Smith & Wesson Chief Special Revolver Review
Smith & Wesson Chief Special Revolver Review
The Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver is a compact, lightweight, and reliable handgun that has been a favorite among law enforcement and civilians alike for decades. Chambered in.38 Special, this revolver is known for its simplicity, durability, and effectiveness in close-quarters self-defense situations. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features, performance, and overall value of the Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver.
History and Design
The Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver was first introduced in 1950, as a more compact and lighter version of the popular Smith & Wesson Military & Police revolver. The Chief Special was designed to be a more concealable and easier-to-carry alternative, making it an ideal choice for law enforcement and civilians who needed a reliable self-defense handgun.
The Chief Special features a stainless steel or blued carbon steel frame, with a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel. The revolver has a five-shot capacity and weighs approximately 21 ounces unloaded. The Chief Special also features a smooth, double-action trigger and a exposed hammer, allowing for single-action shooting.
Features and Specifications
Here are some key features and specifications of the Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver:
- Caliber:.38 Special
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2 inches or 3 inches
- Weight: Approximately 21 ounces unloaded
- Frame Material: Stainless steel or blued carbon steel
- Trigger Action: Double-action, with single-action capability
- Sights: Fixed front sight, adjustable rear sight
- Overall Length: 6.5 inches (2-inch barrel), 7.5 inches (3-inch barrel)
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Width: 1.25 inches
Performance and Reliability
The Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver is known for its reliability and performance. The revolver’s stainless steel or blued carbon steel frame provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance, while the smooth double-action trigger and exposed hammer allow for easy shooting and cocking.
The Chief Special is also highly accurate, with a reputation for excellent grouping and minimal recoil. The revolver’s.38 Special chambering provides a manageable level of recoil, making it an ideal choice for new shooters or those with smaller hands.
Field Strip and Maintenance
One of the benefits of the Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver is its simplicity and ease of maintenance. The revolver can be field-stripped and cleaned in a matter of minutes, using only a few basic tools.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to field-stripping the Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver:
- Remove the cylinder by pushing the cylinder release button and swinging the cylinder open.
- Remove the ejector rod and cylinder by unscrewing the ejector rod and sliding the cylinder off.
- Remove the hammer and trigger assembly by unscrewing the hammer screw and sliding the assembly off.
- Clean and inspect the individual components, paying special attention to the cylinder and barrel.
🔧 Note: Always follow proper safety procedures and guidelines when field-stripping and cleaning your revolver.
Comparison to Other Revolvers
The Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver is often compared to other compact revolvers on the market, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 10 and the Ruger SP101. While these revolvers share some similarities, the Chief Special stands out for its compact size, lightweight design, and ease of maintenance.
Here’s a comparison of the Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver to other compact revolvers on the market:
Revolver | Caliber | Capacity | Weight | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
Smith & Wesson Chief Special | .38 Special | 5 rounds | 21 ounces | 6.5 inches |
Smith & Wesson Model 10 | .38 Special | 6 rounds | 26 ounces | 7.5 inches |
Ruger SP101 | .38 Special | 5 rounds | 25 ounces | 7.2 inches |
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver is a reliable, accurate, and compact handgun that is ideal for self-defense and concealed carry. With its smooth double-action trigger, exposed hammer, and.38 Special chambering, this revolver is an excellent choice for new shooters and experienced gun owners alike.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable self-defense handgun or a fun and easy-to-shoot revolver for target practice, the Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver is an excellent choice.
What is the difference between the Smith & Wesson Chief Special and the Smith & Wesson Model 10?
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The Smith & Wesson Chief Special is a more compact and lightweight version of the Smith & Wesson Model 10. The Chief Special has a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel, while the Model 10 has a 4-inch or 6-inch barrel. The Chief Special also has a five-shot capacity, while the Model 10 has a six-shot capacity.
Is the Smith & Wesson Chief Special a good choice for concealed carry?
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Yes, the Smith & Wesson Chief Special is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its compact size, lightweight design, and reliability. The revolver’s.38 Special chambering also provides a manageable level of recoil, making it an ideal choice for new shooters or those with smaller hands.
Can I use +P ammunition in my Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver?
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No, it is not recommended to use +P ammunition in your Smith & Wesson Chief Special revolver. +P ammunition is loaded to higher pressures than standard.38 Special ammunition, which can cause excessive wear and tear on the revolver’s components. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for ammunition usage.