What does the name .22/32 Kit Gun mean?

[M29since14]

Somehow I just knew BW would creep into this thread. He probably invented the Kit Gun.

I think he may have a few years on me but I identify most closely with H Richard's reply. I've always been a big fan of the Kit Gun in all of its variations. Just wish S&W would have made one in .32 SWL. They eventually got around to the next best thing with the 631. In some ways, since it was made from stainless steel, maybe it was even better than a .32 SWL Kit Gun would have been.

 

[Flesh Wound]

This thread is worthless without pictures!

Actually this thread was already very informative, but pictures never hurt!

That's purdy!

I'll have pics once I get this little Gem of a M51 out of Layaway!

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

S&W (indeed most gun makers) seldom allow logic to enter in to gun naming proceedings. There was also a 38/44 which was the S&W cartridge loaded for their revolvers built on the big ("44 size") frame - sort of like a 38 +P and a 38/40 which Winchester and Colt liked a lot which was actually a 40 caliber bullet. Go figure. S&W chambered some of their large frame guns of the day for this caliber too, so you could get a 38/44 that used .357 bullets or a 38/40 that used .401 sized bullets. Does your head hurt yet?

To carry the silliness further, they called the 22/32 with a 6" barrel the "Heavy Frame Target" model because it was bigger than the original "Ladysmith" that was the first DA 22 they built; but then the K-22 came along and that became the target gun, the HFT was still sold as the 22/32, and if you wanted a short barrel on the HFT (to put in your fishing kit) it became the kit gun, but a short barreled K-22 became a Combat Masterpiece. Oh my head, I need more coffee!

Froggie

Extensive (and probably repeated) research by the United States Navy has confirmed that more coffee is not a problem.

 

[6mmrem]

Love the contrast of the blue and nickel finish. It kinda looks like it was assembled from two "kits". I wonder where its mirror image is?

 

[WDF]

I have a "like new" model 51 WRM, bought it new around 1970.
.22 LR revolvers are a little underpowered for woodchucks, in my opinion (After considerable use for them). Found the model 51 (with 3-1/2 in barrel) just the ticket. Light enough to carry around all day but "drops them" almost as well as a .38.
If you are considering buying it keep one thing in mind. They seem to be built with tight .22 LR tolerances. The mag has much more unburned powder in a revolver and will "bind" up the cylinder quickly, really quick, unless you are careful to hold the muzzle upright when ejecting cases. I have had mine bind up after one cylinder full. Ejecting MUZZLE UP will probably get you through a box without cleaning. I understand there are newer loadings that reduce this problem but would suggest it regardless.
Fabulous gun. One of my favorites. Mine has a nice trigger pull as well.
Bill.

 

[ColdMoon]

22/32 kit gun

I Googled "kit" and kind of remembered what it means. During the
Revolutionary War everyone carried "Their Kit and Kaboodle", which was every thing they needed to survive a trek in the woods.
Lead, flint, powder, personal items, cleaning kit. In the case of that beautiful gun, I would not carry it in a fishing tackle box or anywhere else where it might get ruined. Nickels, dimes and quarters add up to dollars eventually. Good luck.

 

[hardcase60]

Love the contrast of the blue and nickel finish. It kinda looks like it was assembled from two "kits". I wonder where its mirror image is?

I believe they are more commonly referred to as "Pintos".

 

[dant]

wow, what about your "possibles" bag , or better yet "knap sack"

yes, it's from "kit and kaboodle" goes way back before MOST of you guys time on this planet called earth.............

nice gun pictured above........

 

[flightsimmer]

Here's a picture of mine, it's the one on the bottom.

 

[DWalt]

Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile,smile, smile...

British WWI-era marching song. I think the kit bag was something like a knapsack.

 

[Syspila]

Great Thread!

 

[H P Bushrod]

This thread is worthless without pictures!

Actually this thread was already very informative, but pictures never hurt!

NEVER seen a "pinto" kit gun! Impressive! Thanks for sharing the pic!

 

[k5oke]

S&W has made and still does, a lot of beautiful guns. Recently a writeup of their new wheelgun referred to the model 66. Where did they 'drop' the 686 Combat Masterpiece?

 

[hittman77]

Well, I did know what "kit gun" meant but not the 22/32 designation. Just a few hours ago I took this picture and wondered as she went back in the safe just what the numbers meant. Great info here.

And yes, H. Richard ..... you're showing your age! LOL

 

[murphydog]

I believe they are more commonly referred to as "Pintos".

A revolver with a blue frame, nickel cylinder/barrel (and often thumb latch and sideplate screws) is called a two-tone by the factory, and a "Pinto" by collectors. The mirror image of that is known as a "reverse Pinto"...don't know what the factory calls that.

 

[M29since14]

S&W has made and still does, a lot of beautiful guns. Recently a writeup of their new wheelgun referred to the model 66. Where did they 'drop' the 686 Combat Masterpiece?

If you mean the 67, the stainless version of the Combat Masterpiece, it has been gone for some time. The 586/686 guns are still in production and that design was originally named Distinguished Combat Magnum, since it followed on the heels of the Model 19/66 Combat Magnum. Now S&W has named the Model 69 a Combat Magnum - and Combat Magnums were always .357s, so the name thing can get abused sometimes, just like model numbers. It's always been generally accepted that Kit Guns were adjustable sighted J-frames, usually .22s, but the little Model 650 (fixed sights) might be an exception to that rule too. Hard to say where that one would fit in. Like grammar, S&W's model numbers and names seem to have their "exceptions."

 

[mc5aw]

There's something very attractive and special about a .22 revolver, and S&W has offered some great ones for the kit bag.

Back in my peak accumulating days, the noteworthy revolver I was lacking was a .22 snub. I just had a hankerin' for one to practice with. Then one day at the LGS, I spied a like-new 317 waiting for me to take it home. No box, no papers, just a trusty little .22 J-frame ... exactly what I was dreaming of. The little feller has served me well over the years ... it gets dirty, and still has a stiff trigger pull, but I'll be ding donged if it isn't one of my favorites to bring to the range.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I've owned a 22-32 Target S&W since 1957. It's a early vintage, 1930 or so. I've taken lots of small game, rattlers,etc plus finishing off big game. Never had a bit of trouble with it. Once the rear sight became loose when taking some Blue Grouse for the pot. Tightened the sight with my knife & took 2 back to camp. Good guns.

 

[Flesh Wound]

And it only took me two months to pay off the layaway! Here are a trio of pics since we all love pics!

Came with the original box and warranty card. I'd love to find the other goodies that should have been along with it.

The photos do not do this thing justice.

 

[dennis2146]

You guys have it all wrong ... "Kit" gun refers to the revolver Kit Carson used when he fought alongside Marcas Registradas on San Juan Hill.

You are absolutely correct but you left out the fact that Major Hoople was alongside Teddy Roosevelt during the battle. The Major commanded most of the battle but it was Teddy who received most of the credit. I doubt anyone will find any mention of the good Major in the history books or military accounts of the battle. More's the pity. He was a hell of a guy according to my father and grandfathers.

Dennis