I bought this 34-1 to teach my daughter to shoot when she was 8 years old. She eventually graduated to winning a couple of CAS state championships, then graduated to raising a family and not shooting with dad any longer.

I had almost forgotten about it in the gun safe. I couldn't find any threads here on the 34-1, but that could be my fault.

The box has a tear on the flap, and the label has long since fallen off. No tools, but it appears to be the original paperwork. Not sure about the grips. I had put Pachmyers on for a time. Serial number is M19XXX. Due to it's family history, I doubt I'd ever sell it, but wonder about the value.

What can you tell me about the 34-1, and this one in particular? Sorry for the camera phone pictures.

Any help? Info on grips and date?

4" J frame Square butt Model 34-1 made sometime in the mid to late 70's by serial and box,
Grips are "PC" (Plain clothes) Magnas.

IMO worth between $550 and $750 depending on condition .

Would/could those have been the original grips?

"Grips are "PC" (Plain clothes) Magnas", Well, no, they are not since this is the only style magna stock ever used on any square butt J-Frame they are simply J-square butt stocks.

Malpaso,

Those stocks would have been exactly what the gun was issued with. Look at the inside of the right stock, what is the SN stamped there? How close to the gun? There will not be a prefix letter on the stock, just the numbers. What else did you want to know about it? You have really already said everything there is to say.

And in my local market $750-800 would not be unusual, if you could ever find one. This is one S&W should build again, just like they used to be, steel, no lock, blue, Walnut stocks, just like yours!

__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961

One stock has the same number as the serial number along with the letter "J". The other stock has just the letter "J".

How common is the 34 series, and the 34-1 in particular? I'm guessing a gun like this was probably produced in large quantities.

Sounds like my story about my model 63. Can't remeber how many grandkids, nephews, nieces and others I've started with this pistol?

Steve

"Average going price" will be a little difficult to set because the demand for this model is strong and not that many are sold... folks like them and tend to keep them. I seldom see more than two or three examples of the Model 34 or the 63 at even the larger gun shows here in VA. It may be different in other locales. FWIW, the number $600 strikes me as a starting point for value, but I doubt I would readily find one for that.

Froggie

My guess is the grips are original and the first of this model had flat cylinder latch. These were termed "Kit Guns" taken from the British after WWII, because they were often stored or carried in some sort of ruck or pack when traveling or in the out of doors. Your's looks to be in great condition except for what looks to be marks above the cylinder on the top strap? Don't blame you a bit for not wanting to see it go, I feel the same about mine. These are great shooters and light weight to boot. I've often carried mine in the front cargo pocket of hunting pants when afield. I susect ealier poster is right on about the date of manufacture(1950s-early 60s).
Congrats, Steve