he had a left hand weapon!
I like the 148 grain wadcutters in my 642. Nice pick up on that old-new revolver.
A gun guy that actually knows how to reload a revolver. Well done.
Thank You!
Everything I've seen of Hornady's various CD loads tells me they almost always lack penetration (unless they fail to expand). Still, they don't have excessive felt recoil in an airweight, and they're safe in older revolvers, so I consider it a good compromise load. I'm at a point now where I've become very intolerant towards a lot of recoil in my snub; that's one of the reasons I switched to carrying .32 caliber snubs.
That definitely makes sense as you age. I'm right behind you, and the journey after 50 becomes one of adaptability to the seasons of life.
@@LionquestFitness That is the absolute truth Greg! I own a duty size Ruger Security-9 which I like, but due to arthritis in my off hand thumb am beginning to struggle some with racking the slide. For the most part I carry a rotation of different revolvers now. A Taurus 856, Ruger LCR in .327FM, and intend to add a Charter Arms Professional and Undercoverette in .32H&R Mag. But in the mean time I just purchased a Ruger Security-380. I can use the same holster I have for my Security-9 and mag carrier. Haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but expect it to become a staple in the rotation also. God bless, Rob
S&W is releasing some of their classic line without the key locks FINALLY. Yeah, they’re still not the same (MIM parts, frame-mounted firing pin, etc) but the key lock was the biggest detractor I think. 2025 is off to a decent start.
@TheKingOfHeartsIV I haven't seen them in stores, but they seem pretty nice. I wonder if that new. 38 is rated for +p, or just standard pressure rounds.
Yeah i want the new mod 19. I believe they are going for under a thousand 🇺🇸
@tylermorrison7051 the pencil barrel mdl 10 has 38+p stamped on it
No more nasty:
~ 🕳 HILLARY HOLES!!! 🕳 ~
🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫
🙏 Thank the gods above (lol)!
First, no more Hillary, now no more Hillary Hole😂
Beautiful revolver... definitely a dream gun of mine !!! ... and all the better because you gave your friend the option to buy it back. That's why I love this channel !!!!!!!
And thanks to guys like you who keep this channel going!
Nice score!
I’ve got to add that in my experience, 148-158 shoot closest to POA out of a two inch J.
Personally when I carry a Chiefs Special I use standard pressure lead semi wad cutters.. accuracy and penetration. I live by it’s not with what or how many holes you put in them it’s where you put the holes that count. So carry a load you can shoot accurately and quickly and put the holes where they need to go..
Nice piece of nostalgia!! Put some wadcutters in there and your good to go. U shoot revolvers better then most shoot semi autos.
did you hear about S&W' s new release s in their classic line for this year ?
old school versions of the chief's special, a 4in pencil barrel square but Mdl 10, looks just like the victory model from the war , and a 4 1/2 in Model 19 just like what Bill Jordan wanted
Yeah, with NO LOCKS. I never thought I'd live long enough to see that.
They look good. I haven't seen one to hold yet. Let's hope S&W can up their QC.
You just prompted me to their website. No locks! However, I am confused by the plain wood “service stock” type grips but no other military feature. Maybe they didn’t want to spring for the tooling for a lanyard loop, or wanted a bigger difference between their models. Very nice looking pieces though
The ones without a Hillary Hole? It only took like 2 decades for S&W to listen to their customers
And best of all no no ugly side lock.
I believe wadcutters are the answer for non magnum snub nose revolvers. You are not going to get expansion and penetration at the same time. Penetration is far more important. Wadcutters are soft shooting, accurate, and give very good penetration. The ones I have found are the underwood 150 grain lead Wadcutter in 38 special and the Buffalo Bore 100 grain Wadcutters in 32 Smith and Wesson Long. BB and Underwood also have hard cast that offer faster reloads if required. I think that pistol will become a fast favorite and thanks for the video.
Thanks for your input!
congratulations on the great find! you shoot it very well: it was like it was meant to be.
Thank you my friend.
@@LionquestFitness thank you for all your content. you shoot straight both with guns and advice. you share your life experience, gun experience, and other good tips and advice ala mr. holster who i miss both as that moniker and as ruger ranger. this summer, after i leave my position teaching in a private school over an hour away, i may start making xome content.
A fantastic find, Greg! You are a class act.😊
@@tomcarr4630 I concur.
@@tylermorrison7051 Thanks gentleman!
I’d use any of those rounds, Greg. However, 158 grain handloads looked pretty nice!
The only problem was there was a bit of a kick to them that made me pause on follow-up shots. Still, that's a round that has potential in a four inch revolver.
You're a good friend and an honst gentleman. The youngsters don't appreciate what we do, yet. I prefer 148 gr target wadcutters in small frame revolvers or standard velocity hollowpoints. Why beat up the operator and ballistically degrade the firearm ? Its for very up close anyway.
That's a very good point.
Those chiefs specials are impressive at range. 28 yards out double action only I shot 43/50 possible points, two bullseyes touching inside the 10 ring (quarter size bullseye) two 8s on center line, and one 7 in lung/heart region. Honestly surprised myself with what I could do at that range, with less then half an hour shooting it. I normally carry and shoot j frames tho, have hit range 1 to 2x a week with mine for years 🎯 they shoot more accurately then we can at range, all about good fundamentals. That was my only group on paper as we shot steel with heart swingers, or soda cans the rest of the day, but I still miss that gun, and wish my brother never sold his no dash flat latch 😅 ah well life goes on he has a beautiful 686-3 now 🇺🇲
Congratulations to you I love your j frame too they are so beautiful and so cute and reliable when needed best of luck to you
Thank you sir so very very much for your support I love my 340 pd please do a you tube review on the 340 pd please thank you very much sir
To answer the question. What round would be the most effective. I don’t think it matters . Observation of a long time hunter, where you hit them is much more important than what you hit them with.
And that is very true.
I would go with those semi wadcutters. I have a S&W Model 10 snub I bought about 10 or 12 years ago, Made in 1963 and it was unfired until I got it home!!
Good man!
This is amazing I watched David Vincent taking on
Aliens with his snubnose last nite
Excellent Choice sir ! 👾💥💀👍🎶
You might look at Buffalo Bore 150 grain .38 special standard pressure hard cast wadcutters. Made for revolvers you do not want to shoot +p out of due to age of the gun or severe recoil in modern light weight revolvers. Softer shooting with more penetration due to the hard cast lead. I load my S&W Model 638 with them. Thanks for the great videos.
That is an interesting option.
I tote 158gr lead round nose . Been doing the job forever. The 36 is very nice I like to get them like that. Just like you went back in time and got it new.
Love that music too.
I play a little of that style myself.
A full lead wadcutter going about 800 fps is about as good as it gets in my opinion.
Definitely an option.
Fine classic you have there ! it's timeless. Like the old Model 60 with pinned barrel, too. Very accurate revolvers, with good grips (bantam like). DA is no problem even at longer ranges. Fixed sights help with accuracy, but they are really small and you'll need good eyes 🙂 Wth the little chief special, i think that ammo does not matter (as long that it is of good quality) but placement and maybe bullet weight will for sure, so keep the most accurate and POA one, i'd say. Kudos .
Great video! Great shooting double action too. 😮
Thanks, I always shoot in double action.
I have a pet, early 1990's, 649 that I acquired as new in box. Used it for several years as EDC and went on a Standard Pressure load "viability / validation quest" (bought Clear Ballistics gel to test even) what I settled on as best for that gem is Remington HTP 110gn. Standard Pressure. Hands down very best. Even advocated and helped fund a GunSam video about the round (Back when he had just added "Baloney Pectoral media" and MDF to his water jug •or not• process. With regards to /inclusive of Standard Pressure constraints, he pronounced it essentially near perfect. It does hit a bit high, but that influenced me to adopt a centered and slightly proud/held high front sight picture, but that actually results in a better target field of view. Best, & Safe shoot'n everybody!
GSRA video findable to search of *.38 SPL VS .380 ACP in Pocket Guns Season 2- Ep 3. Remington HTP PT 2*
@@ED-2.0.9. Thanks for adding that!
Good shooting Greg. I have exactly the same gun loaded with the vintage nylon hollow point, and is always under my wife's pillow.
Hi Greg. This tiny SW is a dandy. I’m glad it is in your hands now. Besides understanding the “real historical value” of this piece you shoot it very well too. God Bless. Happy Trais
Thank you doctor!
Great video Greg i see the Chief Special is doing good i like the Hornady That's what i like to use in my 38...Have a blessed day
Thanks Terry!
Very nice score! I'd use Underwood for your new baby!
I'm leaning that way.
@@LionquestFitness That's the one I use also. Plus during the winter months here in Kansas the first 6 rounds loaded are the Underwood hardcast full wadcutters. Reloads are this load.
Another great video Greg and congratulation on the purchase of your new older Chiefs Special a fine looking handgun. Glad you have decided to use it as a carry gun, since that is what it was designed and made for.
Thanks Gary!
Beautiful! I would have paid $1k for a NIB Chiefs Special.
Saving the world, one revolver at a time! :-)
At least, this one found a perfect home!
For the ammo, it must be easily available, it must be compatible with a small frame revolver so that you train regularly with it, and efficient enough at short range (5-7 yards).
A classical choice is the wadcutter, but you may have some other .38 spal that are compatible with s short barrel and a j-frame.
Good advice!
Surprised by the differences in the fire out of the short barrel on some of the rounds while others had a complete burn with only smoke. All my revolvers are 4" barrels. Never shot snub nosed wheel guns. Going to have to look into getting myself a snubie.
The difference in the flame can be attributed to the time of day and the lighting; although those reloads definitely had some smoke to them.
Snubbies are amazing
You should add one to the stable.
That's a sweet piece, Greg. I can't blame you for shooting it. As for the new model 36, I think the msrp is upper 800. At least, they don't have the trigger lock. On a side note, are you going to Shot Show?
Not me. 😉I'm not important enough to get invited.
@LionquestFitness I'm not certain, but I thought gun UA-camrs had a process by which they could attend the event. I'm not sure what all the process entails, but guys from Hickok45 to Yankee Marshal and in between have attended Shot Show.
Since you you are prior law enforcement stick with the proven classic 158 grain LSWC in that classic revolver. I remember that it was and is refered to as the "man stopper" round.
Smith&Wesson is releasing the model 36,10 and 19 in their original formats without the Hillary hole. Model 10 is a 4 inch with the pencil barrel and is +P compatible. 😊
Choice Ammunition makes a great wadcutter load that will run 750 -800. Good penetration light recoil
2:00 That looks like one of Bob Mika's pocket holsters. I've ben using them for 25+ years.
Yes it is!
Greg, I haven't bought a factory round in decades. So I'm not qualified to say anything about that part. However, I load for over half a dozen or so that chamber 38spl. As such I have found over the years that a fixed sight 38spl prints best with 158gr SWC loads around 750fps to 825fps from 2" to 4" barrels. Standard chamber pressure. Enough power to be counted on. And hits point of aim. This is based on loading my own since 1960. Reckon I have some idea what has worked for me. Perhaps it might for you and that "new" 36 you have. I kknow you'll take good care of it too! Proud of you!👍
You know, simpler is often better and the ability to make accurate hits on target should probably be the priority for a round.
@@LionquestFitness I agree 100%! I have over 75 or more bullet moulds in many calibers, 20 of which in 38. The best is an old Ideal 158gr RN designed in 1904. In my 1922 Colt Army Special 4", one of my favorites. It will print point of aim at 15yds with all rounds touching if I do my part.
I'm confident you'll find the right round. 👍
@@anangryranger Thanks!😂
Sweetness! Congratulations on an awesome find!
I love this gun. I remember buying an off duty 36 in 1982 for under 200. Great gun. Great video.
Thank you!
Congrats on your acquisition of such a nice S&W classic revolver. The finish is really great.
Very good I love jazz
Love your snubby videos. I enjoyed the ammo comparison. I may want to re-think my carry ammo.
I'll try to do some more.
Congrats on a fantastic purchase!
I’m going with the Underwood. Seems just right.
I'm leaning that way. They've changed that load to one a bit hotter with a different coating, and I need to get some to try.
@ Anything manufactured post covid could be made from different materials and more than likely of different quality.
It definitely seems the most accurate to me; higher up than the PMC - closer to the bullseye 🎯... The PMC is most likely lower because it's a weaker loading.
I have a couple of no dash Model 36's and also use wadcutters in them instead of +P ammunition.
Thanks for another great video & great music ,,👍👍
Underwood ,to point of aim ,more hp too,and good cases .
Good points.
What a nice classic revolver. My carry load for the 38 Spl snubby (Ruger LCR) is the Underwood 150gr hard cast wadcutter. I prioritize penetration first, and expansion isn't really a thing with the hardcast wadcutter, but it does punch a pretty good hole. Enjoyed the vid, thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Nice score & thanks for sharing.
44Special
I like those older Smiths. I'm looking for a charter arms in 357 magnum.
Nice!
I have to start following your channel more often. I started deer hunting this year, had a lot of fun, saw a few deer, but never had a good shot. It was a nice adventure and I want to learn more.
I like your style!...
Excellent revolver! 1972 in the original box. Nice! As far as a carry load: I like the 125 grain Golden Saber, Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 Grain +P Ammo and the158 grain Buffalo bore LSWC-HP standard pressure. All give a nice balance between expansion and penetration. If you're going to use the Critical Defense, I would opt for the plus P. Being all steel, these guns can handle limited use of the hotter loads, but to save wear and tear on the revolver, I would shoot the weak stuff for practice.
Good advice.
Very nice 👍
Fantastic man
Remington 158gr FLN, JHP or 158 simi wadcutters 38spl standard or +P in any of my Snub nose revolvers. I have also had some good results testing Sig Sauer V-Crown 125gr JHP Very accurate rounds.
That revolver is a beauty. As far as terminal ballistics goes, I don't know what's the best. I do believe penetration is pretty important. You also have to be able to hit with it. The latter doesn't seem to be an issue.
Accuracy is the goal we all should strive for! Thanks for swinging by today.
Greg ironically, the new Chiefs specials were just re-released with no lock. Pencil barrel, and some other nods to the classic, along with model 36, they have now re-introduced no lock models of the model 10, 19, and a mountain gun version of the 686. The new no lock model 36 is rated for +P as well! I love the classic chiefs special, my brother used to have a no dash flat latch, and I shot it better then any other 38 special I have come across before or after still to this day. Love that j frame that really started it all 🇺🇲 awesome gun, great pick up! Love this channel, and love smith & wesson revolvers, new or old!
Much better than the new ones.
S&W just came out with a new 36 classic without the lock! Also a 10 and 19. Also both without the lock that everybody hates and nobody uses.
We all have our opinion and they are worth what you pay for them. But I’ve always thought the accuracy was the most important thing. Anything you can put in the right place will do the job. I guess you can think of extreme example otherwise. But as a general rule anything you can put in the right place.
Good point that keeps being reiterated in the comments.
Greg, you are the man. You helped a friend in need and helped your self as well. Both parties are satisfied. I always used LSWCHP ammo when I was working. Now days I'm using Hornady Critical Defense in my J-Frames. Thanks for another great video. Where can I buy those grips?
Precision Specialties out of Michigan. They are called Hideout Grips.
nice gun sir loved the music iam going with the wad cutter its a tough choice to pick
Hi Les, The jazz music seems to be a hit with folks. I may try to find more.
I carry the Underwood myself Greg. Double Tap ammo has some good stuff also. Congratulations on acquiring a classic! God bless, Rob
Thanks Rob!
I am quite a fan of the Federal 38G that seems to be easily available now with just a google search.
LSWC-HP +P so a 3-4 incher will likely expand, in a shorter tube it will still have the SWC effect, and it is still very mild shooting, also with nickeled cases.
Have a good day in The Palmetto State.
Thank you sir!
You got a fantastic revolver on that deal!
Carry ammo is a relative thing for sure. The first and foremost consideration for me in any caliber is ammo that hits where I’m aiming or at least close enough to make those fist size shots at the typical ranges one expects. Your tested rounds do that.
I really like the old Remington .38 special 125gr +P SJHP round in my snubs. It’s a long time standard and still works well in my opinion. You probably carried it at some point for duty ammo. It should shoot well in your revolver too. I also like Federal Punch .38 Spl +P 120gr JHP. It’s soft shooting and matches my criteria for hitting where I want as well as the Remington 125 SJHP load.
And then there are those who prefer wad cutters at paper punching velocity. I might get to that point one day, but for now I prefer something a little stouter. Wad cutters do shoot soft and penetrate deep though and that’s their greatest benefit.
I’m sticking with the 125 SJHP +P Remington load. I’d like to see how it works for you in that revolver.
Great video.
That Remington load was my go to round before Covid, I still have 300 rounds stashed way. In general it would pattern the same aimpoint as 158 grain bullets.
I keep Federal 110 grain +P HP in my 340PD for better control in such a light gun. Good shootin’ as always, stay safe Greg.
I need to try the federal. You stay safe as well.
That is a real beauty you have there.
Thanks!
A target 148 grain Wadcutter!. full size hole, soft shooting ( not just on the hand but also on that fine example of a snubby) and gets about 14 to 16 inches in jello after the denim barrier. I really like the lines of the old revolvers. Colt and S&W. nothing fits the pocket better. just seems like they were made for the pocket. better than some bulky, blocky, boxy semi auto. and you can't have enough snubbies. I have quite a few myself ( just can't pass them up).
😅I feel you on snubbie addiction. I've got more snub revolvers in my collection than any other gun. From Film Noir to Vietnam (yes Virginia the snub revolver made quite a few appearances officially and unofficially in that hellacious war) the snub has had a mystique all it's own. Those of us who grew up in the sixties and seventies associate them with cops, crooks and TV detectives.
I want a model 36 made in the 1970's nib too. Nice Greg!
Thanks Johno!
Nice Model 36, Greg! Have you seen the three new revolvers S&W announced? A Model 36 that replicates the old timers, with slender barrel, half moon front sight, traditional cylinder release, and no Hillary hole - then a Model 10 with the same treatment, and a nice Model 19. I just read an article by Dr. Fackler in the Fall. 1999 Wound Ballistics Review; he likes a very hard & sharp full wadcutter in a snub .38 revolver.
There is definitely some practicality in a full wadcutter like that.
Hi Greg, good shooting! To me, it seems the LSWC had less flash, but maybe the light was brighter at the time you shot them, I'd say less flash is good, also, you shot the best group with them.
I shot those Hornady under low light conditions, hence the greater flash. However, I liked the accuracy of the Underwood rounds.
Federal loads a round designed for short barrel revolvers. It's a hollow point round that is recessed into the case. It allows for a bit more dwell time. I have had wonderful terminal performance with it. I don't use it in my older revolvers due to slightly higher chamber pressures. Thank you for showcasing that beautiful wheel gun.
Nice looking gun, glad you use it, not much good keeping in the safe, I agree, older gun seem better than the new ones…quality
I agree best to shoot not keep in safe. But have you owned a new one and an old one and side by side compared them to really know? I have, and the new ones are better quality in a variety of ways. Bluing is best on older models, but gunblue here on youtube is former armorer for 40 + years. Trained by s&w to build and maintain their revolver from ground up. He went thru an old and new model, maybe 19 iirc, and showed how the new models (with each dash, with exception of adding the lock) generally removed parts that fail and replaced them with more reliable parts. They strengthen the steel, they beef up design in parts that ware or break etc. There is A LOT to like about new s&w revolvers. The one major drawback is the quality control has let too many lemons out. They will fix it. May take a trip (or two for some folks, but I'd bet they didn't include all their gripes clear or specifically enough) back to s&w they will fix it and you'll have a gem for life. I have 2 new j frames. Each went back 1 time (one sticky ejection even clean, other timing off spit lead) both fixed in 1 trip back to s&w and run flawless for thousands of rounds a year now. The one was a new model I bought used and didnt inspect well enough, timing was off on 2 cylinders from being cowboy slammed shut by former owner, s&w fixed it for me for free anyway, and now I have 2 absolute perfect (for me) carry revolvers. Their customer service is top notch too. I call its always answered by an american during their hours. I lost a spring cleaning one, they sent 2 out for free priority mail. Not a huge cost but they calmed me down on phone i was stressed i had broken my gun by losing the spring which I did, but they made it right and sent a back up spring just in case i lost that one. Few yrs now and i still have the back up and still love the guns. Always on me!
@ Good points, but if frustrating to purchase a new gun only to have issue due to lack of quality control. I have dealt with S&W service they do take the gun back but twice I’ve had to resend for the same concern,,,,It’s not just S&W , I’ve have issues with a new Colt Python and a pistol from Ruger, but these two were corrected in one trip.
@@jackgreenstalk777 You made good points. The guns are stronger structurally, but the QC issue has been around since the late eighties. I am familiar with Gun Blue, I like the guy, he has more experience than I have, and I listen, but I don't always agree with him. Rightly or wrongly I tend to believe S&W quality was best from the early fifties to the early eighties. Guns from that time period have fewer quality control issues and seem better built in terms of fitting.
Good morning, Smith &Wesson is coming out with a new classic model 36. No key lock. I may have to look at it. Have a blessed week
It definitely looks interesting. I showed my wife a picture of the new Model 10, and she exclaimed that it looked like her 1950's pre-Model 10, which is a fine shooter.
@LionquestFitness Amen
Sweet gun.
Nice find and nice shooting. I think there’s lots of reliable ammo out there. I like Speer Gold Dot and Sig V Crown for carry ammo. I can find it at very reasonable prices. They both cycle
/ perform flawlessly, no malfunctions, for me. Price is a consideration because I like to practice a lot.
GB
I need to check those out GB.
Would you be in trouble with YT if you played the Peter Gunn theme during your shootouts?
You know, I like the Peter Gunn theme. I have it on a workout playlist. But alas, that piece is probably copyrighted by the Henry Mancini estate.
I love that S&W Model 36, especially the old ones. I use Critical Defense. Also Just received my new Mika holster.
That was what I was using!
I sold then in the '70s and they were wonderful guns. Wish I'd bought ten of them. Check out the blueing on those old guns. New ones can't hold a candle to them.
Western 200gr super police lrn shoot great out of my heritage rosco! Shoots point of aim all in the 10 ring at 7yards. Just wish I could find more. Paid 50bucks for a box. Had the original price tag of $8.96 from pay and save lol
Greg, first - congrats on a great purchase! Glad you were able to get that and help your friend out at the same time. And I am the same. I don't buy guns to put in the safe and/or show-off or just for investment purposes. I shoot all of my guns. Out of those rounds you were testing out, I would personally go with the LSWC rounds. You might try the Remington HTP LSWCHP rounds for factory loads- they expand better than the Federal version of the same old 'FBI load'. For that vintage of gun, I personally would stick the lead bullets that are very easy on the bore. With my Taurus 605, I have Lehigh 140 grain Defender rounds loaded to around ~1000 fps - ++P .38 Special for 357 Mag chambered guns only (Alliant Power Point). Much easier to shoot quickly and accurately than .357 Mag. and I am very confident that they'd do the job. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks for the input!
0:02 Great video, as always. And you helped me with a dilemma. I just bought a NEW IN BOX Charter Arms Undercover (mfg 1966), and a couple of months ago, a new Charter Arms (no box) mfg 1964. I'm certain the 1964 is new because the cylinder turn line is virtually non-existent. 1964 is the year I enlisted. The 1966 was, I think sent to shot show, or similar, because the box has instructions for setting it up for display, and the gun was missing its transfer bar, which made it impossible to fire! 😂. 1 spent 1966 in Vietnam, so I'm leaning toward carrying that one. Any advice? Btw, 148 Gr wadcutters is what I intend to carry.
If you call charter arms they might be able to help you out. The modern company bends over backwards there to make their owners of their guns new or old happy and they'll try whatever they can to make it work.
@jackgreenstalk777 Already done. Sent in and the VERY NEXT DAY after they received it, it was fixed and on the way home! Charter Arms is awesome.
Matthew, definitely contact CA, they may be able to get your revolver back in service.
@@matthewrobinson4323 glad to hear!
@@jackgreenstalk777 This is true. I've heard many stories of them fixing older guns for free, sans shipping cost.
I didn't know the chief special was still being made in 1972. I have a 1953 in .38S&W this one looks a lot bigger, J-Frame ? mine might be an I frame?
Possibly a snubnose Model 10. If it fires six rounds it probably is. That would be a K frame. The I frames were smaller than the J frame and fired .32 caliber bullets.
Have you seen the new lockless Chief Special M36 that S&W just came out with the thin barrel and half moon sight? (Along with lockless M10 and M19)
Very nice gun! A gun is a gun is a gun. Shoot away! Carry it!
I would go with the .38 Spl+P Remington LHP for street carry and those LSWC +P reloads for woods carry if I wasn’t carrying a larger pistol.
They just announced a 686 mountain gun with no lock as well. They are moving in the right direction for sure 🇺🇲🙏👍👍
@@jackgreenstalk777 and I was a month too late as I just got a M19 for Christmas. Did a review of it and my one and only complaint is the lock. Other than that it is great. I’m hoping S&W will now allow customers to send in lock S&Ws to have locks removed and plugged without voiding the warranty.
I like the looks of them. I hope they go over well. Those old pencil barrelled revolvers actually conceal carry very well and are good shooters.
@@classicgunstoday1972 give them a call monday. Never hurts to ask 🙏
@ i’m going to do just that
Greg, let us know how it goes picking the load. Light weight and faster, heavier and slower? Several ways to skin the cat. There is something for everyone with 38spl and 38spl+P loads.
That is for sure. I now own four Chief's spanning from 1962 to 1982. I want to keep all those old boys in service for some time to come.
Can that gun handle +p?
I’m thinking Hornady CD 110 38+p
Or Fed Punch 120 gr +p would perform much better. Maybe +p strictly for carry?
@onedirection3510 I could be wrong, but I'd mostly stick with standard pressure rounds. Maybe loading the cylinder with +p rounds for daily carry wouldn't be too bad, but only used in the moment of need.
Standard pressure only in the older Smiths 🇺🇸
@Revolverman38 You're probably right. Best not to take any chances.
Nice find man! IMO, being that you added some better stocks I’d load the hotter rounds!