The .22 Kit Gun, Saddle Bag Gun, et al.

[Mule Packer]

Whether you call it a kit gun, a tackle box gun, a saddle bag gun, or trail gun, everybody needs a .22 handgun of some sort.

I guess the term "kit gun" is copyrighted by Smith and Wesson, but no matter what it's called, I'm talking about a light-weight gun that can be slipped into a day pack or worn on the belt without being cumbersome. Also, if I remember correctly, Skeeter Skelton said something about a trail gun being small enough where 50 rounds of ammo won't take up much space in the pocket of your jeans.

With spring being officially here, and cabin fever hitting me big time, I decided to get out a few of my favorite kit guns just to give them a pre-season cleaning (even though they didn't need it) and think about getting into the mountains in the near future.

Here are some pics of a couple of my favorites. What's your favorite trail gun? Let's see pictures if you have them.

Smith and Wesson Model 34-1

Ruger Bearcat

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Cheapo but it shoots great and I like it. Early Charter Arms Pathfinder 3"

 

[rog8732]

mule packer, those are two nice "kit guns", and, whoever did that rawhide braid work is no slouch either. Regards

 

[james56]

Here's my fun to shoot M34-1

 

[feralmerril]

Here is a couple of mine. 34-1, old single six and a colt scout.

 

[TACC1]

I used to have a M63, 4", but it didn't fit me very well.
Here's some that I play with, and the 317 really makes me
glad just to carry and/or shoot.
I've a pair of DS-10 speedloaders for it, HKS loaders for the Kitgun,
and a Marble's Catch 22 for the Bearcat. Just extra mags for the Colt.
And, another week here, and MAYBE, I'll be able to go to the range
w/o being dressed up like the Michelin Man to stay warm.
Thanks for letting me share, TACC1.

 

[joe52853]

Here's my model 63 no dash.

 

[4Js]

The bane of the BLM's rattlesnakes.

M622, my saddlebag gun.

 

[Jyezahn]

Here's mine. Heritage Rough Rider .22mag. Cheap and easy:

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I use a prewar S&W 22-32 Target & I carried a Ruger Bearcat for years. Don't have the Bearcat any more but my 22-32 still is my trail gun. Have taken a lot of small game for the pot & a few rattlers.

 

[O2Guy]

None of those guns look like they have ever been in a tackle box or saddle bag.

 

[GF]

Another Mod 34 like Ferals...

... shortly after it was dropped in the creek.

GF

 

[lawandorder]

Even if you are toting a belt gun of...........

......larger caliber you still just gotta have a .22 handy.

I had a 2 inch RB M34 but when these came out I broke down and bought the first new S&W I have purchased since 1970. Light and handy, Big Dot fs for old eyes, set of Spegel boots, stuffed full of HPs and it was ready to go.

 

[brucev]

I suppose my kit gun is my little 18-3. It is about as light as I can imagine for a handgun. The grips are S&W TS that fill my hand nicely. The SA is crisp and light. The DA is smooth and easy to use. I've fired enough two inch groups at 25 yds. firing DA to know that if I shoot a boxcar group, it's my fault. The caliber is of course .22LR which even in this era of ammo panic is a inexpensive round to shoot. It is shockingly accurate at distances from hard off the muzzle on out to 65 yards. With care I can make things interesting for a milk jug at 100 yds.

 

[keith44spl]

Yup,

.

 

[Faulkner]

This one is pretty much with me any time I'm out on the tractor or 4-wheeler.

 

[Kitgun]

B&P Mod. 34 purchased in 1971. Had terrible timing issues at first check out the ring around cylinder

t

 

[bettis1]

Hi Tony,

Is that a Myres "Threepersons"? A trail gun could never ask for a better ride. Don't often see them for the small frame guns.

Bob

 

[LedFowl]

Ruger New Model Single Six, 1973. The magnum cylinder is lost to the ages.

 

[arjay]

Found this orphan a few weeks ago.

Needed original grips and a few screws.
'54 Ruger standard.The most accurate 22 I've owned.