S&W Model 34 date of mfg?

[Scharfschütze]

Good Morning,
New to the forum; I have acquired a 4" blued Model 34 in .22LR. Not sure of date range so posting here. It has adjustable rear sights and I would rate it in NRA VG+; no wear on muzzle or sights, cylinder very nice. If it was fired it was not fired much. Serial #368xx. I don't have the S&W reference book other posters refer to here, but this little revolver is so nice I'm afraid I might just have to add another collecting habit to my current vices (collecting Swedish Mausers)and will have to buy the necessary reference books. Any info on possible date of manufacture, total production, etc. would be most welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[wetdog]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like 1957-58 being it is Model marked.

 

[Scharfschütze]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like 1957-58 being it is Model marked.

Thanks, yes it has "MOD-34" stamped on the frame visible when cylinder is open.

 

[JP@AK]

Scharfschütze
You have a very early model marked Kit Gun. For reference, here are two comparables:

Kit Gun Model of 1953, serial number 32230, shipped January, 1958

Kit Gun Model of 1953, serial number 31692, shipped June, 1958.

Neither of these is marked Model 34.

 

[CA Escapee]

I have a Mod-34, 2", s/n 44400 that shipped 1/4/60.

Bill

 

[jgerfers]

I just inherited a 34-1 2" barrel the serial # is M115701 any idea how old this gun is. Hard to find info of date of mfg. Thanks in advance.

 

[Housepuss]

According to the good book your serial number, M115701 falls in the range of 1978-1979. I'm sure the experts will be along who can pin it down even closer.

 

[jgerfers]

34-1

Thanks but what puzzled me is the receipt for original purchase is dated 1970. From what I have read dating other serial numbers I came up with 1978. Maybe the date on the receipt is in error or just looks like 1970. In any case it sold for $220 brand new.
Thanks again.

 

[StvBrk]

My Pre-Model 34

Mine bears Serial Number 10967. The number stamped on the frame behind the yoke and on the yoke itself is 45439.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Not sure if it’s cool to bring back a thread that’s several months old but I just picked up an I fired model 34 nickel finished with SN M617xx. It’s 100% pristine. I’ve been looking for either a 34 or 17 but prices were out of sight and many had been used heavily. I found this one at a local gun show and was priced $300 under ones I’d been looking at that had been used.

Come Monday it’ll become used. No safe queens allowed in my house.

Any idea on date of manufacture?

 

[JP@AK]

.38SuperMan

If there are really only 5 digits after the M, as you wrote, it should have been produced in about 1973. It should be marked as MOD 34-1.

It sounds like you did okay on the price. These don't go cheaply anymore. This one cost me $800 about three years ago. It shipped in 1981.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Thanks for the info. Yes it’s 5 digits and is marked 34-1 as indicated. I paid $725 and the others I found at the show ranged from $950-1200. None were unfired and the lower priced ones were well see. I’m really happy to find one at this price and in this condition. My wife has a newer 317 3” and it’s sweet to shoot so I know I’ll love shooting this classic.

It’s interesting they made both square and round butt. We’re there any other versions like a -2 or-3 as many other S&W pistols had.

 

[JP@AK]

Here's the lineup:
Model 34 c. 1958
Model 34-1 1960 (change to J frame)
Model 34-2 1988
Discontinued 1991

Note: there were Kit Guns before 1958, but they had no model numbers. Some of those shipped in 1958.

 

[Kelroy]

Hello all. I just was reading this thread because of a recent purchase I made. It's a 34-1 with serial number 96XXX. Any clue when this was manufactured? It's a beautiful revolver. About 98%. No box or papers. Any idea of the value? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Tam 3]

Mine is 4", blued, #M862xx.
Mid 1970s .
Can anyone provide a more precise date of shipping?

Regards,

Tam 3