M34 3"?

[ISCS Yoda]

Yesterday I handled a pristine Model 34 Kit Gun, .22 caliber. From what I can tell it had the 3rd type of flat latch cylinder release:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...2607-flat-latches.html?highlight=Flat+Latches

It is definitely a 3" barreled revolver yet the SCSW on page 241 does not list a 3" M34.

And you say................?

Seriously, comments solicited!

 

[murphydog]

The model 43 Airweight Kit Gun has a 3.5" barrel, maybe one of those was swapped onto it, or the barrel has been shortened. Photos?

 

[ISCS Yoda]

The model 43 Airweight Kit Gun has a 3.5" barrel, maybe one of those was swapped onto it, or the barrel has been shortened. Photos?

I left off that it did say Airweight.

You wrote 43 - typo?

I'll check it again next time I see these folks and I'll get pictures.

 

[murphydog]

Was it a steel or alloy framed gun?

 

[DARE]

Model 34 is a steel gun. Model 43 is the airweight version. Here is my Model 1955 .22/32 Airweight Kit Gun with 3 1/2" barrel. Also known as pre-43. Perhaps that is what you saw and either you or the seller are calling it a Model 34. Easy mistake to make. I was calling my gun a Model 34 until someone here straightened me out.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Model 34 is a steel gun. Model 43 is the airweight version. Here is my Model 1955 .22/32 Airweight Kit Gun with 3 1/2" barrel. Also known as pre-43. Perhaps that is what you saw and either you or the seller are calling it a Model 34. Easy mistake to make. I was calling my gun a Model 34 until someone here straightened me out.

Was it a steel or alloy framed gun?

It said Airweight. That's all I know.

I will see that gun again soon and I'll get a picture of it and the box label, too. Stay tuned!

 

[murphydog]

If you pick it up and think "nice Kit Gun", my guess is a replaced barrel from a model 43. It will look normal and 1/2" short on a model 34.

If you pick it up and think "boy, is this thing light" (as in alloy frame and cylinder), it is a model 43.

 

[Hondo44]

If the entire barrel is measured all the way to the front face of the cyl it has to be a 3 1/2” barrel which would be marked on the box. Or else it’s been cut down, which is not likely.

To confirm the box is original and correct for the gun, check for the matching serial # on the bottom outside of the box.

The pre model 43 and model 43 are not airweight roll marked on the barrel. The 34 only came with 2” or 4” barrels (the 35 with 6”). So if it is an all steel gun and has a 3 1/2” barrel it’s a pre model 34/mod 34 with the 43 barrel. I made one myself and still have it.

Take a tape measure with you.

But I can tell you if it looks like the photo above, it’s a 43 with 3 1/2” barrel. Notice the frame is black and doesn’t match the blue steel parts because it’s a black anodized alloy frame. Also see the sq butt? All 43s had sq butts.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

But I can tell you just by the photo it’s a 43 with 3 1/2” barrel.

I didn't post any pictures so I am not sure what you are referring to but this proves your point:

Page 250 SCSW proves it, too. It's a Model 43.

 

[jcelect]

Mod 43

Note the color difference in the bluing between the steel barrel and the AL frame! What is the serial number of this gun? There is an interesting history to these guns.
jcelect

 

[Jim Watson]

A neat little gun.
But it is hard for me to fathom why they bothered to tool up for barrels a half inch shorter just for the Airweight and Magnum.

 

[murphydog]

I didn't post any pictures so I am not sure what you are referring to but this proves your point:

Page 250 SCSW proves it, too. It's a Model 43.

Well, the label says ".22/32 Kit Gun Airweight". A pre-model 43 if you insist.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Well, the label says ".22/32 Kit Gun Airweight". A pre-model 43 if you insist.

Funny you should say that because I looked for a model number on the box and all over the gun and didn't find one. Not having sufficient experience with such things I let it go but now I believe that murphydog is correct, it is a "pre" m43.

5 digit serial number as I recall, starting with a 2.

Anyone have any idea on its value?

 

[murphydog]

If the right side looks as nice as the left, I'd guess $750-800. May be an underestimate in the crazy current market, but this seems to be cooling off somewhat.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If the right side looks as nice as the left, I'd guess $750-800. May be an underestimate in the crazy current market, but this seems to be cooling off somewhat.

NIB/unfired/pristine

Thanks.

 

[Model19man]

I would not call it a pre anything. It's an Airweight 22 revolver. There were no model numbers when it was made. I think it's worth more like $1200 - $1500 with the box new and unfired. Not for me but someone needs it.

 

[jcelect]

Funny you should say that because I looked for a model number on the box and all over the gun and didn't find one. Not having sufficient experience with such things I let it go but now I believe that murphydog is correct, it is a "pre" m43.

5 digit serial number as I recall, starting with a 2.

Anyone have any idea on its value?

A pre 43 in an original Sun Burst box will bring $1000-$1400.
jcelect

 

[ISCS Yoda]

A pre 43 in an original Sun Burst box will bring $1000-$1400.
jcelect

Okay, I have never heard of a Sun Burst box before. What is that? The box looked kind of ordinary to me.

 

[Retired W4]

Starburst or Sun Ray box or not, that 22/32 Airweight is a sweetheart. I'd say a grand or more. I have an M prefix Mod. 43 with box. I don't recall how much I paid for it but it is a solid member of my modest kit gun collection. One of my kids can have it...when I'm dead.

 

[Hondo44]

The box with the angled lines shooting down from the upper left hand corner to the bottom right corner like sun rays on the box cover.

 

[jcelect]

Okay, I have never heard of a Sun Burst box before. What is that? The box looked kind of ordinary to me.

The box in the upper right of the pic is a Sun Burst box for a 2" gun! The boarder will change for the longer barrel lengths.

jcelect

 

[ISCS Yoda]

The box in the upper right of the pic is a Sun Burst box for a 2" gun! The boarder will change for the longer barrel lengths.

Excellent! I'd never have noticed and I'm not a box guy like some folks. Live and learn. I'll check on that box later in the week.