I actually found a nice Smith over the weekend, now that some of the covid restrictions are beginning to ease. It's a flat latch model 34 no dash built on the improved I-frame. The serial number is 60xxx, dating it to 1959 according to SCSW. This was the last year of I-frame production, as the book says J frame production began around serial number 70000 in 1960. This one had no box and was missing its original stocks. The finish has three spots where it looks like something splashed that removed the bluing, one on the cylinder, one on the left side of the frame behind the trigger guard, and one at the muzzle on the right side. However, it was perfectly functional. I have a pre-34 and a as well as a 34-1, so I took a chance on it for $325 +tax. (I had to finish the set!) It needed a good cleaning but it turns out it shoots great! I didn't have a correct pair of diamond stocks for it, but I did have some later factory round butt magnas with unusual coloring that I think look great. I was torn between these and a set of J targets, but I went with the magnas because I wanted to match it with my 4" pre-34 with original stocks to make a pair. I'm very happy with my purchase! Here are the obligatory photos:


Here's the aftermarket stocks that came on it. They felt really good, but are not the best looking. They are unmarked but I think they may be Eagle:

Here's my pre-34 and my model 35 no dash.

You can't go wrong at that price and do have a pretty nice Mod 34. However, it's the next evolutionary version following the Improved I Frame 1st and 2nd variations of the .32 and .38 I Frames. It does make a nice trifecta of 1953 New I frames shown. (I don't see a 34-1 unless the bottom gun is mis-stamped.)

For one thing the I frame .22/32 Kit Gun was not made in either variation of the Improved I Frame. It was introduced after the war as the Post War Transitional Model and evolved directly into its first post war new model iteration; the "Model of 1953 NEW I Frame .22/32 Kit Gun".

The first Kit Gun model to have:

the coil mainspring,
1/8" longer rd butt like yours or the even longer square grip frame, forging, the larger egg shaped trigger guard,
post war Micro Click adj rear sight,
and also the barrel rib.

Yes I also believe those are Eagle grips. You might want to try some factory target and/or combat grip options for their I/J frames;


Photo credit: Bronco45



These are modified (shortened I/J frame Target stocks;




Early combat stocks w/medallions and smooth:


Photo credit: RonJ


There’s also these combats, checkered:


Photo credit: onequickwrench

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Hi Hondo44,

Thanks for the information. I never knew that no kit guns were made on the improved I frame. The bottom gun in my original post, the 4” pictured with the model 35 no dash, is a pre-model 34 with the upper side plate screw. It’s a 20xxx serial range made in 1954.


I didn’t show the model 34-1, but since you asked and gave me an excuse to show it off, here it is:

And here’s my nickel 34-1 note both have targets, so I do like your suggestions.


BTW, I’ve always wanted to try the RB combats and banana targets you showed, but I’ve never found a pair of either for sale.

FWIW I was thinking those aftermarket stocks looked like a set of Siles.

At $325 you did great on that 34.

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

BC38,

Thanks for the info and comments! You may be right about the stocks being Sile. I forgot they did use an eagle medallion too.