22/32 Model of 1953 Kit gun (pre-model 34)

[sodacan]

I'm looking at a model of 1953. The serial number is 265xx. The seller says it is a pre-model 34. I'm a little perplexed by the fact that it a 3-screw frame (clearly shown in photos). These are a little out of my wheelhouse and the SCSW isn't real clear in its explanation. It has a 4" barrel, flat latch cylinder release, round butt with diamond stocks numbered to the gun. The three screw frame is throwing me off with all of the other older design characteristics. Looking for some guidance and DOB. Thanks.

 

[alwslate]

My guess is that it is a model 34. I have a pre 34 that I think dates to 1955 and the serial number is only 98xx. It has the top side plate screw and the new I frame that takes J frame grips but the frame is smaller than a J frame.

 

[sodacan]

My guess is that it is a model 34. I have a pre 34 that I think dates to 1955 and the serial number is only 98xx. It has the top side plate screw and the new I frame that takes J frame grips but the frame is smaller than a J frame.

Thanks for the input, but it didn't have a model number until 1957.

 

[kscharlie]

I'm looking at a model of 1953. The serial number is 265xx. The seller says it is a pre-model 34. I'm a little perplexed by the fact that it a 3-screw frame (clearly shown in photos). These are a little out of my wheelhouse and the SCSW isn't real clear in its explanation. It has a 4" barrel, flat latch cylinder release, round butt with diamond stocks numbered to the gun. The three screw frame is throwing me off with all of the other older design characteristics. Looking for some guidance and DOB. Thanks.

The Model of 1953 New I-frame started life with 4 screws, as it eliminated the front trigger guard screw. In 1955, the top side plate screw was eliminated, making it a 3-screw gun. The descriptions in SCSW by the authors is a bit short on information. However, the SCSW does provide a multi-page description authored by James J. Carter (our very own Hondo44).

I have a 3-screw shipped November, 1956...serial number 23252. Yours would be a bit newer.

 

[Hondo44]

Sodacan,
Charlie is precisely right as usual. You can take it to the bank!

Page 144 in the SCSW 4th edition.

 

[kscharlie]

Sodacan,
Charlie is precisely right as usual. You can take it to the bank!

Page 144 in the SCSW 4th edition.

Well, I am only "precisely right" because you are an excellent and very patient teacher.

 

[sodacan]

The breadth and depth of knowledge on this forum never ceases to amaze me. Thank you all.

 

[Hondo44]

I’ve learned as much as anybody from great teachers on this forum as well!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

In 1955, the top side plate screw was eliminated,
making it a 3-screw gun.

I have a 3-screw shipped November, 1956...serial number 23252.

Thanks to Dr. Jinks, I can offer this bit of trivia:

"Engineering Change #168 on December 13, 1955. The change
said, 'Add a tongue to the top of all I, IT [I-frame Target], & J
side plates, make the tongue the same as on the JA38 side plate.
This will eliminate the bug screw (upper side plate screw) and
counter bore and hole.'”

The JA38 is the Chiefs Special Airweight, which lost its bug and
retainer screws early in 1955, setting the precedent for other
models to lose their bug screw.