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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 02-03-2020, 12:27 AM
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Default Model 34 - Actual Model ID Help Needed

I posted originally in the section for late models (90's), but I was given some info that makes me question its real identity. The dealer I bought it from said it was a Model 34-2, but it has a 5 digit SN, 23831, that is on the butt and also the cylinder. On the frame is the number 342 which is also on the crane. There is an unusual font 7 above and to the left of the number, and an upside down 2 below it. There are no other markings on the frame or crane. The pistol is just about pristine, beautiful blue with only a faint cylinder ring that isn't circumferential. It is 3 screw, square butt, with pinned barrel & adjustable sights, and it is looking to me like it is some sort of transition or Frankenstein model. Any thoughts?
(I posted 4 URLs of pics, but they aren't showing - is there a secret password??)





Last edited by Maj Dad; 02-03-2020 at 12:28 AM.
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Old 02-03-2020, 12:48 AM
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Someone else will have to help you with the picture posting process. Not my forte. As a Forum member, I just upload them to my albums and then transfer them to threads as needed.

Now to the important part - your revolver.

From your description, it is definitely NOT a Model 34-2. That is actually a ridiculous suggestion. No doubt your dealer knows little, if anything, about older S&W revolvers. I suspect he saw your "upside down 2" and figured it meant something it doesn't.

Here's the deal. You have a .22/32 Kit Gun Model of 1953. It is probably from around 1956 or 1957, based on my limited knowledge of the serial sequence for this model. I know that in the low 30,000s they were still not model stamped, and numbers in 1955 started around 11,000. PLUS yours has the serial number stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. S&W stopped doing that in the mid-1950s.

All those numbers and marks on the yoke ("crane" on Colt's revolvers, not S&W) and on the frame in the yoke cut are of no value to you in identifying the gun.

If you figure out how to post photos, we will be happy to see them. I, myself, am a fan of the Kit Guns. Don't yet have enough of them. Wife likes them too!
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Old 02-03-2020, 01:32 AM
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Maj Dad, I have a square butt Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun with serial number 23252 (pretty close to yours). It was shipped in November, 1956, so I would think yours was shipped in that same time frame, give or take a month or two.
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Last edited by kscharlie; 02-03-2020 at 01:33 AM.
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Old 02-03-2020, 01:50 AM
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Until I figure out how to post pictures, here's a link to the GB site with not-so-good pictures:
Smith and Wesson 34 -2, w/holster - really nice - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 853278156
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Old 02-03-2020, 01:53 AM
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Thank you guys for the really nice news - I think I just received an early Golden Egg from the Easter Bunny...
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Old 02-03-2020, 01:59 AM
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I will never let this one go, but what should I have paid for it? I insure some of my guns, and if this one is over ~$1000, I will add it, and let my kids fight over them. Not that I have any plans to peg out yet...
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Old 02-03-2020, 02:36 AM
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Default Pictures - 1st Attempt

O.k., I uploaded 4 pics to an album on this site (I contributed), but I don't know how to link them to this post. It's public, so if you can access it, take a look until I figure the rest of the formula. It's a Miscellaneous folder and only has 4 images... Back later to counter-attack...

More pics coming tomorrow.
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Last edited by Maj Dad; 02-03-2020 at 02:38 AM.
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Old 02-03-2020, 05:12 AM
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$1000 is pretty strong. $850-$900?
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Old 02-03-2020, 05:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hkcavalier View Post
$1000 is pretty strong. $850-$900?
I tend to go top of the range for insurance purposes. We all know that something is worth what you can get for it, but that's pretty labile. Back in ~1999 I sold a counter bored SA Garand barrel with a pitted bore on Ebay for $135 and the guy was really happy he got it. Win-win...
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Old 02-07-2020, 02:29 AM
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Yes that's a nice little jewel. I'm baffled how the seller came up with Model 34-2, It's not even a J frame let alone being a pre model # stamped vintage.

It's a "Model of 1953, New I frame, .22/32 Kit Gun", 3 screw version.
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Old 02-07-2020, 07:56 AM
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Here is a good reference for revolver IDs (it starts out with the pertinent section, Yoke):

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

A model 34-2 will be stamped "MOD 34-2" in the yoke recess.
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Old 02-07-2020, 09:52 AM
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That's a beautiful little revolver and I think you stole it. Easy an $800 plus gun in today's market. Enjoy!
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