Going to look at a 1956?? Mod 34

[sbrmike]

I am going to look at a model 34 made in approximately 1956. It has a serial number of 15xxx.

1. It is listed as having a 3-3/8" barrel. Does this sound right? Were the 4 inchers actually 3-3/8" or was 3-3/8" ever an option?

2. It appears to be a square butt. Will a Tyler T-grip from a square butt model 37 circa 1971 fit? Both guns have factory grips.

[KalamazooKid]

That’s a birth year for me!

It’s likely a 4” measured from the front of the cylinder.

Someone will be along shortly with a date and more info on the Tyler T.

[sbrmike]

This gun is in a big shop. I would hope that they know how to measure a barrel! I will hopefully check it out in person tomorrow. My birth year as well.

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by sbrmike

This gun is in a big shop. I would hope that they know how to measure a barrel!

I'm rootin' for 'Kid's idea.

Big shops today are full of plastic things that take magazines. Many employees haven't seen a revolver except in b&w Western reruns.

I believe, yes, your Chiefs Special Airweight's Tyler will work.

Best wishes for a successful grab.

[22hipower]

Originally Posted by sbrmike

This gun is in a big shop. I would hope that they know how to measure a barrel! I will hopefully check it out in person tomorrow. My birth year as well.

Maybe, but the salespeople and even their managers, in a nearby "big shop" don't know where to find the SN on S&Ws of that vintage. I bought a 1920s M&P and the sales guy carefully entered the SN on the 4473 which was then carefully checked by the guy's manager. Both were happy with the assembly number rather than the SN on the butt. Point of clarification though, if it was made in 1956 is it a 34 or a Kit Gun Model of 1953? If there's a model number stamp it should have been made in 1957 or later. Good luck on getting it though either way. And it should be a 4 inch and probably looks like this one.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

[sbrmike]

Thanks for the replies and pic. The barrel length appears to be 4 inch with a profile including front sight identical to yours. It does not have the screw near the hammer like a K-Frame 5 screw model. I don't know how many screws J or I frame guns have, meaning that I think it doesn't have the 4th screw. It definitely looks like a square butt from the pics. I am pretty keen on getting this. If not this one the guy also has a 1957 4 screw K-22 sn range K310xxx in full 6 inch. I'll let you know and show one if I get either.

[Hondo44]

With that serial # it won't be stamped Mod 34. It just could be the Kit Gun Airweight which only comes with the square butt and 3 1/2" barrel.

They may have been closer on the barrel measurement but just guessed it was a Mod 34. So it could be the Model of 1955 Kit Gun Airweight (alloy frame and cyl) which would be a pre Mod 43. So it would not have the top side plate screw, they were all 3 screws. It's built on the J frame.

Note: a pre Mod 34 Model of 1953 New I frame in the 15000 # range may or may not have the top side plate screw either, but it most likely would and therefore be a 4 scew.

The Airweights are numbered in the Model of 1953 New I frame Kit Gun # series and #15000 is from Mid 1955.

[sbrmike]

Well I again thank all and will post my results. I am planning on going up there tomorrow.

[toroflow1]

Originally Posted by Hondo44

With that serial # it won't be stamped Mod 34. It just could be the Kit Gun Airweight which only comes with the square butt and 3 1/2" barrel.

They may have been closer on the barrel measurement but just guessed it was a Mod 34. So it could be the Model of 1955 Kit Gun Airweight (alloy frame and cyl) which would be a pre Mod 43. So it would not have the top side plate screw, they were all 3 screws. It's built on the J frame.

Note: a pre Mod 34 Model of 1953 New I frame in the 15000 # range may or may not have the top side plate screw either, but it most likely would and therefore be a 4 scew.

The Airweights are numbered in the Model of 1953 New I frame Kit Gun # series and #15000 is from Mid 1955.

Yep, I have #145xx pre-43 airweight, made in '55.

[sbrmike]

OK, I took a look at them both and left them there. Decent trade offer but would not budge on prices. Got within $195 on the K-22; passed the mismarked gun altogether.
It is definitely a Model of 1955 22/32 Kit Gun Airweight with 3-1/2" barrel, Square Butt with alloy frame and cylinder. $989.00 and they still say it is a Model 34, 3-3/8" barrel, round butt. Misidentified and way over priced.

[MajorD]

As said it is pretty common for gun shops in this era of semi autos to misidentify revolvers and serial numbers.
Right now I have a gun listed as a 34 on an auction site that is very obviously a pre 43 alloy gun, based on finish and barrel length.
Every once in a while, the lack of understanding can get you a revolver cheap- these days sadly it seems everyone wants to price beater grade guns at mint condition price.

[BAM-BAM]

Saw a Ok Shooter Grade 4" Kit gun/34 (?) in a Local Gun shop last week with a $1399 price on the tag. Didn't even ask to look at it!

[coloradohunter]

Just found a 2" 34-1 LNIB at Cabela's, can't wait, the store in La Vista NE has a few like new. Had to post, and I never post, as 56 is my birth year too!

[22hipower]

Cool, we need pictures when you get it. Found this one, definitely not LNIB, at the Ft. Worth Cabelas a couple weeks ago.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

[Retired W4]

I'll have to make it up tp PA with a 6" N prefix 28-2 and put it on consignment for $1950. That shop can call it whatever they want as long as they sell it.

[sbrmike]

I reviewed all of my posts relating to the 22/32 kit gun due to the post about the ID this 4 digit gun. Somehow I missed this last post until now. The gun shop was in New York State. I live not far off of the NY line in PA.