Is this a Smith & Wesson Model of 1955 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight, Pre-Model 43

[eforest99]

This was my mom's carry gun back in the day. To my knowledge she never had to draw it. I've tried researching information to verify exactly what model it is, but I do not have a high confidence in myself.

 

[M29since14]

Sure looks like one. If your Mom “carried” it much, she sure took exceptional care of it.

 

[JP@AK]

It is a .22/32 Kit Gun Model of 1953. Based on the serial number, it likely shipped in about 1957. It was later issued as the Model 34.

 

[M29since14]

It’s an Airweight. An easy clue is to look at the left side of the gun and note the obvious difference in color of the blued steel yoke and the black anodized receiver. I wouldn’t know about the serial number.

 

[DARE]

I think the Model 1953 and Model 1955 were in the same serial number range. SCSW 5th Edition says 101 to 135465 for Model 1953 and 5000 to 134565 for Model 1955.
Here is my Model 1955 #6211 that shipped July 8, 1955.

 

[s&wchad]

It’s an Airweight. An easy clue is to look at the left side of the gun and note the obvious difference in color of the blued steel yoke and the black anodized receiver. I wouldn’t know about the serial number.

Another give-away is the barrel length. Standard Kit Guns had 4" barrels (or 2"). Airweights had 3-1/2" barrels. You can easily tell by looking at the location of the front sight.

The back of the blade is forward of the locking bolt lug on the standard Kit Gun.



It extends back to the bolt lug pin on an Airweight.

 

[eforest99]

Sure looks like one. If your Mom “carried” it much, she sure took exceptional care of it.

It was always in this "plush" holster. I'm sure my Marine Corp Reservist Sharp shooter dad took care of it! lol
She had it holstered in her purse or stashed in the car somewhere. It stayed locked up at home.

 

[eforest99]

Thank you all! I've learned a LOT today!

 

[s&wchad]

Thank you all! I've learned a LOT today!

If you want to reassure yourself, touch a magnet to the frame. If it doesn't stick, you have an aluminum frame (Airweight).

 

[Lt.Donn]

It was always in this "plush" holster. I'm sure my Marine Corp Reservist Sharp shooter dad took care of it! lol
She had it holstered in her purse or stashed in the car somewhere. It stayed locked up at home.View attachment 774259

WOW...even that vintage flap holster is nice

 

[Rubone]

Very nice example you have, and good history as well!
I have one I picked up a couple years ago. Here it is pictured with a couple of model 34 siblings.

 

[Hondo44]

Besides the 3 1/2" barrel, and alloy parts, the other giveaway that it's a Model 1955 Kit Gun Airweight is that it's a J frame (1/8" longer cylinder, cyl window and frame).
The Model of 1953 Kit Gun was made on the I frame until Oct 1960 when it became the Model 34-1.

Sometimes they just aren't made exactly like we want them.

My Model 34 New I frame tinkering using all factory parts:

3 1/2" barrel from a Model 43 Airweight Kit Gun (these barrels were not marked Airweight) replacement for the 4" barrel.

Optional Target .400" trigger.

Pre War double pinch cyl release thumb piece replacing flat latch.

Pre War extractor rod 'barrel' knob (required notching the bottom of the barrel) for improved ergonomics for ejecting cases.

Custom shaped factory I/J frame factory Target grips.

 

[M29since14]

That’s really neat.

 

[fatmanranch]

Besides the 3 1/2" barrel, and alloy parts, the other giveaway that it's a Model 1955 Kit Gun Airweight is that it's a J frame (1/8" longer cylinder, cyl window and frame).
The Model of 1953 Kit Gun was made on the I frame until Oct 1960 when it became the Model 34-1.

Sometimes they just aren't made exactly like we want them.

My Model 34 New I frame tinkering using all factory parts:

3 1/2" barrel from a Model 43 Airweight Kit Gun (these barrels were not marked Airweight) replacement for the 4" barrel.

Optional Target .400" trigger.

Pre War double pinch cyl release thumb piece replacing flat latch.

Pre War extractor rod 'barrel' knob (required notching the bottom of the barrel) for improved ergonomics for ejecting cases.

Custom shaped factory I/J frame factory Target grips.
View attachment 774575

Besides the 3 1/2" barrel, and alloy parts, the other giveaway that it's a Model 1955 Kit Gun Airweight is that it's a J frame (1/8" longer cylinder, cyl window and frame).
The Model of 1953 Kit Gun was made on the I frame until Oct 1960 when it became the Model 34-1.

Sometimes they just aren't made exactly like we want them.

My Model 34 New I frame tinkering using all factory parts:

3 1/2" barrel from a Model 43 Airweight Kit Gun (these barrels were not marked Airweight) replacement for the 4" barrel.

Optional Target .400" trigger.

Pre War double pinch cyl release thumb piece replacing flat latch.

Pre War extractor rod 'barrel' knob (required notching the bottom of the barrel) for improved ergonomics for ejecting cases.

Custom shaped factory I/J frame factory Target grips.
View attachment 774575

Nice combination of adopted parts!