In 1989, Smith & Wesson introduced the LadySmith variant of the Model 36. The aluminum cylinders proved to be problematic and were abandoned in favor of a steel cylinder. In 1951, Smith & Wesson introduced the Airweight Model 37, which was basically the Model 36 design with an aluminum frame and cylinder. The 'Chiefs Special' continued to be manufactured as a separate variant. It was produced as the 'Chiefs Special' until 1957, when it then became the Model 36. It was available in either a blued or nickel-plated finish. A three-inch barreled version of this design went into production immediately, due to high demand. A vote was held to name the new revolver, and the name 'Chiefs Special' won. The new design was introduced at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) convention in 1950, and was favorably received. Since the older I-frame was not able to handle this load, a new frame was designed, which became the Smith & Wesson J-frame. 38 Special round in a small, concealable package.

For the Model 36, they sought to design a revolver that could fire the more powerful. The Model 36 was designed in the era just after World War II, when Smith & Wesson stopped producing war materials and resumed normal production.