kit guns?

MrTrolleyguy · #1 10-28-2013, 01:57 PM

S&W kit guns? What are they and how many models are there? Is their value less b/c the are kit guns?

Joe

diamonback68 · #2 10-28-2013, 02:13 PM

Kit guns are not what you think. They are not kits that you put together. The name comes from small, usually .22s factory made revolvers that you could easily fit in your "kit bag", tool kit, duffel bag or tool/fishing tackle box.
Most have very high value for their smallness and that they shot cheap ammo. Models 63, 34 and 43 come to mind.

Alpo · #3 10-28-2013, 02:32 PM

The S&W "Kit gun" is a 22 built on the I (later the J) frame. Since that was the "32 frame" (the K being the 38 and the N being the 44) before they had model numbers it was called the "22/32 Kit Gun".

And, as Diamonback says, your "kit" was your gear. British term from WW1, and our boys brought it back from "Over There". Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag and smile, smile, smile.

Pack up your troubles - YouTube

feralmerril · #4 10-28-2013, 02:43 PM

These are considered kit guns. A model 34 2" .22 lr, also made in 4"; I would also consider my old model 36 3" tapered barrel .38 special a kit gun and finaly, the best of the best a 3" model 51 in .22 mag that I had a extra clyinder in .22 lr for. One of my biggest mistakes was to sell it.

Cyrano · #5 10-28-2013, 10:20 PM

One modern iteration of the Kit gun, this one a S&W 317, 8 shots in 22LR, Spegel grips.

garystl · #6 10-28-2013, 10:47 PM

I have a Mod 43 3.5" Airweight in 22lr that I bought in 1967. Beautiful little gun.

Texas Star · #7 10-28-2013, 11:19 PM

I am not an admirer of them. My M-34 had VERY HARD extraction. VERY, VERY, HARD! A well known S&W official admitted that the problem has been fairly common since they were introduced.

I prefer the similar guns in .38 Special. Mine is a stainless M-60-4. I like the added power as well as the better reliability. The range of .38 ammo also offers better versatility.

Alpo · #8 10-29-2013, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrano

One modern iteration of the Kit gun, this one a S&W 317, 8 shots in 22LR, Spegel grips.

I'm pretty sure that's a 638, 38 special.

I think you put up the wrong picture.

This is a 317 8-shot 22.

Mule Packer · #9 10-29-2013, 01:20 AM

I think S&W owns the copyright on the actual term "kit gun," but, as explained previously, it usually refers to a small-caliber handgun that fits easily in your tackle box, saddle bags, or day pack along with a box of shells.

A Smith and Wesson model 34-1 is a good example.

A Ruger Bearcat would also fall under the description of a "kit gun."

Alpo · #10 10-29-2013, 06:59 AM

I think this little 3" 32 HE would fit the bill, although I would prefer better sights.

Cyrano · #11 10-29-2013, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

I'm pretty sure that's a 638, 38 special.

I think you put up the wrong picture.

This is a 317 8-shot 22.

You're right. Here's a picture of my two 317s, one of which I don't have anymore. Can you guess the one I sold?

rog8732 · #12 10-30-2013, 12:53 AM

In the kit gun stable, I think the S&W 651 with both .22 LR, and .22 WMR cylinders from the factory might be close to A #1.....The 651 is the WMR, adjustable sight, version of the S&W 650.
Did I read correctly, that only 900 were made with both cylinders ?

feralmerril · #13 10-30-2013, 01:09 AM

I bought the model 51 in my post above with the stag after market grips in about 1971. After I bought it I thought if ruger can have the extra cylinder why cant smith? I ordered a second 22lr cylinder for a model 34 I believe. I hadnt heard at that time that it was a option but in the next catalog after I ordered mine I seen it was a option. I would like to think I had something to do with it but who knows? I made the mistake of selling mine, bought it back and later I traded it off again. Stupid! I thought it really pretty with those grips. What was I thinking! If I dig out some old records I can probley find the serial # and therefore the date. In those years I was single, made fair money and was always trying to come up with different conversion ideas like that. I probley had a half dozen handguns customized, sell or trade em and try something new. If I recall right it seems I also put a wide target trigger on it, does it look like one on the picture?

rog8732 · #14 10-30-2013, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mule Packer

I think S&W owns the copyright on the actual term "kit gun," but, as explained previously, it usually refers to a small-caliber handgun that fits easily in your tackle box, saddle bags, or day pack along with a box of shells.

A Smith and Wesson model 34-1 is a good example.

A Ruger Bearcat would also fall under the description of a "kit gun."

Mule, are you the fella doing those "pineapple", "diamond-head", and "gaucho" knots in that rawhide ?