Looking for a true "kit gun", Please advise

[TACC1]

Now that I've found that the I-frame round-butt fits my
hands, I'd like to get what I consider a true "kit gun".
To me, the concept means a .22 that will fit easily into
your kit, pocket, holster, etc., and take up no excess
space. It's not a target gun, exactly, although good for
plinking,etc.
I think it should be a round-butt I-frame, with a barrel
from 2-4".
I'm thinking of trading/dealing my M63 no-dash, 4" for
one, but I'm not sure, Exactly, which model to go for. I've heard both good and bad about the 317, which would do if
QC was good. I find that a heavy barrel detracts from pointability for me.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
TACC1

 

[45Wheelgun]

Pre-34 or a Model 34 with a 4" barrel. Also available in a 2" if that is your preference. Micrometer rear sight with a ramp front. Available in both grip frame styles, I would go round butt. Your choice of blue or nickel.

 

[DCWilson]

How "true" a Kit Gun do you want?

Dave's suggestion is probably the least costly way to go, but remember that the 34 and its non-model-marked predecessor are both Model of 1953 guns; that means a heavy barrel with ramp front sight and a coil rather than leaf mainspring.

If you like the lighter barrel and patridge or modified half-round style sight, you need to go all the way back to the original .22-32 Kit Gun (produced 1936-1940) and its postwar reintroduction in a transitional form (1950-52). But these guns were never made in great numbers and are fearsomely expensive when you turn one up. Really nice ones routinely go for well over $2000, and even used ones with some finish loss and nicks and dings are in the 'teens. The transitionals, though fewer exist, seem to be slightly less expensive -- but you have to find one available before you can buy it.

The prewar KGs are about as pocket-friendly as a gun can be. The prewar adjustable sights are not as easy to use as the larger postwar micrometer sights, but once you get used to them the guns are no less accurate -- and in my opinion a whole lot more stylish. But pretty is not usually a primary consideration in a knockabout field piece, so the overall design probably matters only if you want to take pictures of them.

The prewar and transitional KGs are available only with four inch barrels. Here's one from 1938 that is almost too pretty to shoot. Almost.

One caution: as a function of the gun's compact geometry, double action shooting is stiff and hard to get used to. Bigger stocks help, but then you are getting away from the concept of easy portability.

 

[redhawk444]

I think the 317 is about as good as it gets as a pocket gun.

Although I consider a 3" barrel a tad long, a 317 with a 2" barrel and bantam grips would slip into the pocket rather well.

Even better if it had a 2" barrel, bantam grips and fixed sights.

 

[TACC1]

Thanks for the suggestions. I had noticed that the pre-war's were pricey, although I see why. Looks like it's a
34 or pre-34.
The M63 is a really nice gun, but I've found its size and
weight to be a drag, (sorry), when carting it around all day in the field.
Thank you both, TACC1.

 

[redhawk444]

I also think that Ruger's LCR would make a fine kit gun in .22 caliber. With a 2" barrel, the right grips and fixed sights, what would be left to wish for?

 

[DRYHEAT]

The 34-1 makes a great little "kit" gun... box even says so!

I have taken 2 prairie dogs with this one the last time I was PD hunting in MT.

 

[TACC1]

redhawk444;
Do you have one yourself? I'd heard from some forum members that accuracy wasn't the greatest. The concept
itself is perfect.
Maybe I should just get some pics posted, and see what turns up.
TACC1

 

[rburg]

Line your pockets with cash. Then haunt the gunshows looking for a nice M43. Its like the M34, only in the airweight version with a compromise 3 1/2" barrel. It might very well be the best kit gun S&W (therefore the world) has ever seen. They were made back when quality was the watchword. You won't find an internal lock on one. The barrel, if tapered, is still steel. So's the cylinder. Basically its a M34 but noticeably lighter.

It has my seal of approval! For whatever that's worth. They're fine guns. And they don't have lawyer's trigger pull, they've got shooters triggers.

 

[cowart]

I think it should be a round-butt I-frame, with a barrel from 2-4".

Keep in mind that the I frame has been out of print for many decades. Any kit gun that you run into at a reasonable price will probably be a J frame.

Also keep in mind that the really light weight models (M317, M43, etc.) are *extremely* light, like 12.5oz for the 317. They can be surprising hard to shoot accurately because of the lack of weight.

 

[M29since14]

Rburg strikes again! A Model 43 will give you an all-around better piece than a 317 (IMHO) and still be handier to tote around than a M34. However, unless there is a reason not to, any of these guns are better carried in a belt holster than a pocket.

I thought mine had an Aluminum cylinder, but it has been a while. I will have to drag it out and have a look.

 

[BUFF]

It makes little sense to me to sell a 4 inch Model 63 because it is too big and heavy, and then replace it with a 4 inch Model 34 or 34-1. Pretty much the same size and heft.

 

[TACC1]

Rburg strikes again! A Model 43 will give you an all-around better piece than a 317 (IMHO) and still be handier to tote around than a M34. However, unless there is a reason not to, any of these guns are better carried in a belt holster than a pocket.

I thought mine had an Aluminum cylinder, but it has been a while. I will have to drag it out and have a look.

I've never liked pocket-carry, myself. It's just that. to me, a true kit gun should only weigh about 20oz. My old
scale shows the M63@1-3/4#, Bearcat@ 1-1/2#, and
a pre-30@ 1-3/16#. The old DA32's and Safety Hammerless's are less than a pound.
I may not know much about firearms, but I know what I like. Any of the other guns I mentioned, is dwarfed by the M63. Probably why it's so accurate.
I'm not happy with the M63, so it's gone, no matter how good it is. Just need to find a good home for it, where it'll be appreciated.
TACC1

 

[redhawk444]

redhawk444;
Do you have one yourself? I'd heard from some forum members that accuracy wasn't the greatest. The concept
itself is perfect.
Maybe I should just get some pics posted, and see what turns up.
TACC1

I have a 317 3" gun if that is what you are referring to.

Accuracy is about par for a light 3" gun, which is to say it shoots around 4" at 25 yds offhand...nothing outstanding, but adaquate.

 

[Win712]

I like the 14 oz. carry weight of my Model 43, it shoots almost as good as my K-22's. The only dislike is the tender finish of the Airweights, but a Smith & Wesson made to be used. Greg

 

[Tam 3]

M29since14 is right about the cylinder.. If you are unhappy with a 4 in. 63, I don't think that any 34 is going to satisfy you.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[H Richard]

Unless you are determined for it to be a .22, look at older I frame 32's. I have a Pre 30 in 32 S&W Long with a 3 1/4" barrel that is very compact, and even though all steel weigh's near nothing. Great accuracy, and enough power that you can protect yourself with it.

 

[haggis]

I like H. Richard's idea about a .32 Long revolver. Six shots, enough power for large varmints, and usable against the two-legged kind, if necessary. I've got a M31-1 with 3" barrel that was used by someone as a tackle box gun. It's light weight, accurate, and finish-challenged enough to be inexpensive - cost me a whole $110.

Buck

 

[au2183]

Here is a pre-43 with some aftermarket grips I put on to fill me hand a bit better. This gun is very light, and easy to carry in a front pocket, even with the grips you see on it. It does not conceal quite as well with these grips, but they sure help to shoot it more accurately.

Here is a 34-1 for comparison, which I feel is easier to shoot well due to the extra weight. Of course, that also makes it a little harder to carry in a pocket. It's still doable though!

Hope that helps!

Terry

 

[noshow]

My True Kit Gun

Here's my version of a "true kit gun" which seems to meet much of your criterior. It is round butt, 3"bbl, and 22cal. However it is SS framed and has fixed sights. It's a Model 650 chambered for 22WMR(or WRF) with a 22LR cylinder available. It's the utmost in versitility with both cylinders. It carries well in a Desantis Nemises pocket holster. 22WMR shotshells are excellent snake medicine and 22 Win WRFs are a pleasure to shoot! I will try to post photos below: