My first Smith & Wesson .22lr Revolver - 34-1- 4 inch

[PaneledZero]

Here is another one I was able to get locally and from a fellow member of the group. I had been looking to get one for so long and he was kind enough to let this one go (Thanks, you know who you are)!

I want to say we dated this to the early 70's (72-73 era), but I am not sure, so if you know please let me know.

I have other 22lr revolvers and this is the "Queen" of them all, such a smoother shooter and very accurate. I am so glad I was able to get one.

I really want to get a snub (in 22lr), but really don't want to pay an extremely high price (I know, I know, maybe one day).

Serial Number - M936xx

Assembly Number - 31x33?

Lets see others out there, especially the snubs!

 

[hkcavalier]

This is M673xx, shipped Jan '75, so I imagine yours shipped later.

Likely early in its life, a previous owner had it hard chromed and the red insert installed. Most people assume it's a 63 at first glance.

 

[Beecherkid]

If you would like to see a shiny one this is M78XXX. I'm guessing mid '70s ship date. It has original box with end label, tools, and paperwork.

 

[retnavyshooter]

Here's your M34 snubbie

 

[.38SuperMan]

I'd wanted a 34-1 for a long time and picked this up last year at a gun show. From memory I think it's from the early 70's. I don't believe it'd been fired until I bought it. They're really beautiful little revolvers.

 

[Targets Guy]

If a gun has to be first you picked a nice one. Mine is a pure shooter class. s/n is M865xx. It shipped 11/76. I'll guess yours shipped sometime in 1976 but just a guess.



Oops, misread your s/n. Definitely not 1976.

 

[cmansguns]

Congrats OP on a great find! The Model 34-1 is a great gun. I like mine, the wife and family like to shoot it too, whether at paper or just plinking cans.

Your gun is probably closer to 1977 by serial number. Mine is probably a 1972. Our "bible" around here is Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (SCSW) the latest edition is the 4th.

According to SCSW 4th the "M" prefix serial number assignments are as follows:

M1 to M 30000: 1969 to 1971
M 30001 to M 60000: 1971 to 1973
M 60001 to M 99999: 1973 to 1977

So mine w/ s/n M 519XX is probably circa late 1972 or early 1973

Yours with s/n M 936XX is probably late 1977.

Of course key word here is "probably". This is the best approximation we can make based on available published information.

The only way to know for sure the exact date that your gun shipped from the factory, where it was shipped to, and in what exact configuration (finish, barrel length, grip type, specials, etc) is by sending for a factory Letter of Authentication. There is a fee, and the Form can be found on this Forum if you are interested.

 

[huntsman22]

 

[Grayfox]

I really like the Model 34-1. I bought mine way back in 1989. Still have and no plans to get rid of it.
Its the perfect size for teaching youngsters and smaller ladies the fundamentals of revolver shooting. Loads of fun for us old guys too.
The only pic I have is a group shot with its K-frame siblings. Yeah, I kinda like .22 revolvers.

 

[crsides]

Here you go. I like to play dress up.

 

[Jimmyjones]

Got a couple, 2"/4" plus another 2" that's a safe queen. The 2" is my low cost J Frame training gun, really tightened up my groups running hundreds of rounds through it. The 4" is great to teach new shooters on, I start w/ shorts.

 

[greenmachine]

Here's mine, M279xx from 1971.