[Sylvan-Forge]

I really like the idea of all-steel construction and 6rd capacity, what I'd like to avoid is the LOCK :barf:

What year or year-range do I need to look for to avoid the lock and capitalize on the best (very good) period for quality?

Also, can someone explain round-butt and square-butt?
I'd like to replace the original grip with one that resembles the 317 two-finger jobber.

Thanks!
:D

[farscott]

All S&W M34s left the factory well before the invention of the lock, so that is not an issue. As for best quality, my experience has been that each sample needs to be evaluated on its own merits. The older guns have much nicer metal polish, but the newer guns shoot just as well.

The round butt/square butt refers to the shape of the front and back straps and how they meet at the butt. As the terms imply, one is more square and the other rounded. If you see samples side by side, it is easy to see the difference. The "which one is better" is subjective and depends much on the balance of the revolver and its intended use.

The M317 grip is the Hogue Bantam grip, and the M317 has a round-butt frame.

[Sylvan-Forge]

Thanks farscott