Model 34-1 ammunition recommendations

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John in Bismarck

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I recently bought a nice 2 inch blue Model 34-1, made in 1982. The first time I fired it, it shot well, but the spent cases were difficult to eject. I ended up pulling most of them out with my fingernail. I understand that tight cylinders are not uncommon. Maybe it will loosen up with time, or with different ammunition.

On the subject of ammo, are there preferred kinds for this revolver? The only kinds I have tried so far are CCI standard velocity 40 grain and bulk packaged Federal “Target Grade” 40 grain, but I have several other kinds of 22LR to try. Would it be ok to use some of the hotter types, like CCI Stinger or Velocitor?
 
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You can safely shoot any commercially available 22 ammo in your revolver. I prefer standard velocity ammo over high vel stuff in all my 22’s: more accurate for precise target work and does anything you can ask of a 22 .

It’s not uncommon for Smith 22 revolvers to have sticky chambers. I have my gunsmith polish them: takes about 15 minutes.
 
I had a snubnose 34 several years ago. .22s are often very sensitive to ammos as far as accuracy. While it may be tough to do with the scarcity of ammo, try as many ammos as possible. You'll find one or two that will outshoot the others. Benchrest your revolver and shoot at 25 yards. This will quickly show what works best. My gun shot high with every ammo even with the rear sight bottomed out. If you experience this, the faster high velocity ammo will usually bring the point of impact down.
 
The beauty of a 22 revolver is that you can fire the entire family of 22 cartridges from the 22 Short CB cap through the hyper velocity CCI Stingers or Remington Yellow Jackets. The exceptions to this are the 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire and several obsolete types from the turn of the twentieth century or earlier.

For the sticky extraction, first try a very good cleaning of the chambers. If that doesn’t work, polish the chambers with a cleaning mop and a fine polishing compound. As a last resort, you may have the chambers reamed with a revolver finishing reamer. There are good posts you can search for that will explain how to do this and what you will need to do it yourself.

Don’t hesitate to ask for any help you need!
 
.22's are finicky. The same make and model may not like the same brand of ammo. I'd recommend taking 5-6 different brands, both HV and Standard Vel to the range and bench rest it at at least 15 yards for groups and POI to POA. I'm sure you will find probably a couple that your little 34 will like. I have a 34-1, 4", and it isn't really too particular, but does best with standard Velocity CCI or Aquila.

These are great little guns.
 
Sticky extraction is a common problem. As mentioned, polishing the chambers will usually cure it.
As for ammo, every .22 is its own separate critter with its own likes and dislikes. You just have to keep experimenting until you find what works in that particular gun.
I've seen two guns of the exact same make, model and barrel length that have completely different tastes in ammo. :rolleyes:
 
I just bring a nylon bore brush and after about 75-100 rounds as it gets sticky extraction, I'll pass it a few times through the chambers. I haven't bothered polishing the chambers yet, but my 34-1 was not a brand new purchase for me (likely not done by the previous owner/s). Then a good cleaning when I get home and I'm good for the next range trip.
 
The kit guns I have suffer sticky extraction probably due to minimum dimension chambers. Shoot it and use it to wear it in. I polished mine but they still tight.


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Here’s an update on my 34-1. I took it back to the store where I purchased it, and after test firing it, they recommended I send it back to S&W, which they did for me last May. I finally got it back last week. I shot two cylinders of bulk Federal hollow points, and the cases ejected fine. There was nothing in the factory note to indicate what they did to it, but it seems to have worked! However, there were two small springs in a plastic bag in the case with the revolver. The store said the springs came back with my gun, but I don’t know why the factory would have replaced springs to correct a sticky extraction problem. I’m attaching a photo, showing the bag and the springs. It’s nice to have the little guy back.
 

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When a gun is sent back to Smith, they go thru the entire gun. Replacing those springs is automatic. Nothing to do with your extraction problem.
 
Hondo44 said:
When a gun is sent back to Smith, they go thru the entire gun. Replacing those springs is automatic. Nothing to do with your extraction problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the explanation. I’m just glad it is working properly now. It’s just such a sweet little revolver.
 

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