Rifleman Q & A: What is a S&W “Flat Latch”?

by
posted on June 19, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
latch1.jpg

The early S&W Chief’s Special (above) had a flat thumb latch (arrow) for releasing its cylinder, which is different from the style used on most of its models (l.).

Q: I recently saw a gun advertised for sale described as “a Smith & Wesson Flat Latch.” I thought I knew all the S&W models, but I have never heard of this one. What is it?

A: The “flat latch” term is sometimes used to describe the earliest versions of the S&W Chief’s Special, which was introduced in 1950; it became the Model 36 in 1957 when S&W switched to numerical designations for its handguns. The flat latch, used only on Chief’s Special/Model 36 snubbies and their J-frame variants made from 1950 until 1966, was simply a modified, “flattened” design of S&W’s more prolific concave, checkered thumb latch that unlocks the swing-out cylinder of their revolvers.

According to S&W historian Roy Jinks, “The flat latch was used on the early Chief’s Specials to keep them as flat [as possible] and [make them] easy to slide in and out of various pockets. The company never referred to it as a flat latch; that is a term the collectors have since dubbed it.”

Prior to the appearance of the flat latch, S&W revolvers, starting with the K-frame in 1899, sported a now-familiar concave, checkered thumb latch. As Jinks notes, after 1966 the company changed to this standard-style thumb latch for its Model 36, as it was deemed easier to use. However, the flat latch continued to be installed on the Model 36 for a brief period after 1966, until the supply of parts ran out.

It is interesting to note that current S&W revolvers use a semi-triangular sloped thumb latch, while their re-issued “Classic” guns use what the catalog now refers to as a “Classic style thumb piece” which, of course, is the old-style concave, checkered thumb latch. Smith & Wesson flat latch Chief’s Special/Model 36 revolvers are an interesting variation for the collector, although generally speaking, they do not add appreciably to a gun’s value.

--Rick Hacker

Latest

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.