If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Field Ethos, you know their vibe isn’t about backyard birdwatching. They’ve built a reputation on rugged exploration and the kind of gear reviews that make you want to sell your sedan for a Land Cruiser. Now, they’ve teamed up with the legends at Smith & Wesson and the curators at Lipsey’s to drop a revolver that looks like it belongs in the glovebox of a vintage bush plane.

The Lipsey’s Exclusive Smith & Wesson x Field Ethos Model 36 DAO .38 Special is a mouthful of a name for a remarkably lean machine. It’s built on the iconic J-Frame platform, a design that has been saving skins and filling holsters since 1950. This 19.5-ounce all-steel snubbie is strictly business, finished in a deep, polished blue that reminds us why we fell in love with carbon steel in the first place.

One of the most immediate "thank you" moments for enthusiasts is the omission of the internal lock. Often derided as the "Hillary Hole," its absence here creates a solid, uninterrupted frame that screams classic aesthetics. It’s a nod to the purists who want their revolvers to look like they were pulled from a 1960s catalog but perform with 2026 reliability.

This Model 36 has been treated to a Performance Center Action Job. This means the double-action-only (DAO) trigger pull is slicker than a grease-slicked dock, providing a consistent, smooth press that helps keep that short 1.88-inch barrel on target. It’s a working man’s trigger refined for the connoisseur.

To keep things snag-free during a draw, the hammer has been bobbed. This makes it a dedicated DAO carry piece, ideal for those who prioritize a clean exit from a pocket or holster. To help you find your target, they’ve ditched the standard black ramp for a gold bead front sight paired with a precision U-notch cut into the top strap. It’s a high-contrast setup that works surprisingly well in varied lighting.

The furniture on this wheelgun comes courtesy of Tyler Gun Works. The walnut boot grips aren't just there for the "gram"; they provide a solid purchase while keeping the profile slim enough for deep concealment. Walnut and blued steel is a combination as timeless as steak and potatoes, and here, it’s executed with a level of fit and finish that justifies the exclusivity.

Of course, it wouldn't be a collaboration without some branding. The Field Ethos logo is tastefully engraved on the sideplate, serving as a quiet handshake between the owner and the lifestyle brand. It’s a small detail that marks this as a specific moment in time for outdoor media and firearms manufacturing, blending storytelling with steel.

Jason Cloessner, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Lipsey’s, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Smith & Wesson and Field Ethos to create this unique revolver. He emphasized that the design process prioritized practical, real-world utility over corporate theory, stating, "The features on this model were proven out on the range and not the board room — a carry gun that has a retro look and feel while delivering the performance today's shooters demand." By focusing on range-tested features, the team ensured that the exclusive model remains a highly functional tool for modern users.

Field Ethos President Ron Dan shared this enthusiasm, highlighting the timeless appeal and specific upgrades of the new project. He noted that the goal was to refine a legendary platform into a dream configuration, explaining, "It's hard to beat a classic Chief's Special for a carry gun. We were able to work with the great teams at S&W and Lipsey's to develop the exact Model 36 we would all want to carry." Dan pointed to the Bastogne grips, gold bead front sight, and factory bobbed hammer as standout details, concluding that "this gun has as much of a spot on your display shelf as it does in your holster."

Mechanically, the specs remain true to the Model 36's roots. It features a five-round carbon steel cylinder and frame, ensuring it has the heft to soak up recoil better than its lightweight alloy cousins. It’s a carry often, shoot often kind of tool, designed for those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a well-timed cylinder skip and the smell of Hoppe’s No. 9.

Overall, the Model 36 is a proof to what happens when distributors listen to what the community wants. It’s a blend of old-school cool and modern performance tweaks that makes it more than just a safe queen. Whether you’re trekking through a humid coastal forest or just heading to the grocery store, it’s a reliable, handsome companion for the journey.