Fixed Sight Model 34-1: Anybody else seen one?

[WCCPHD]

While making the rounds of the local gun stores I found a Model 34-1 with fixed sights. It is the first one that I had ever seen with fixed sights. It is a 2 inch barrel, nickel finish with a square butt. The gun is not in great shape, but would suffice as a shooter. The grips are worn and had been covered in tape, which did not all come off. The nickel is scratched, but possibly would polish up. I gave it a cursory once over and cannot remember if it is a pinned barrel or not. I looked at the serial number, it begins with an "M" and I think it had six digits, but could have been five.

I did not buy it yet, but probably will when the shop opens. The price was OK, but they will sometimes deal. In doing some cursory research in the SCSW it appears that this may be a scarce gun as it speaks to fixed sight guns being known to exist.

Is this an unusual/scarce/rare gun?

What would a fair price be?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[o' danny boy]

I found a Model 34-1 with fixed sights today. It is the first one that I had ever seen with fixed sights. It is a 2 inch barrel, nickel finish with a square butt. The gun is not in great shape, but would suffice as a shooter. The grips are worn and had been covered in tape, which did not all come off. The nickel is scratched, but possibly would polish up. I gave it a cursory once over and cannot remember if it is a pinned barrel or not. I looked at the serial number, it begins with an "M" and I think it had six digits, but could have been five.

I did not buy it yet, but probably will when the shop opens. The price was OK, but they will sometimes deal. In doing some cursory research in the SCSW it appears that this may be a scarce gun as it speaks to fixed sight guns being known to exist.

What would a fair price for this gun be?

Thanks,
Bill

as a poor of shape as you describe, id be in it for around 2-275 range. and are you sure some idiot didn't remove the adjustable sight leaf off the top of it? should be a screw hole somewhere along the top of the bridge in the middle. id double check just to be safe. btw ive seen lots of s&w but never seen a m34 without the adjustable sights, haven't seen it all though. good luck

 

[Masterpiece]

Is this an unusual/scarce/rare gun?

Bill,

To answer your above quoted question..."Yes"...If it can be "Factory Documented" in the configuration you stated it to be, it is a Very Scarce and/or Rare Configuration of a Model 34 22/32 Kit Gun!!

Please do us a favor, if you are able to acquire it, post some photos when you have it in-hand so we'll be able to provide a better assessment as to whether or not it has the "Possibility" of being "Original"...Keep Us In The Loop!!

Now as far as what a fair price would be, that's a tough one, because without photos & given the only idea of the asking price you gave us was...OK, personally I would treat the acquisition as it "Not" being in the Original Configuration & see what they're willing to accept to purchase it!! If reasonable...Go For It!! Good Luck!!

 

[Göring's S&W]

If its a factory fixed sight 34-1, its certainly worth more than a paltry $275. That's a fair number for an adj sight 34-1 that fits the above description.

 

[WCCPHD]

Missed it

Went to the gun shop today and the gun sold Friday after I left. The serial number was M219XXX, (1982) which puts it at the end of the production for pinned barrels and beginning of production for non-pinned. Unfortunately it will remain a mystery as I was unable to further examine or photograph it.

I am putting my copy of the SCSW in my car from now on.

Bill

 

[mellowi]

Mystery solved Bill. I was the one to purchase said model 34-1 on July 19th from lawdogs. Good news for you is that it is not a rare fixed sight or even a pinned barrel. Nickel is ruff especially around the barrel. Just found this post trying to locate a rear sight for it.