34-1 2" nickel

[Jerry in SC]

I have a 34-1 2" square butt in nickel that's never been fired, with box and all the original paperwork. S&W didn't finish up the frame very well before plating I don't have a lot in it...$400. It's pinned but I haven't even looked up the SN as it wasn't a rarer model, I figure around 1980 or so. I bought it as a shooter but after seeing the prices escalate beyond all reason I just never considered firing it.

It's been sitting in a box (and probably on a dealers shelf or three) over the years and has some very minor scratches (probably from handling). With my hands giving me issues with recoil I'm not sure if I shouldn't just keep it and shoot it.

 

[alaskavett]

Jerry, there really neat guns and a lot of fun to shoot. I think you have to decide if you wish to sell it, it is scarce in nickel finish, but the issues with the finish will make it difficult to sell as a collector item. If it were mine I would shoot it and then make up my mind, most likely I would keep it and enjoy it Good luck with what you decide. Kyle

 

[KalamazooKid]

Shoot shoot shoooooot!

 

[Jerry in SC]

Thanks guys,

It's more valuable to me as a shooter. I really don't need the money or want to sell it and I am not a collector. I don't have a .22 handgun other than this one (I've owned literally a dozen Kit Guns over the years).

It's perfect mechanically. Nice and tight, perfect timing, and the side plate screws look untouched.

 

[ls6sbc]

i got a 34-1 4inch blue, was wanting to know if this is a round or square butt?

 

[MajorD]

I have a square butt 2" 34-1 that shoots great, and does not exhibit the usual problems with tight chambers or hard extraction.

 

[Jerry in SC]

i got a 34-1 4inch blue, was wanting to know if this is a round or square butt?

Sorry for the late reply, it's a square butt.

 

[Jerry in SC]

I have a square butt 2" 34-1 that shoots great, and does not exhibit the usual problems with tight chambers or hard extraction.

This one doesn't have tight chambers either. I had forgotten how much I like the 1/10" front sight blade. My Mitch Rosen Upper Limit is a perfect fit too

 

[Jerry in SC]

.........l

 

[max503]

My 34 is from the same time period. I do believe S&W had a rash of quality issues during that time. Mine sure did. I still have it but it's been back to S&W for repair. When I bought it, it was out of time and the cylinder gap was too tight. Got those issues fixed and I recently reamed the cylinders. Now it works good. I also had a nickel 29 from back then. It was also out of time and needed to be sent back.


That said, I would love to have that one you have. I would fix it (if need be) and shoot it. I shoot the heck out of mine. I could see it being my carry gun if I ever get to the point where I can't tolerate recoil.

 

[swagmeister]

Beautiful gun. Keep it and shoot it. You will regret selling it!

 

[Jerry in SC]

My 34 is from the same time period. I do believe S&W had a rash of quality issues during that time. Mine sure did. I still have it but it's been back to S&W for repair. When I bought it, it was out of time and the cylinder gap was too tight. Got those issues fixed and I recently reamed the cylinders. Now it works good. I also had a nickel 29 from back then. It was also out of time and needed to be sent back.


That said, I would love to have that one you have. I would fix it (if need be) and shoot it. I shoot the heck out of mine. I could see it being my carry gun if I ever get to the point where I can't tolerate recoil.

All of the mechanical things are fine. There are two areas that weren't polished as well as they should have been before it was plated, and that's it. I doubt an average buyer would even notice them.

 

[ABPOS]

That would be a wonderful gun to own and shoot. I don't own a .22 revolver but I think it might be something I need sooner or later. LOL. And that one makes me want more. Very nice.