I was doing a search yesterday on GunBroker when I ran across a listing for a .22/32 Kit Gun. As it was a no reserve, penny auction with no bids, out of curiosity, I took a look. I'll save you all the boring details, but I ended up punching the Buy It Now button for $469.99.

It is a square butt, flat latch, 3 screw, coil spring with 4" barrel. Serial # is 23252 and matches on bottom barrel flat, cylinder face, back of extractor star, bottom of butt and right stock panel. Gun probably rates around 95%, but one of the grip panels has been damaged and poorly repaired.

I hope Hondo44 reads this post, as I have a question for him. In his forum blog "The Post War I Frames Evolution", Jim states
".22/32s w/rd or sq butt and including the newly introduced 22/32 Target w/sq butt only (beginning in new serial range starting w/#101), earliest sq butt Kit Gun 24266 in 1956...". So Jim, are you saying the earliest sq butt Kit Gun, or are you referring to the Target version. Since my gun is a square butt with serial number 23252, it would seemingly predate the serial number you refer to. (I know, serial numbers are not always date sequential.)

Anyway, the check is in the mail and I (hopefully) will be receiving this revolver in about a week.

Attached Images

	pix234042497.jpg (64.5 KB, 127 views)
	pix767887406.jpg (61.6 KB, 126 views)

__________________
SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

That was a very good buy, even with the damaged stock panel. Good going! You are going to like this gun. I'm a big fan of the Kit Guns. My oldest one is a bit newer than yours, but not yet model-marked. Also, it is a 2". I have not yet added an older (pre-model-numbered) 4" to my accumulation of Kit Guns, but I'm watching out for one.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks! A Kit Gun really wasn't even on my radar, but when this one popped up unexpectedly, I just could not help myself. (S&W revolver buying/accumulating is a real disease!) I already have a .22/32 HFT that is a real hoot to shoot, so I am looking forward to getting this one. Now, I just have to stop looking at GB.....

__________________
SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

Very nice find. I probably would of lost it with a bid trying to get it just a little cheaper so now I know the secret (just go for the gusto and hit buy now). More pictures once you get it please.

BTDT! I lost one auction gun that I really wanted badly, trying to save a few bucks. I never do that at a live auction. Have told my wife countless times, if it is something you want, buy it (unless it goes just plain crazy). In this case, most 22/32 Kit Guns I have seen sell on GB were $700 and up, most of them up. The one thing I hate about online auctions is the wait after it's over. I get as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof! Can't wait to get the gun in my hands. When I do, rest assured I will take some pics and post them.

__________________
SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

Yes, it was a good buy and you have to jump when they pop up like that. I picked up a 63 a while back and had no intention of buying a firearm that day. Kit guns are hard to come by.

What a nice little kit gun. I like them for a number of reasons, but inexpensive plinking is near the top. I always carry my 4" 63 in my "kit", when traveling around.

I think you did really well. Congratulations!!

Best Regards, Les

__________________
SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Charlie, congrats!!

Not only for finding such a nice 1953 New I frame, Pre model 34, plus at such a great price, plus a scarce sq butt, plus you do indeed have the lowest recorded Sq Butt in my database!

Your #23252 does indeed sneak below my most recent earliest entry #23434.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks, Jim!! Without all of the excellent information you provide for S&W firearms, in both the SCSW and online, I would never have given this revolver a thought when I first saw it. The price on it first piqued my interest. And from what I had previously seen on auctions, the pre-34 (and 34) models usually brought much more. So I spent a couple hours, all the time hoping the gun did not sell, doing a bit of research. The information you have provided on this model was invaluable in helping me make the decision. I cannot thank you and Richard Nahas enough for making all this information available. Thanks also to the forum members for sharing their vast knowledge of all things S&W. This forum is truly an incredible repository of knowledge and information.

I guess the thing I enjoy the most about being involved with S&W firearms is the learning process. It sure does help to keep my old brain cells churning! I find it comforting, in a way, that at age 68 I can continue to learn and enjoy doing it.

__________________
SWCA 3297 SWHF 583