What do you do if you don't have a Kit Gun?

[CajunBass]

I've had a bunch of them over the years. Ruger Bearcat, Single-Six, Colt "Peacemaker 22's, Harrington and Richardson, Hi-Standard, Smith and Wesson 18's, and others I'm sure. They all served as "kit guns" back in the day when I still bummed around in the woods.

I looked at a Model 63 yesterday, and was sorely tempted, but the price held me back. Nice little gun though.

I do have a little I frame, 32 Hand Ejector, third Model that I suppose would fit the bill sort of like the OP's.

 

[66f100]

This one, have about $350 in it. Had it Cerakoted, Was in bad shape cosmetically but bore and insides were good.

 

[Retired W4]

Gota' have a kit gun, or five, but the little 22 that gets the most use is a 317. 8 shots...and talk about light!!

 

[JP@AK]

What do you do if you don't have a Kit Gun?

Go find one to purchase!!!

Between Deb and me, we have several, from prewar units to models 34-1, to a Model 63. After I acquired my first one (a 2" I frame from 1958), Deb shot it and decided to pretend it was hers. So, the following Christmas, I gave her one of her own. We love shooting them together.

Here's a pic of two of the Kit Guns that live in my safe.

 

[Bald1]

The key for me in a kit gun is accuracy. Regardless of caliber it must be accurate. More often than not that me that translates to a Ruger MKII in a holster.

 

[BE Mike]

Nothing beats a S&W model 63 for introducing handgun shooting to kids and ladies...nothing.

 

[kscharlie]

I used to carry this one around the place a lot. Guess I need to get it back out. Small, light, accurate...what's not to like? Add a set of J frame targets and it is much easier to shoot. Model of 1953 .22/32 Kit Gun.

 

[Elroy]

What do you do if you don't have a Kit Gun?

if the long rifle 34 is unavailable, we'll simple step up to a .38

 

[dave1918a2]

I grab My kit N frame 3 inch 44 mag and put it in My 'go' kit.

 

[Hondo44]

I love my Kit Guns but couldn't help myself when I had a chance to buy one of 196 4" .32 Regulation Police Target Post War Transitionals with Pre War target sights; essentially a .32 Kit Gun.

But I had to have one with Micro sights so I added .22 Kit Gun sights, Model 36 target hammer and target trigger, and S&W target grips to my Model 30-1 to make a J frame .32 Kit Gun. I also reamed the longer J frame cylinder chambers for .32 H&R Mag.

Unfortunately all my photos are in Fototime and no longer postable on the forum. But I can email them to anyone.

 

[Rubone]

Possibly the best "kit gun" ever.......

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

About 30 to 35 years ago I picked up a 3.5" RG model 10 (22RF). Pot metal frame, plastic gris and zero finish. It shoots surprisingly well. I've taken raccoons and ground hogs on the run with it. When I bought it, it was $35 OTD!

Now I own a 4" 34-1 that's so beautiful I'd hate to take it in the woods.

Ivan

 

[mtgianni]

4" HE in 32 Long just like yours including the nickel finish. I did relegate the Franzite grips to a far corner of the shop.

Also rans are Ruger single six mag in 32 H&R, High Standard Sentinal 4" and 5", both in 22 lr.

 

[Green Frog]

My first Kit Gun was a High Standard Sentinel Deluxe Snub, with its fixed sights and 9 shot cylinder. Slightly larger than a Model 34 but it's been around for over 50 years, so it must work. Other than that, and more recently, a Model 60-4 and a Model 631 are my Classy Kit Guns (or is that a contradiction of terms?) actually any gun small enough to stash and carry easily yet shoot accurately can be your kit gun, and although the 22rf is prototypical in the minds of some cf revolvers can also fill the bill.

Froggie

 

[austintexas]

Reasonable 22

I picked up a used Ruger Maverick with the Button on the ejector broken for $100. They only sell for $209 new. Lots of Mim and cast parts but they are reasonably priced.
SWCA 892

 

[Retired W4]

Not really considered a kit gun, but one I always carried in my fishing kit is a 2 1/2" 66-1. I've killed 2 very aggressive moccasins that tried to get in my boat on Lake Eufala. Always loaded the first two chambers with CCI snake shot and the others with 357 JHP. I know you can do similar with a model 34 but the 38/357 has a whole lot more shot.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I've killed 2 very aggressive moccasins that tried to get in my boat on Lake Eufala.

We grow them rascals big in Alabama!

 

[Retired W4]

We grow them rascals big in Alabama!

Yep, and mean too. Whacking them with a rod usually scared them away. Popping them with my "kit" gun was the last resort.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have a few J frames to choose from for woods carry but a Glock 43 isn't a bad choice either.

 

[22hipower]

The various kit guns are great, I have half a dozen or more of the different variations but the "kit gun" that goes with me most of the time these days is this one which has a lot bigger hole in the end of the barrel. I Know, sacrilege but it sure works for me.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2pC67LC https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/