Sir, I have no good reason other than I never cared much for the look of the flat ones. Silly, I know, but the original style says SMITH & WESSON! The flat ones seem more fitting for a Firearms International Regent......

As for keeping the original, no doubt about that. I have done quite a few dumb things in my day, but after almost 60 years on the planet I have a tendency to do a few less on a day to day basis. Still, you did well to suggest it, as today could have been the day.

I found a nice Terrier and bought it, and now found a nice transition Chiefs Special with the I-frame style trigger guard. Just can't abide that dang latch.

Otony

my name to the list of reactionaries... I WISH I had a flat-latch of which I might share a photo.

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Sincerely,

Hobie

I TOO AM MYSTIFIED

Otony I'm with you on the flat latch. I have the same gun you posted and I've always liked the other style latch. I probably wouldn't ever swap it out since it's a house gun that I never carry but I would like to know how you make out.

I have had a love hate relationship with the Chief Special for 50 plus years. I keep buying them and selling them, but it has nothing to do with the latch. I am neither a fan nor offended by the flat latch. A latch is a latch is a latch.

Now the shape of the grip frame is another deal. The round butt J frames are all but unshootable for me. The distance between the trigger and the backstrap is just to short for me to control the pistol well.

The square butt is a whole nother critter. The little extra distance makes all the difference in the world. I can shoot them well, which is what it is all about anyway.

Along with the 1954 SB flat latch in the pic above. I have a 3" 1957 vintage Chief Special. It is the best of the breed in my humble opinion. The esthetics of the Chief Special mean nothing to me. It is all about shooting the little machine as well as possible.

So, flat latch, smat latch, I don't care one way or another. I certainly don't care enough to spend real money to change it out.

There was never a Chief Special/Model 36 ever made that is as easy to shoot accurately at a Colt Detective Special. Again, a 3" barrel DS is the best of the breed. These six guns (yes 6 shots and not 5) will shoot as well as a 4" service pistol on a larger frame. They rule!

If it was such a terrific piece of equipment, why was it discontinued within a few years? Why not use it on all frame sizes?

It would be interesting to see exactly why it was introduced, and more importantly, why it was discontinued. I am willing to wager its disappearance had more to do with customer satisfaction than any other reason, or else why is it not used to this day?

Otony