Smith and Wesson Model 35, .22/.32 Target

[bdGreen]

I have had this one tucked away for a while. Thought it time to make a debut on the photo circuit.

This is a Smith and Wesson Model 35.

This little jewel was manufactured in 1959. I find it to be in just wonderful condition.

The stocks number. But, just looking at them makes me believe they couldn't mate up to any other gun.

The box numbers also.

Anyway, enjoy my pictures as much as I enjoyed getting this one out and taking them for this 'photo debut' of a 52 year old beauty.

Enjoy,
bdGreen

 

[crsides]

warms my heart.

thanks for the eye candy.

The first TWO S&W's I shot 48 yrs ago were mod 35's. Still don't have one myself.


Charlie

 

[DGNY]

Model 35

Nice to see that bashful critter come out to play, and show off a little bit. Very elegant, refined .22. Such evident pride in manufacture.

Thanks,

Dyson

 

[DCWilson]

Wonderful specimen; both gun and box are in spectacular condition. Thanks for bringing her to show and tell.

I like the small frame .22s, even though I can't shoot them worth a darn. So far I have worked with the prewar models. I have been keeping half an eye open for a 35 or Pre-35, but haven't seen one yet that calls to me.

 

[Green Frog]

SWEEEETT! Thanks for an informative post with outstanding pix! Seeing that gorgeous (pre-)M-35 from all those angles makes the model really come alive for me. You can tell that S&W was really building its reputation for the finest revolvers of the era when you look at the likes of this piece. Like DCW above me, I've been going more for the pre-War and immediate post-War I-frames and improved Is, but it looks like I may have to change my mind. Now you just have to make us even more jealous by telling us what a great shooter it is.

Froggie

 

[gjamison]

This toke me about 3 years to buy, has the box and it came with a s&w
grip adapter that is to big for the gun. Yours is very nice as well.....

 

[Nimrod44]

Very nice old .22, I've been eyeing one of those in a local shop. This is prompting me to start another thread about the value of a pre-35. Please chime in if you have some input. Again very nice example and thanks for sharing.

 

[Rad29]

Hi Bruce:

Very nice indeed! Missed you in Tulsa. That is twice I brought that sweet 35 with the scratching to show you. Hopefully you will make it in November.

Bob

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Great looking 35, congrats.

 

[bdGreen]

A little bit of trivia

This Model 35 was manufactured in 1959 according to the serial number. But, Roy says it shipped in August of 1961. I guess they weren't big movers at the time. Of course twelve years later they quit manufacturing them completely.

bdGreen

 

[Sebago Son]

Nice Package Bruce...

I don't have a 35, or a pre-35 in my line up, but I do have these...

One early (stock no. 2038) one very late, close to or immediately after, the war...

Easy to see where your gun gets it's good looks....

Drew

 

[Hoss1961]

Model 35 Rarity

Just joined and am impressed by the knowledge shared in the forums - Nice. Does anyone know just why the model 35 seems so rare or tough to find. I have one that a buddy wants to buy - not sure whether to accept his offer or hang on to the pistol. Any suggestions?

 

[Hondo44]

Hoss,
Welcome to the forum.
You have a beautiful K22 Masterpiece on the K frame also known as the pre Model 17 (became the Model 17 in 1957 and stamped as such in the yoke in 1957). Yours is pre c. 1955 quickly identified by its early "Speed hammer" with wide target spur, nicknamed the "fish hook" hammer. In that condition if grips number to the gun (inside right stock panel) selling in the $800 range.

The original poster's gun is smaller and made on the Model of 1953 new I frame; S&W's smallest frame at the time.

 

[islandguy]

Very nice old .22, I've been eyeing one of those in a local shop. This is prompting me to start another thread about the value of a pre-35. Please chime in if you have some input. Again very nice example and thanks for sharing.

We bought an Exc condition Model of 1953 22/32 Target (a Pre-35 of 1956 Mfg) for my wife in 2011 and paid $695 Cdn for it. I believe its worth a bit more than that now.
Islandguy

 

[dinghysailer]

I don't have a 35, or a pre-35 in my line up, but I do have these...

One early (stock no. 2038) one very late, close to or immediately after, the war...

Easy to see where your gun gets it's good looks....

Drew

The one on the bottom looks a little off. I would have thought with gold medallions it would still have the big button on the ejector, and a more retro front sight. My guess is the grips are not original, and that it is late 20s or early 30s. Serial #?

 

[DCWilson]

Hoss1961, welcome to the forum. That's a fine looking K-22 Masterpiece, which from its serial probably dates from late 1953. (I have one numbered in its vicinity that shipped in December of that year.)

If you have any feeling for that gun at all, I would keep it. The K-frame .22s have become very much in demand in recent years, and their appreciation in value shows no sign of declining.

As to the Model 35 question, the smaller I (and later J) frame .22s fell out of favor once the K-frame target models established themselves as the target revolver of choice in the 1930s. The .22/32s with shorter barrels stayed popular through the 1950s and 1960s, but the longer barrel small-frame targets (that is, the Model 35) just didn't have the appeal of the larger models and the model was eventually discontinued.

 

[Hoss1961]

Thanks DC and Hondo for the information - really appreciate it.

 

[41 fan]

Islandguy,

Does your pre 35 have a round or square butt? Thanks, Dean

 

[Mike McLellan]

Normally, I'm a K-frame addict, but that little guy is a real beauty.

 

[moosedog]

Very cool. I gave my daughter my model 35-1.