I think model 34’s are just too small for me…..

[Old Corp]

Good thread......
Ciphering more on this semi-phenomenon......
I have shot my M63 4" and M18 4" from sandbags with a variety of ammo, finding of course that each has a slightly different preference.
Still - the M18 shoots much tighter groups than the M63.

You'd think that SA, from a sandbag rest would have them 'neck 'n neck' as far as accuracy.

The M18, being a comparatively large K frame with little .22" holes in cylinder and barrel outweighs it's centerfire counterpart, the M15 .38 (or a M14 4" if you had one...), so is certainly not a great carry-all-day woods gun.

Neither my M63 or 18 are going anywhere soon, but to be honest, I can shoot better than either of them with my Browning Buckmark or Ruger/Tactical Solutions .22 Autos. Not sure why.

 

[Eddietruett]

I have average size hands but discovered by accident I personally shoot better with Magna size grips. I had been shooting k & n frame revolvers for years with Target grips. About 10 years ago I bought a model 28 and being in a hurry to shoot it, kept the factory Magnas on. The difference was very noticeable. At first I thought I had just stumbled a super accurate gun but when I did put on the normal target grips, the accuracy fell back into my average size groups. Magnas back on and accuracy was back! I suffer a little with full house loads, but these days I shoot so few magnum loads it's not a problem.

 

[RMFnLA]

Years ago I carried 3" HB Model 36. I installed Mustang combat grips and a smooth combat trigger, made a huge difference in shootablity.

Gun was nickel and the grips were their blonde wood, made for a really pretty package!

 

[steelslaver]

I got some big mitts so here are my J frame grips

 

[Hondo44]

The grips are important but the issue with the model 34 is the weight, the weight, the weight! Actually the lack of weight.

Once I learned that, I had no problem shooting accurately, even with my 2" Kit Gun. Sure I give up a little accuracy compared to my models 17, 18, 41, and Colt Ace .22 auto. But not enough to matter unless I'm shooting Bullseye matches.

If you have trouble holding a steady sight picture and squeezing the trigger lightly, the I and J frames are not for you.

To shoot the Kit Gun make a mental switch from shooting heavier guns: focus on the lack of weight, take a MUCH LOOSER grip hold and steady the sight picture, then sneak up on the trigger with a super light pull. It'll become second nature.

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

My 34-1 (4" square butt) is a bit small for me as well, but I did get Pachmayr complete wrap around rubber grips that do me ok. I have an XL sized hand.


But I agree with what was mentioned earlier. You can't expect a J frame to compete with a K frame for trigger performance.

 

[diyj98]

I sold my previous 34 because it was hard for me to shoot accurately, but recently picked up another that I intend to keep. I just had to get my mind around the fact that it's not a target gun, but a great gun for walks in the woods or plinking at the range.

 

[Green Frog]

I have gone through a long romance with I- and J frames, and still have several, however when I want to shoot a revolver at the best accuracy I can manage, the adjustable sighted K frames come out. When shooting the I's And J's I simply adjust my grip somewhat and reduce my expectations for accuracy.
Froggie