Model 34 no dash M prefix

R

reeker

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I recently purchased a model 34 4" SB. I is clearly stamped MOD.34
however there is no -1 stamped on it. Serial # M506XX . Not a flat latch.
Is this some sort of transition gun?
 
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Your model 34 no dash is built on S&W's improved I-frame. The -1 would signify J-frame production. The improved I-frame was rolled out in 1953 with the model of 1953 .22/.32 Kit Gun series. They changed to a coil mainspring and lengthened the butt. The stocks were even interchangeable with the J-frame. The only difference was the shorter cylinder and frame window as the J-frame was designed with a frame window long enough to accommodate the .38 special. To cut costs and simplify things, the factory discontinued the I-frame in 1961 and began building the former I-frame models, like the 34 on the J-frame, that's when the -1 was added.
 
Nframe_is_no1 said:
Your model 34 no dash is built on S&W's improved I-frame. The -1 would signify J-frame production. The improved I-frame was rolled out in 1953 with the model of 1953 .22/.32 Kit Gun series. They changed to a coil mainspring and lengthened the butt. The stocks were even interchangeable with the J-frame. The only difference was the shorter cylinder and frame window as the J-frame was designed with a frame window long enough to accommodate the .38 special. To cut costs and simplify things, the factory discontinued the I-frame in 1961 and began building the former I-frame models, like the 34 on the J-frame, that's when the -1 was added.
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I thought the I frame cylinders were 1.32" as the cylinder on my revolver measures 1.44" (J frame length) Just adding to the confusion.
 
Very interesting. Since it has the M prefix, it's definitely as mis-stamp, as per the posting linked by crsides. An improved I-frame would not have the M prefix in the serial number. M1 began in 1968, well after the I-frame was discontinued.
 
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