Model 34 Confusion

[Mtwoodson]

Picked up a nice little 2" Model 34 today. It's pinned, recessed, serrated and case-colored trigger and case-colored hammer. Non-diamond grip. The crane is stamped Mod. 34, not 34-1. Here's where my confusion begins. According to the book, J-frame 34-1's began at serial #70000, and M-prefix serial numbers started at M1 in 1969. Mine is serial # M681XX, which should be post 1969. but it's stamped Mod.34, which should be prior to Model 34-1/1960. Is this an I-frame Model 34, or a J-frame 34-1?
And in any event, it's pretty sweet.

 

[k22fan]

S&W revolvers stamped with the wrong model number surface from time to time. Not stamping a dash number seems like a smaller error. Just eyeballing the picture it looks like a J frame. Measuring the cylinder length should confirm or refute that. Since you've got the SCSW measure and compare it to the lengths given in the book. By the way being a little more specific a model 34 no dash is a New I Frame or New Improved I Frame. There are some errors in the SCSW's coverage of post-WWII I Frames.

 

[crsides]

I got one of those, a few thou earlier that is marked mod 34. I purchased it new in 1972-73. It should be marked 34-1. I have seen several in this serial # range mis marked as MOD 34.


Charlie

 

[jsfricks]

It almost looks like they didn't leave themselves enough room for the -1 and they said, ah, the heck with it!

 

[Hondo44]

Correct, this is common on Model 34-1s. It is a J frame and should be stamped 34-1.

I have one that dates to 1969 stamped "MOD 34 -" the dash is at the edge of the metal and the 1 must have been hanging in mid-air. Matching serial # Box is marked 34-1. Sometimes the M is hanging off the edge and only partly stamped. On later models the stamp digit spacing was compressed and it all fits on. On some other J frames like the Model 30-1 the stamping is sometimes two lines.