My Models 34-1 & 43 - vintage question

[AreWeNotMen?]

About 5 years ago I bought these two together...I'd contacted the seller about the 34-1 (4"), and when he mentioned he also had a 43 (3.5") to sell, I said, "Heck, bring 'em both". He did and I bought them both (I think for $1150...CA pricing ). Both shoot great and are in really good shape, though the 43 has a bit of wear near the muzzle and the 34-1 needs a light polish again. I have the OEM grips for the 34-1 but for shooting I like the Hogues; I added the Tyler to the 43 - feels good and looks right.

I'd like to know the approximate vintage of each if someone has easy access to that information. Also, are these considered "Kit Guns"? I think the 34-1 is, but I've not found much info on the 43.

Crummy photo attached...but you get the idea.

34-1 - SN M934XX

43 - SN 726XX

Thanks folks.

[Targets Guy]

Very nice. I have a Model 34-1 but no Model 43. Very enjoyable revolver to shoot.





It came with rubber grips but I put Altamonts on it.

[Retired W4]

Someone with a good data base should be along with the information you seek. In the mean time I would bring up the chronology of the 34-1, as published in SCSW. M prefix- 1969, barrel pin eliminated - 1982. My nickel 2" 34-1, sn: M190143 does not have a pinned barrel. I'm not sure why that wasn't an engineering change.

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by AreWeNotMen?

... for shooting I like the Hogues

Nice pair of .22s.

Those are Uncle Mike's Combat grips, modeled after Craig Spegel's design. Much better than Hogues -- to my hands.

[AreWeNotMen?]

Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy

Nice pair of .22s.

Those are Uncle Mike's Combat grips, modeled after Craig Spegel's design. Much better than Hogues -- to my hands.

Doh! Good catch, I should've known that

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by AreWeNotMen?

Also, are these considered "Kit Guns"? I think the 34-1 is, but I've not found much info on the 43.

Yes. Both are Kit Guns.

The Model 34-1 is a direct descendant of the Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun. It was built on the I frame until the -1 variant, when it was transitioned to the J frame.

The Model 43 is the Airweight version. It started life as the .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight Model of 1955. It became the Model 43 in c. 1958. Unlike its steel frame cousin, it was always built on the J frame (JAT, to be exact).

[GerSan69]

We are Devo.
34-1 - SN M934XX..... SCSW 4th Ed. says M60001-M99999 were
used from 1973 to '77, so yours is likely from that last year.

43 - SN 726XX..... SCSW 4th Ed. says 1960 started with 70000, so you're likely in that first year.

[AreWeNotMen?]

Thanks GerSan69!