Driving away from work yesterday and something said go by the local pawn shops on the way home. Some interesting pieces under the glass (a butchered by amateur engraving nickel model 1927 44spl - I think - asking $650, and a pristing nickeled model 15 asking $450). A flawless 34-1 caught my eye. I came home and scanned this site and GB auctions for prices, then turned around immediately and bought the 34-1. It's really a little jewel, beautifully finished in the early 70s and appears unfired.

You just have to speculate what kind of (non) life it's led. Probably bought by some guy for his wife or daughter and promptly put away in a zippered case in a drawer for 40+ years (the case came with it). Owner getting older/deceased, children/grandchildren end up with it and it goes to the pawn shop for a few depreciating paper dollars. Prices for 34-1s seem to range from $400 to $700 for GB listings and posts here. I paid $425.

An observation by a poster about 'buying up all the high condition S&Ws from this era - as they're not making them like that anymore' comes to mind. A quiet truth that transcends the normal motivations of collecting. There were times in the past when you could buy high condition Lugers and 1872 Colts the same way - but no more.

This joins a mid-fifties unfired K-22, and near new 651 (with factory fitted 22lr cylinder, box etc) in the lockup at my place.

I did notice something I haven't seen before on my other S&W pieces. The adjustable sight stops about two tenths of an inch shy of the front of the frame. The frame is machined all the way to the front, but the sight doesn't fill it completely.

I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this and if there are known variants that do have 'full length' sights / born-on dates for these etc. I measured the K-22 sight and all J frame dimensions save one are different. Sight overall length is the same on my J and K frames. The K frame is grooved to match the barrel in that section ahead of the sight, but the J is just a channel / extension of the groove for the sight.

I find with my long fingers the square butt J models feel better (my 3" square butt Jovino model 60 seems perfect), but this little gem was too nice to pass up.

Guess I need to start looking for a 3" square butt model 63.

Sounds like a great price for a very desirable model. I do not think the old-style M63 was available with a 3" barrel. I have only seen them in 2" and 4". The current model has a 3" barrel standard.

Good for you. I paid $450 OTD for my 34-1 in mint condition and that was a very good deal.

I can't comment on your sight issue as I've never noticed that on mine before. I can say that my rear sight 'shot loose' and I had to use a drop of blue locktite on the screw to keep it in place.

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But then, what do I know?

removed PC

You are probably right on the 3" 63. I was probably thinking the 3" 650 which I'm sure they made (saw a pic on an auction site). Thanks for confirming the 'short' sight is normal.