What is it?

[BOSBAR]

My son-in-law got this S&W 22 cal. from his Grandfather. He asked me to clean it up and find out what I could about it. Model, year it was made. Ser. # is 9876. What say guys?

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk291/bosbar72450/IMG_0035-1.jpg
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk291/bosbar72450/IMG_0038-1.jpg
http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk291/bosbar72450/IMG_0039-1.jpg

 

[Camster]

I'm only seeing one photo-a bit more info is needed,such as the serial number from the bottom of the grip.(Disregard any numbers that you see when the cylinder is open)
Looks to be an early 1950's kit gun.Actual model numbers did not begin until 1957.

 

[gkitch]

Very nice pre-Model 34, aka "Kit Gun". Made on S&W J-frame and a great gun. The ivory grips are extremely interesting as I've never seen such grips as exact duplicates of the standard wood grips. I cannot help but wonder if they were factory special-order grips?

 

[BOSBAR]

The grips look plastic to me. If it were mine, I think I would try to find some nice wood grips. I know it's a no no but, I think it could stand a bluing job.

 

[BOSBAR]

No one can tell me how old it is or how much it's worth? Is it worth refurbishing?

 

[murphydog]

It was made between 1953 and '57, probably 1954 if the 9876 is the number from the bottom of the grip frame. If it is in sound mechanical condition, call it about a $300-350 gun if you sold it to a private party or online.

Refinishing is a personal preference, but my take is you only have an original factory finish once. If a gun is heavily pitted or rusted I lean toward a redo, but you'll then have a non-original gun that cost an extra $250 or so. For this one, I would clean and wax it, I would guess it will look a lot better after this. Hope this is helpful.

 

[BOSBAR]

Thanks for the info Murphydog. I didn't realize it was worth that much. I think he'll probably leave in original condition.

 

[murphydog]

You're welcome. .22 revolvers are very popular now, and I'll bet a good oiling and waxing will make it look nice. The original stocks would be called "J frame diamond square butt Magnas"; you may find them in the Wanted to Sell ads here or elsewhere.

 

[BOSBAR]

Why is it called a "kit gun"? I'm sure it doesn't come in a box and you have to put it together.

 

[s&wchad]

Why is it called a "kit gun"? I'm sure it doesn't come in a box and you have to put it together.

Because it's a handy gun to have in a field kit or tackle box.

edit: See the ad in this link: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/209365-kit-guns.html#post136121879

 

[murphydog]

All of your sporting equipment gathered together is/was called your "kit", as in kit bag.