January 31, 2013, 04:19 AM | #1 |
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Chiefs Special
Folks,
I currently have an opportunity to purchase a used S&W Chiefs Special. I like the looks, does anyone have any experience with these? I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks,
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January 31, 2013, 07:12 AM | #2 |
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Had one years ago.Great CC weapon. Easy to hide. Do not use +P ammo. Check the timing to make sure it locks tight. Good luck
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January 31, 2013, 09:09 AM | #3 | |||
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
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January 31, 2013, 09:24 AM | #4 |
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There's a lot to know about these little revolvers. Is it stainless, nickel, or blued? How old is it? Condition? Barrel size? I seem them sell in the $500 +/- price range, if in excellent condition. They hold 5 rounds, but are easy to conceal.
I'm not aware of any semi-auto called a "Chiefs Special"? |
January 31, 2013, 09:35 AM | #5 | |
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If you're unfamiliar with these pistols, they were 3rd-generation metal-frame centerfire semi-autos based on the Models 3913, 4013 (single-stack non-TSW), and 4513 respectively, but with shorter barrels, shorter grip frames, and reduced ammo capacity. They did not sell well and they don't seem to pop up for sale very often.
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January 31, 2013, 09:40 AM | #6 |
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Interesting, I didn't know that - learned something new!
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January 31, 2013, 09:41 AM | #7 | |||
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Quote:
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January 31, 2013, 10:58 AM | #8 | |
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The answer is different depending on whether this is an autoloader or a revolver, and which specific model is being discussed.
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January 31, 2013, 11:07 AM | #9 | |
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I tend to lump all .38 J-frames into the same category and consider them Chief's Specials. I guess, technically, the blue Model 36 is the only one that should hold that moniker, although the Model 60 is the one I saw most used during those days of Chiefs carrying revolvers. |
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January 31, 2013, 11:38 AM | #10 |
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Everyone calls my two 60's (model 60 and 640)"chief specials", they are not. It's a common use of the handle when talking about J frames, I guess.
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January 31, 2013, 12:18 PM | #11 |
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To answer some of your questions, I was told it is a .45 auto. My FFL dealer also said it's in good condition, but I plan on taking a look at it before I make a purchase. Assuming it's in pretty good condition, what would be a reasonable price to pay?
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January 31, 2013, 07:13 PM | #12 |
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I have seen so few CS45's for sale that it's hard for me to judge value, but a search of completed GB auctions reveals a going price of around $500-$575 for very nice 95%ish examples, $750 for LNIB collector-grade guns, and a few examples with significant wear in the high $400 range. This seems consistent with other 45xx-series 3rd-gen models that aren't proverbial needles in the haystack.
I've been cautioned that availability of CS-series mags in general can be spotty, although prices aren't necessarily higher than other S&W factory mags. IOW this is one of those pistols where the number of spare mags should be a prominent negotiating point. I know that standard 39-series mags and 391x/394x compact mags will work in the CS9, but I'm not sure about other 45xx-series mags in the CS45. OTOH it should be easy to find out because full-size 45xx-series 8rd mags are fairly plentiful, and unlike the 40xx-series and 9mm 3rd-gen guns, all of the 45xx-series pistols are single-stack. (The 40xx-series mag situation is notably bungled because S&W built single-stack and double-stack compact pistols with the same model number! )
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January 31, 2013, 07:16 PM | #13 |
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Oh yeah, +P...
The S&W metal-frame centerfire automatic pistol manual does not advise against ever using +P in the pistols, but it cautions that accelerated wear may result. I would not shoot a steady diet of .45ACP+P, but it should be able to handle small amounts with no problems.
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"Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak Last edited by carguychris; January 31, 2013 at 07:17 PM. Reason: minor reword... |
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