Pre 34 22/32 kit gun?

[Dave Fox]

Son-in-law just gave me what I think is a pre-34 .22 kit gun (don't you wish YOUR son-in-law owned a gun shop?). I'm no Smith expert, so please bear with me. Pinned 3.5" barrel, adjustable rear sight, ramp front, no model number, serial on butt 6757. Blued steel. Hope I can contrive to attach a photo, tho' detail is hard to achieve with the deep black finish. I'd call it a 98% gun, drag marks between the cylinder locking notches, very little other wear, none on muzzle. approximate value?
What do I have here, fellas?

[murphydog]

Welcome, you lucky guy you (hope your daughter feels the same too ).

This is a .22/32 Airweight (alloy frame and cylinder) Kit Gun. I would guess a magnet will not stick to either, but it will to the barrel. It is likely from about 1954. Very nice.

[Hondo44]

Hi Dave,

Welcome aboard.

What a great gift and it'll be a fun shooter.

Notice how light it is in the hand? And the frame and cyl are black but the barrel and yoke are blue?

Like Alan posted it's an Airweigt.

Officially a: "Model of 1955 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweigt", a Pre Model 43. Serial #s began at 5000 for this model in the 22/32 Kit Gun serial range so you have a low #. Likely shipped in late '54 - early '55. The only Kit Gun with 3 1/2" barrel.

These are only known to have a 3 screw side plate (including one screw under the right grip). But since yours is such a low number, I have to ask if that's true. Or does it have four screws?
Enjoy!

[Dave Fox]

Many thanks. There are but two screws visible, fore and aft of the trigger guard. Alloy cylinder and frame, just as y'all said. What a hoot; perhaps first year of production. Guestimate on a value range?

[murphydog]

The third side plate screw is under the right stock panel.

Probably a $600-650 gun, more if you have the original box and contents.

[Hondo44]

I agree with Alan on the price. These can go up to $800 in on-line auctions, on the right day but that's an inflated price IMO.

[jackvs1]

Congratulations on your Pre 43. I have one just like yours and with a very close SN 6495, shipped in November 1954.

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[Dave Fox]

I bought a Model 43 new in the '80s. Two-inch barrel, to take hiking in the western North Carolina mountains. Didn't keep it. Spent cartridges were all-but impossible to eject due, one suspects, to rough chamber walls. Shall take this honey to the range later this month....

[Hondo44]

Welcome aboard Dave.

That's too bad. I've heard that complaint on occasion. But five minutes honing with 800 grit fine paper wrapped around a cleaning rod and spun in the chambers with a power drill is the simple solution. Won't help you now of course, but maybe other members.

[H Richard]

Just be sure to use a light oil along with that 800 grit paper. Polish, don't sand.