22/32 kit gun

[friscolatchi]

Hi to all!

I'm sure that this is probably the most asked question regarding the purchase of an older handgun. I recently acquired a 22/32 kit gun, no model number on yoke, sn 8833 4 screw ( at least it appears so) round butt, 4 inch, blue and in absolutely perfect shape, no holster wear, pitting dings or otherwise. It looks(ed) as though it had never been shot, at least not before the 6 cylinders that I ran through it. It even came in a red box.
My intention on the purchase was to use the gun, on occasion, for DA practice. I wasn't aware that it was in such pristine shape. Question is, what is the difference in value between the unused and used revolver of this type. I paid what I believe was high end, $550. Any discussion is appreciated. I am new at this thing. I love the older guns but what to shoot as well.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[greystonedog]

You did well. I would give you a nice profit should you want to sell it, pls let me know

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. Kit guns in general are highly collectible, and that particular gun (the .22/32 Kit Gun Model of 1953) new in the box could be a $1000-1100 item to serious collectors. Now that you have shot it, and it if is obvious it has been shot, it's worth a little less -- but it is still worth a great deal more than you paid.

Your gun was probably shipped in 1955, give or take a year.

Can you post photos?

 

[38-55]

Sounds like a good week for kit gun finds! I have posted pictures of mine but it sounds like yours is much better shape finish wise. PLEASE post a picture!!!

Rick

 

[friscolatchi]

Thanks for the information. I am trying to load a few photos so here goes. The ones I took tonight hopefully represent the gun's condition. If there is a better way to load photos, please let me know.

PS What does the CTG next to the barrel caliber numbering stand for?

 

[gagunner 2]

CTG=cartridge

 

[thedane]

That's a very nice gun produced in 1954, based upon the Supica and Nahas reference. You have a collector's piece with the box and some paperwork. It doesn't get much better than that. The ejector rod looks like it was fired before. It's been well taken care of. I would be inclined to find another revolver for DA practice and put this away for special occasions. You got a very good deal!

 

[Pontiaker]

Dont know why they are coming out of the woodwork lately, I have two pre war guns incoming! Your gun looks great, I would shoot it and enjoy it, though if you want to shoot it alot I would get another one in user condition, maybe a later model that will look and feel the same.If your not the collector type I would sell this one since you could in my opinion double your money and get another shooter grade gun for about what you paid for this one or even less.
Matt

 

[38-55]

Great gun!!! Wanna trade it for my shooter grade one?

 

[murphydog]

It is a 4-screw, the improved I/J frames of this era didn't have the forward trigger guard screw but still have the 4 on the sideplate.

You don't have to feel too bad about shooting it; someone at the factory (and probably someone afterward) already did . Very nice.

 

[jpwhel]

Nice find, they are very nice shooters. The gun looks like it has been shot but very well maintained. I don't think I would put the value as high as some have mentioned but you could make 250-350 if you sold this one and bought a shooter grade Mod 34.

Happy shooting.

 

[friscolatchi]

Thanks to all for your help in giving me a better understanding regarding this revolver. I'm probably going to keep it for awhile and shoot it infrequently. It won't be found in my backpack or at the bottom of my tackle box. I bought it to acquaint my wife with revolver shooting, starting at the lowest caliber and working her into the 38's, which she will eventually carry.

Thanks to all again and I'm really impressed with your understanding of these beautiful guns as well as your willingness to share your knowledge. I have 6 S&W handguns and Im really drawn to the brand.