Picked up my first Kit Gun yesterday. Its about a mint as you will find.
- Thread starter Whiteman
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Welcome! If the box is original, I'm guessing a mid four-digit to low five-digit SN? Enjoy!
OP
Whiteman
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Yes..4 digit and original.
dodgecharger
Member
I am pretty new to the Smith and Wesson world. Don't know much about their firearms, I bought a Smith 1911 in May of this year and abslolutely love it. Anyway my question is what exactly is a kit gun? You guys on this forum are absolutely fantastic. Been reading lots of threads and learning a lot.
Simmer down
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Until recently I thought it came as a project. Kit has the meaning of collection, like a tool kit. Kit guns were "everyday carry" in the way back. A gun you could put with your other odds and ends for just in case.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The dictionary says it best. "A collection of personal effects, especially for travel." That's a great one. Your gun that is.
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dodgecharger
Member
That now makes sense, thank you for clearing that up.
millerj7
Member
As I understand it, a REALLY old time term "kit" (in the outdoor sense) referred to a knapsack with all the stuff needed for a day (or longer) in the woods. Stuff like waterproof matches, dry socks, Hershey bars, compass, hatchet, a good .22 revolver, etc. Same stuff as today, but the term "kit" has gotten lost over the years. We are all so much the poorer for the loss of some of the language of our heritage!
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Wow wee! That's beautiful.
Looks like it's from the early 1950's.
I agree that "kit" gun refers to a gun that is very handy and portable that you could carry in a tackle box, back pack, or knap sack as part of a "kit" of stuff you would need for a day of outdoor activities. My grandpa would have referred to it as a handy little kit gun.
John
Looks like it's from the early 1950's.
I agree that "kit" gun refers to a gun that is very handy and portable that you could carry in a tackle box, back pack, or knap sack as part of a "kit" of stuff you would need for a day of outdoor activities. My grandpa would have referred to it as a handy little kit gun.
John
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Whiteman,
That's a beauty alright. A 4 digit serial number tells us it's a Model of 1953 New I frame, a pre Model 34. Shipped from between late 1954 to about the beginning of 1956. It's hard to own just one.
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THE PILGRIM
Member
Nice gun!
I have a couple.
I put mine in toolboxes and tackle boxes all the time! Yeah right.
I wish I could find one this nice!
I have a couple.
I put mine in toolboxes and tackle boxes all the time! Yeah right.
I wish I could find one this nice!
Yea, I toss mine in my tackle box all the time.
I do however keep my 66-1 2.5" handy in the boat for whatever came my way. Modern kit gun.
Biginge
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Is a kit now known as a bug out bag?
It certainly could be.
millerj7
Member
Forgot to mention how great your new/old revolver looks...you done real good! And thanks for the great picture of your "baby" as we don't see them that nice very often.
Jim
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chaparrito
Member
Almost anyhow. What then would NOT be a kit gun? If I choose to put my 8 3/8 inch. 629 in my possibles bag does that make it a kit gun? If not, why not?
I'm not arguing here. Are there specific models designated as such? Roll stamps or something?
chaparrito
Member
Wait, are they ALL I frames?
That I get....
That I get....
Think the only "real" kit guns were the 22/32 J and I framed S&W's. The 32 in the designation referring to a .32 caliber sized frame.
