I'm looking for a model number for this 4" S&W 22LR revolver. It is in dirty condition and I've made no attempt to clean it at this point. Serial number is 307XX and as you can see the only other numbers are under the yoke. I would like to know the model number and the production period and whatever other information someone may have. Thank you!

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It is a Model 1953 Kit Gun that modern collectors are calling a new improved I frame. Since it was made before S&W started using model numbers but is other wise identical to the Model 34 if you like you can call it a Pre-Model 34.

The number in the yoke cut out will also be on the yoke and back side of the side plate. It is the assembly number used to keep those three fitted parts together. Assembly numbers are stamped before serial numbers are assigned.

I am a little out of my element here, but your revolver looks like a .22/32 Kit Gun Model of 1953, or a pre-model 34. Your revolver is made with an improved I frame and probably dates to 1958 (the year is a guess on my part).

Bill

It does not have a model number - it was made before those were applied. What you have is a .22/32 Kit Gun Model of 1953. Yours probably shipped in late 1957 or early 1958. They were not shipped in serial sequence and we find non-model-marked Kit Guns shipping well into 1958, some with higher serial numbers than yours.

When this model did get a number, it was the Model 34. Production of the Model 34 continued until 1960, at approximate serial number 70000. At that time, the frame size was changed from I to J and the .22/32 Kit Gun became the Model 34-1.

Note: Looks like we were all responding at the same time. Now you have three answers, all consistent with each other. How's that for service?

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Very desirable gun!
How much or actually how little can you buy it ,
That is the question!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Thank you to all who posted a reply.

The price? I have no idea what to offer for this pre-Model 34. The seller has no idea of its value and I want to make a reasonable offer. I have not checked any of the on-line gun auctions yet but will do so.

Thanks again.

To add just a bit for educational purposes (with thanks to James Carter, aka HONDO44), this is a Model of 1953 New I-frame .22/32 Kit Gun. The term "improved" does not go with this model. First was the I-frame, then post WWII, was the Improved I-frame, followed by the New I-frame Model of 1953. It was termed New I-frame because the grip frame was made 1/8" longer than the Improved I-frame.

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SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

If my memory is any good Jim called them new and improved before he settled on only new. While I'm happy to adopt his names it is worth remembering that he picked them on his own. I argue that since they were never S&W's names they are descriptive terms and should not be capitalized.

Sadly, it got away from me. Thanks to everyone who contributed information.