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Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos

Smith & Wesson · Revolver

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos

Double action only · .38 Special · introduced 2026

Also known as Model 36 Field Ethos, PC Model 36 Field Ethos, Field Ethos Model 36 Tropical

About the Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos is a 2026 Lipsey's-exclusive, Performance Center-tuned variant of the classic five-shot J-frame Model 36 revolver chambered in .38 Special +P. Built on the Classic no-internal-lock frame, it carries a 1.88-inch blued carbon-steel barrel and a Performance Center action job for a smooth, consistent double-action-only trigger. The hammer is bobbed for snag-free concealed carry, and the gun ships with premium Tyler Gunworks walnut stocks, a fixed gold-bead front sight, and an integral notch-in-frame rear sight. A Field Ethos trademark is engraved on the side plate as part of the collaboration. This 'Tropical' edition was developed jointly by Smith & Wesson, the Field Ethos brand, and distributor Lipsey's.

For 2026 the original 1950 Chiefs Special got a lifestyle-brand makeover: Smith & Wesson's Performance Center teamed with the Field Ethos publication and distributor Lipsey's on a bobbed-hammer, DAO 'Tropical' Model 36 wearing Tyler Gunworks walnut and a Field Ethos-engraved side plate - a pocket revolver pitched as much as an heirloom as a carry gun.

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 36 Field Ethos specifications

General

Type
Revolver
Action
Double action only
Firing mechanism
Double action only
Trigger
Double action
Calibres
.38 Special
Magazine capacity
5 rounds

Dimensions

Barrel length
48 mm (1.9 in)
Weight (empty)
0.55 kg (1.22 lb)

Barrel

Rifling twist
1:19 in (476 mm)
Rifling
Right hand
Grooves
5

Materials

Barrel
Carbon steel
Receiver / frame
Carbon steel
Stock
Wood
Finish
blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical)
228 m/s (748 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical)
210 J (155 ft·lb)
Effective range
15 m

History

Introduced
2026
Production status
Limited production
Country of origin
US

Features

  • J frame
  • Five shot cylinder
  • Performance center action job
  • Double action only
  • Bobbed hammer
  • Snub nose barrel
  • Gold bead front sight
  • Integral notch rear sight
  • Tyler gunworks walnut grips
  • Field ethos engraving
  • No internal lock

Safety

  • Hammer block safety
  • Cylinder latch

All-steel weight is approximately 19.5 oz (553 g). MSRP is approximately $1,099-$1,100. Double-action-only with a bobbed hammer. Muzzle velocity/energy figures are typical .38 Special performance from the 1.88-inch J-frame barrel and are carried from the base Model 36. Lipsey's exclusive distribution.

This is a variant of the Smith & Wesson Model 36.

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