Kit gun

[jkingrph]

Another thread on the forum for guns from 1961 to 1980 got me interested in finding bit more about this one. It is definitely an I frame, smaller than my wife's j frame .38. 4" barrel, rounded grip, square cylinder release. Serial # 31137. An inquiry to S&W says it was made between 1955 and 1959
Looking inside the frame are the numbers 7094 5 . then below that to the left the number 3 Same 7094 5 on the crane on the frame it looks like a very faint number 8 in a circle.


No indication of a model 34 or dash number,

Can anyone give me any idea as to exactly what model this might be.

 

[DARE]

Smith & Wesson did not start using model numbers until 1957. The order for model numbers was issued in 1957, but mostly not in effect until sometime in 1958. S&W called your gun Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun. When model numbers came about it became the Model 34.

 

[jkingrph]

Ok then what are those numbers on the frame and crane.

 

[DARE]

The four digit number on the crane is called the assembly number. It is used to keep the parts together during the manufacturing process. The other numbers and marks are called fitters marks.

 

[jkingrph]

Thanks, So considering all of this, it was probably made prior to 1957 as S&w simply gave a 4 year timeframe.

 

[Hondo44]

Introduced in 1953 on the NEW style I FRAME, yours is likely from 1954 maybe early 1955.

Enjoy!

 

[JP@AK]

I would never debate I frame issues with Jim (Hondo44), since he is the master when it comes to the I frame revolvers.

But keep in mind that these sometimes shipped way out of serial order. The lower (blued) revolver in the picture below is a Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun with serial number 32230 didn't ship until January, 1958. It has no model number and has the 2" barrel. The Kit Gun could have either the 2" or 4" barrel. You said yours is a 4", but it should look something like this.

The nickel 4" unit is a Model 34-1 J frame Kit Gun.

 

[jkingrph]

Mine looks like that nickle J frame model shown, but comparing to a late model J frame, it is definetly smaller, all over, smaller frame, cylinder is shorter, just more "petite"

 

[jkingrph]

I would never debate I frame issues with Jim (Hondo44), since he is the master when it comes to the I frame revolvers.

But keep in mind that these sometimes shipped way out of serial order. The lower (blued) revolver in the picture below is a Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun with serial number 32230 didn't ship until January, 1958. It has no model number and has the 2" barrel. The Kit Gun could have either the 2" or 4" barrel. You said yours is a 4", but it should look something like this.

The nickel 4" unit is a Model 34-1 J frame Kit Gun.

Looking at the pictures you can tell the nickel model is a J frame, for one thing that stands out , the cylinder is longer

Also comparing the two, I think an ideal model for the little I frame would have been a 3" barrel.

 

[Hondo44]

Above, Jack is absolutely right about serial numbers.

And you’re right about the I frame; about 1/8” shorter cyl and frame window. The other frame dimensions of the I frame are identical to the J frame to the point that internal parts are interchangeable.

I agree with you that the 3” barrel is ideal length. And since the Model of 1955 J frame .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight alloy frame model only came with a 3” barrel, I replaced my 4” barrel with one!

The unique cylinder release is known as the flat latch. It was replaced with the standard thumb piece in 1966.

 

[Rubone]

Above, Jack is absolutely right about serial numbers.

And you’re right about the I frame; about 1/8” shorter cyl and frame window. The other frame dimensions of the I frame are identical to the J frame to the point that internal parts are interchangeable.

I agree with you that the 3” barrel is ideal length. And since the Model of 1955 J frame .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight alloy frame model only came with a 3” barrel, I replaced my 4” barrel with one!

The unique cylinder release is known as the flat latch. It was replaced with the standard thumb piece in 1966.

Actually, the model of 1955 Airweight has a 3-1/2" barrel.

 

[Hondo44]

Actually, the model of 1955 Airweight has a 3-1/2" barrel.

Good catch, you’re right thx! Typing too fast for my thinking!!!