S&W Model 34

[SgtDog0311]

I've got it in my mind to get one of these (or close to it) for each of my granddaughters.

This came up on a local forum. Is $750 outrageous or a fair price?

 

[MajorD]

A touch high but not outrageous at all. About 15 years ago I decided I wanted to give one another try ( previously owned a 2" square butt with major accuracy issues and the later a 4" round butt I just didn't warm up to. It took me about 7 years to finally find a nickel square butt 2" for under $600 that is one of my favorite guns. So roughly $600 abut 8 years ago for mine

 

[jaguargolf]

I think it's a good choice at a fair price.

 

[raljr1]

I use my Model 63 as the first gun fro newbies to shoot. The triggers aren't as nice as the K frames, but the weight and overall size are very manageable for even the smallest shooters.

 

[zipty6]

I think you should go for it.

 

[MP-5]

 

[Crazywader]

If that's the condition, to me, that seems a fair price.

 

[Bastogne71]

The smooth target stocks make it an even better buy. I would buy it at that price if I didn't already have a 34-1.

 

[rockquarry]

Any J-frame is a difficult revolver for unskilled shooters to shoot well; often difficult to the point of discouragement. They look neat and they are fun to shoot but far from the best revolver to learn with unless the shooter practices a lot and has the necessary discipline needed to become proficient. I'd get a K-frame revolver for beginners as they are much easier to shoot well. J-frames should come later. I'm not up on prices, but K-frame guns might be cheaper than J-frames.

 

[H Richard]

My young Granddaughters both learned shooting with the Mod 34 and 63. They became proficient at 10 yards to keep most in the black at age 12-14.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Always a good buy.

 

[WFR]

If that's the condition, to me, that seems a fair price.

I agree. That condition with the smooth target stocks make it a very fair price.

 

[Law-dog]

Always a good buy.

Beautiful gun. Here in Oklahoma, that one would bring well over $1,000. Any model 63 with pinned barrel will.

 

[Law-dog]

I've got it in my mind to get one of these (or close to it) for each of my granddaughters.

This came up on a local forum. Is $750 outrageous or a fair price?

If in good condition $750 is fair. They are rare and hard to find.

 

[SgtDog0311]

I think you should go for it.

Hey, no fair, you don't get to vote
Seriously now, Enjoyed meeting you yesterday!

 

[walkin' trails]

My only real source at the moment for S&W prices is Gunbroker. Personally I would snap that one up. Especially with the smooth target grips. Those are not all that easy to find at decent prices. If it has the original box, even better. And buying one for each of your granddaughters is a great idea. I cut my teeth so to speak on a model 63 with those target grips and currently have a 34-2 and wish it had those target grips. It's a great revolver to teach kids. Recoil for a 34 with average, affordable bulk plinking ammo is negligible, and not anything anyone can't handle with hotter game loads. Double action triggers might be a little stiff as mine is, but not unmanageable. Kids can start out with SA, as mine did. And they'll be heirlooms, as some already are.

 

[SgtDog0311]

Been a minute since I revisited this thread.

Here and elsewhere the coil spring vs the flat spring and smoother trigger of the latter got me looking at Model 18s. I think I have four 18s now, even though I did get the 34-1 that started this thread.

I've learned a lot! If I got it right, the 34, 63 and 43 all are on J-Frames and have the same coil spring. Those 63s are handsome though.

Granddaughters are of an age I can continue looking. Keeping a couple of the Model 18s for myself the younger girls still give me time to add a couple more 18s and I'll be where I want. This has been fun! Waiting on one 18 to arrive this next week. Looks to be a nice one but not a lot of pictures in the auction.

 

[Engine49guy]

I teach new shooters with a Model 18 to prepare them for the Model 15 and a Model 34 to prepare them for a Model 36.
For young shooters have also put a Ruger single six into the mix, for pre teens a Ruger Bearcat is like a small toy capgun.