Pre 34 ?

[raykdman]

I purchased this pistol as a Model 34 from an online sale. After receiving the pistol I found it did not have model stamped on the frame. The serial number is 242xx. I cannot find a pre 34 in the SCSW with a 6" barrel. Any help in identifing the model of this pistol?

 

[nedlate]

Very nice! I believe that is a pre-35 if it is not model marked. The model 35 has the 6" barrel. I think the serial number will be on the bottom of the grip frame if the gun is not model marked.
Ed

 

[raykdman]

Ed thanks for the information. Sometimes the answer is right in front of us. The serial number 222xx is on the grip frame. Any idea what year it was produced? The SCSW is vague on the serial numbers in that range.

 

[SDH]

If it is a J frame it is a pre-Model 35, so called 22/32 HE Model of 1953.
Mine is my all-time favorite shooter, #242xx shipped in November 1956.
Shown here with a Pre-34 Kit gun #132XX Shipped April 1955.

 

[tlay]

Is it a J or K frame? How many screws does it have? Can you give us a photo of the other side?

 

[jsfricks]

That should be a J frame because it does appear to be a Pre 35. I have one just like. Should be a 3 screw. Mine is from around 1956.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Sweet Gun,6" J Frame flat latch...Interesting.

 

[Hondo44]

raykdman,

You have acquired what's considered a crown jewel by some including me and it's in splendid condition to boot.

The official name is the ".22/32 Target Model of 1953" often called a Pre model 35. It is the ultimate evolution of the Bekeart 22/32 Target special production model from 1911 and followed by the standard production 22/32 Heavy Frame Target model from 1915. The Model 35 name was ordered in June of 1957.

It's built in both 3 and 4 screw variations on the "New" I frame, not J frame, as were all the small frame revolvers prior to 1960-61 when they all became J frames and acquired the -1 in their model #s (except the .38 S&W Special chambered Models and Airweight 22/32 Kit Gun Model of 1955, all of which were introduced as J frames).

For more details refer to this commentary: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blogs/hondo44/103-post-war-i-frames-evolution.html

 

[Hondo44]

SDH & jsfricks;

I don't know which is more gorgeous, the guns or the photography!

In the context of this thread, all pre models are Model of 1953 'New' I frames as opposed to Post war I frames and Improved I frames which both preceded the 'New' I frame. All three still have the short, 'I' size main-frame cyl window and cylinders. But Model of 1953 New I frames have the longer grip and larger trigger guard of the Model of 1953 J frame.

The I main frame was not extended to the J frame size until Oct 1960 for the 22/32s and 1961 for the rest of the I frames.

Notice both frame window and cyl lengths are identical in this comparison:

Postwar I frame Kit Gun (Top). An "Improved I frame" would look identical (but no Improved 22/32 Kit Guns were made).

Bottom is a Model of 1953 "New I frame" Kit Gun (pre mod 34). I frame size main-frame and cyl but full size J frame trigger guard and grip frame length (1/8" longer). Compare the amount of uncheckered wood below the checkering field.

This is a comparison of a Model 63 22/32 Kit Gun "J-Frame" (top), and a Model of 1953 "New I-Frame" 22/32 Kit Gun, a pre model 34 (bottom). Note the differences in frame length in front of the trigger guard and the cylinder length.