.22/.32 Hand Ejector ?

[Skip48]

Hi guys, I am a new member and need help identifying one of my revolvers. After going over the latest Blue Book, I am not sure of what I have. My gun description: blue finish, da/sa 6 shot .22, 4" pinned barrel marked *22 LONG RIFLE CTG* on right side, "SMITH & WESSON" on left side of barrel, serial number 210xx is marked on bottom of barrel, also on bottom of round butt and the back of the recessed cylinder, flat latch, small S&W circle logo on left side of frame, fixed ramp front sight and adjustable rear sight, S&W diamond wood grips with serial number. Can anyone tell from my description if I have a ".22/.32 Hand Ejector Standard Model", ".22/.32 Kit Gun", or a ".22/.32 Kit Gun 1953-1957 Pre-Model 34 Production." No Model number marking anywhere. Sorry, no photos. Thanks, Skip48

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum. From your description, it is mostly likely the ".22/.32 Kit Gun 1953-1957 Pre-Model 34 Production". Look for a model stamp under the barrel with the cylinder out, but I'd guess from the 210xx it is a 1957 or so gun. Enjoy!

 

[Skip48]

Hi Alan. With the cylinder out, the underside of the barrel only has the serial number 210xx. No model number. The crane and the frame area inside has a 5 digit build number with a 4 stamped under that number. Sounds confusing, I know. Thanks you for your help. I think you are correct. Skip48

 

[murphydog]

The model number 34 was assigned in 1957, so your gun was probably one of the ones made just before the stamping started.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum! Very nice find but I warn you, these little critters are addictive.

I agree with the others, . If you had the box it would say: Model of 1953 22/32 Kit Gun.
Mine is # 21085 (1955) but doesn't mean yours is too, only a letter will tell for sure of course. But as was said, defintely pre model # stamping in 1957.

The Blue Book listing for it of: .22/.32 Kit Gun 1953-1957 "Pre-Model 34" Production - improved I or J frame, is more accurately stated as:
Model of 1953 22/32 Kit Gun "Pre-Model 34", Production 1953-1957 on the I frame.

The J frame indication only applies to the referenced Model 43 airweight in the note, which was never made on the I frame.

You'll also find the serial # behind the ejector star and on the rear face of the yoke when looking thru one chamber with a flashlight.

In the case of this model, I feel that the BB values are quite accurate allowing of course for the usual geographical differences. Compare your blue wear if any with the grading photos in the front of the book and you can pin down your value and compare with what you paid.

 

[Green Frog]

Just to add to the regional thing... the Kit Guns are very hot right now in Central VA, so much so in fact that I haven't found one at a price I am willing to pay. They seem to have a very strong following and folks that have them are very proud of them as evidenced by the prices they ask for them.

Froggie

 

[Skip48]

.22/.32 Kit Gun

Froggie, Thanks for responding. Just curious...what price are they asking in your area? Skip48

 

[Skip48]

.22/.32 Kit Gun

Hondo44. Thank you for your input on my gun. I know a lot more about the gun now after you guys have responded. Skip48

 

[Green Frog]

Froggie, Thanks for responding. Just curious...what price are they asking in your area? Skip48

I haven't seen that many change hands lately, but asking prices seem to start in about the $650 range for just an average Model 34 and go up from there with the rarity of the specific example in question. I'm not saying that's the best price anyone can buy (or sell) one for... I just got a clapped out 6" pre-War HFT a few weeks ago for $300, but that was an unusual deal and nice examples of the .22s are hotter than they were just a couple of years ago. Yours (if in really nice condition) is one of those hard-to-find transition pieces that a serious collector would definitely notice.

Froggie

 

[Skip48]

Froggie. Mine is a 4 screw, all original, tight, matching numbers and about 98% condition. I will be looking for the correct box & papers at a reasonable price. Thanks, again. Skip48