I found a nice model 34-1 today at the LGS. Amongst the sea of polymer autos, there it was, a 4" in blue. The serial number is M89xxx, dating it to 1977 according to SCSW. It had no major finish issues other than a little muzzle wear and a slight turn line. It had no box and was wearing rubber Pachmeyer Compacs. Interestingly, this revolver has a red insert front sight. I have no way of knowing if it's factory or not. I remember there was at least one here documented because it's owner posted of buying it new and special ordering it that way. I don't care either way because it looks good, it works, and because of what really caught my attention, the price tag. This little gem was offered to me for $270 +tax, for a total of $291 OTD! Did I feel guilty? Nah, I just quietly did my paper work and put down my credit card while trying to keep some semblance of a poker face on. I took it to the range and test-fired it with some Remington Golden Bullet hollowpoints and dialed it right in with a few clicks on the windage and elevation screws. The previous owner had the rear sight cranked way up in the air for some reason, but it cranked right down. The blade was also several clicks off to the right. Here's a quick pic while it's still wearing the previously mentioned Pachmeyer compacs it came with. As much as I dislike aftermarket rubber stocks, I have to admit they did feel pretty comfortable. However, they don't look very good. Tomorrow, I'll be replacing them with a nice set of J-frame targets from my wood pile. I didn't have enough time to look for them tonight with the test-firing, but I'll add more pics after the transformation. I'm going with targets because I think it will make a nice mate to my 4" nickel 34-1, which also has J targets for presentation. Anyone familiar with the "Snake Eyes" blue and nickel Python set? I'm going to make a pair of Snake Eyes 4" Kit Guns!

That's awesome!!! I slipped into a great price on my 34-1 earlier this year too. I gave the guy $200 cash and 300 rounds of 9mm ammo. They're sweet shooting revolvers. My daughter loves shooting mine so much I rarely get a chance to shoot it...LOL

Good luck with your new 34-1. You got a great deal on it.


I just picked up my first 34-1 b/c it was so outright gorgeous. It is a Nickel snubnose. And I paid thru the nose for it.

I bet I will like the 34-1 more that the heavier 63,17 and model 35 that I have. I will be shooting it tomorrow.


Here is a picture from the seller.

You did real well there.

Very nice gun you have there! I agree with you about the grips that are on it. They are kinda of comfy though. My 36 came with them. Put smooth banana targets on it. Just right! Wood will make it look super GOOD! Bob

Great catch, Nframe! You stole that 34. I also would have had an extremely tough time not letting
my enthusiasm show, ie doin' the "got a bargain happy dance".
And then the "It's a J-frame happy dance" too.

As I promised yesterday, I took some more pics today after changing the stocks. To my surprise, it is a square butt under those rubber stocks. I found the J-targets I was talking about yesterday and put them on this afternoon. I think it looks much better with these:



Next, I got it's nickel twin out of the safe for another photo. As I explained earlier, Colt (forgive me for mentioning the C word here) made a commerative set called "Snake Eyes" which consisted of two 2 1/2" Pythons that were identical except that was blue and the other nickel. Here's my take on Snake Eyes with 4" Kit Guns, one blue and one nickel:

I just received a letter for my 34-1 nickel , 2". It has a red ramp front and white outline rear and lettered in that configuration.

That's cool that yours lettered. I was wondering how that turned out. Good to hear from you!