22 LR With I- Frame?

REP · #1 03-07-2021, 12:26 PM

Did S&W ever make a I-Frame in 22 LR I’m having trouble finding anything on this. If they did could I please be led to info on them.

two-bit cowboy · #2 03-07-2021, 12:38 PM

Search for ".22/.32 Kit Gun." You'll find plenty to keep you occupied.

glowe · #3 03-07-2021, 12:56 PM

In my mind, the best 22LR I frames were the 22/32 Heavy Frame Targets from the 1910s & 1920s.

22 LR With I- Frame?-p1010003-jpg

JP@AK · #4 03-07-2021, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

In my mind, the best 22LR I frames were the 22/32 Heavy Frame Targets from the 1910s & 1920s.

Agreed. Here is one from January, 1926; all original.

But I like the I frame Kit Guns also. Don't have a prewar example, but the 2" in the picture below is a Model of 1953 New I Frame. The nickel 4" is a 34-1, J frame.

murphydog · #5 03-07-2021, 03:20 PM

Just to expand upon the above - any small frame .22 LR S & W revolver made before about 1960 is an I frame.

Before the wave of criticism forms - the tiny M frame was a .22 S & W (aka .22 Long), and the K-22 Outdoorsman is not a small frame.

Hondo44 · #6 03-07-2021, 05:42 PM

After the I frame .22s became the Models 34 and 35 (6" bar) in 1958, they evolved into the J frame: same size except with an 1/8" longer cyl and cyl window, including a 22 Mag Model 51, and the above models continued thru 1974 when the M35 6" barrel version was discontinued. This left the 2" and 4" versions until 1991. They're still made in a light weight 2" version to this day.

The .22/32 means a .22 cal made on the .32 I frame size revolver.

Green Frog · #7 03-07-2021, 08:14 PM

I still find it amusing to think of the 6” adjustable sighted 22 as the “Heavy Frame Target” Model (HFT) until I see a dainty little M frame. Although I don’t own one, I think the 4” or shorter I frame “Kit Gun” makes better use of the so-called “32 frame.” I have to admit that compared to my early K22, my HFT spends a lot of time languishing at home. JMHO, of course and tastes in Guns are personal.

Froggie

REP · #8 03-08-2021, 07:39 AM

Thanks everyone guess I was having a brain fart. The only thing good about getting old is that you can fart and know one says anything about it to your face. I was searching for I-Frame and everything came up 32 caliber.

NavySCPO · #9 03-08-2021, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

The .22/32 means a .22 cal made on the .32 I frame size revolver.

Thank you Jim! That was a question I’ve started to ask many times, but my old feeble mind always took another tack before I asked...

Is that a rabbit over there?

delcrossv · #10 03-08-2021, 03:38 PM

For Plinking, I like the pre-35 best.

ol777gunnerz · #11 03-08-2021, 06:37 PM

For accuracy & looks, I'm with member "Glowe". Nothing beats the early 22/32 I Frame revolvers. I wanted one for many yrs. & would put off actually buying one until I was offered this one. It is an A O Niedner barreled, knurled trigger & bobbed hammer, and letters as made in 1919, no trademark stamps that yr. & shipped with regulation police grips. The Malden, Mass. Niedner stamp is worth money on any gun.