Truly amazed myself. I passed on one.

[robertrwalsh]

I dropped in on a small, local gun shop I didn't even know was there today. They had a 4" blue Model 34 in quite good shape at a very decent price. $400. It had really ugly grips on it. That wasn't why I passed. It was just a "what the devil would I actually do with it" kind of thing. I am typing slowly right now because I am patting myself on the back.

 

[geeollie]

You are THE MAN!! That took gumption.

A couple decades back I was bit by the 3 inch N frame bug. I blindly obeyed and ended up with a nice collection. Fast forward to about 2019 and I had nearly the same "what the devil" moment.

The thing that got me through it and over it, is that I did not lose money by selling. At time S&W handguns can actually be investments.

 

[22hipower]

I'd have passed on it too for $800, but for $400, it would be in the safe.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[JohnRippert]

I probably would have passes as well. I prefer my .22 Combat Masterpiece and .22 Target Masterpiece for shooting .22LR, maybe even more than my Ruger MKII's. Plus, I seem to be slowing down on 'grabbing the deals and adding to the accumulation. Going to start selling the generic 9mm's, also C&R acquisitions. Planning on sticking to my 19-2 niche and enjoy the nicer ones I keep.

 

[Baxter6551]

Don't think I would have left without it but that's just me …..lol. I admire your self control !!

 

[Peak53]

"what the devil would I actually do with it"

Well, naturally you would take it to the range and shoot it. I'm not "collecting" anymore, but that 34 might have found a new home. Back in the 60's Dad had a hankering for a .22 revolver. Couldn't swing the SW, so bought a Ruger Bearcat. I still have it, with price tag ($69) and it is a cool little gun minus the sweet SW trigger.

 

[MajorD]

22 handguns ( or rifles) are like potato chips can't have just one. Any 34 under $500 is a bargain, so for me I would have scooped it up. My last one cost me I think 600 bucks- 7 or 8 years ago, and S&W revolvers of any type don't come up for sale her3 very often, let alone the 22's.

 

[CH4]

Way to stay strong!

 

[A10]

I would take it home. 4 bills for a nice handgun of pretty much any make is a good deal these days.

 

[mikeruns]

I have a 2" mod 34 that I never shoot already but, I probably would've had an anxiety attack if I saw one in good shape for $400….I already have a weakness for rimfire handguns…and a weakness for most S&Ws'…

 

[robertrwalsh]

I also have a 2". Handy little gun but mediocre trigger. I still could go back after it, but probably won't. I just dropped twice that on a S&W 1917 .455 Webley so my toy budget is pretty well depleted for the month.

 

[Baxter6551]

Does the store have layaway ? It's almost September so you'll have next months toy money! 6 posts so far in favor. Glad we could help.

 

[Bald1]

You are THE MAN!! That took gumption.

A couple decades back I was bit by the 3 inch N frame bug. I blindly obeyed and ended up with a nice collection. Fast forward to about 2019 and I had nearly the same "what the devil" moment.

The thing that got me through it and over it, is that I did not lose money by selling. At time S&W handguns can actually be investments.

10 post since you called S&Ws an investment and there has been no pushback????? Hmmm forum members are getting soft. I however agree with you.

 

[JD3006]

Regrets I have a few.

I've passed on deals like that a number of times...and regretted it every time. They're like puppies once you see them you can't unsee them. I remember well a very nice 586 $500, several mod 18s under $500 (I still don't own one) and several others at prices that will never happen again. I would also argue that Smith and Wesson's are an investment, in happiness. When well cared for they last longer than most marriages, puppies and a fine steak dinner. They do not own half of your house, poop on your carpet or clog your arteries. So, in conclusion, I cannot condone the behavior of passing on that deal.

JD

 

[Bald1]

JD, it is hard to argue anything you said.

 

[alwslate]

A 4" blue model 34 for $400 would have come home with me. I have many thousands of .22 LR that I bought when prices were cheap. Shooting them now costs me nothing.

 

[Birdgun]

Robert, I'm going to be the bad influence. ;-)

I bought a brand new Model 34-1 for my wife the first year we were married (we're celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in November, 2024).

Now for the bad influence. ;-)

The things done with the Model 34.
- My wife loves the little revolver and learned to shoot with it. She has taken it out many times just for the joy of shooting her little .22 revolver. (She doesn't like my Model 17-4 'K-22 Masterpiece.' "It's too big and heavy.")
- Used it to train many first time shooters, especially women and children.
- Carried it as a camp gun. It even bagged a blue grouse when hunting deer in Colorado.
- Just a fun little 'plinking' revolver.

Now some more bad influence...Eye Candy! ;-)

S&W Model 34-1 "Kit Gun" in .22 Long Rifle with factory grips.

S&W Model 34-1 "Kit Gun" in .22 Long Rifle with Altamont J frame square grips.

Robert, now that you know things that you can do with a little Model 34, don't you think you should reconsider your misguided behavior? ;-))

Thanks for reading and looking.

God bless,
John T.

 

[max503]

After 40 years of regular use, mine is still a tack driver with Mini Mags and Stingers.
I would have bought it.

 

[Xfuzz]

"what the devil I'd actually do with it "....

Turn it into $500.00 maybe $550.00

 

[Dvus]

I for one would be ashamed to admit to abandoning a beautiful model 34 at that price. What if someone grabs it and doesn't treat it with love? What if it gets abused by someone? Get back there and rescue that poor little Smith before something awful happens to it! How can you live with yourself?!