S&W model 35?

[vzenmn]

I have what I have been told is a S&W model 35 (same thing as a model 34 except it has a 6" barrel instead of a 4") That was given to me by my grandfather several years back. It belonged to my great great grandfather who bought in the late 40's and carried it pretty much everyday until he died in 62. Then my grandfather got ahold of it and used it every once and a while for 40 years before giving it to me.
Does anybody know were I can figure out what it is and when it was made ? I would also like to know if this is a rare model because I never seen another one like it before.

 

[Jim Watson]

S&W did not assign model numbers until 1957, before that, most of their guns had names.
Your gun was introduced with a 6" barrel in 1911 as the .22-.32 Hand Ejector. In the 1930s they brought out the 4" and called it the .22-.32 Kit gun and the 6" became the .22-32 Target. There are several variations as they went from leaf spring to coil spring, old to new sights, and I frame to J frame.
Give the serial number and somebody with the right book will look it up and tell you when it was made.
S&W made a bunch of them but most are hiding out in collections and gun cases, so when they sell, it is at a pretty steep price.

 

[vzenmn]

Thank you. I dont know the serial number off the top of my head so I'll get to that tomarrow. But I do know that it has a coiled main spring.

 

[pharmer]

First of all, you have a real treasure. If it is a "22/32 Hand Ejector" it is quite valuable SCSW: $1500 ANIB, 700 exc down to $135 for "poor". Model of 1953 is about half for ANIB but similar for the lower grades. Regardless, that gun is supposed to go to your son or not having one, to a family member who can appreciate it's true value. Write down as much of the story to go with it. Congratulations. Joe

 

[skeeter1]

I have a Smith M35 since 1972. I paid $119 for it and there are a couple of them available on gunbroker.com right now with asking prices approaching $1000. It is by far my favorite handgun.

You should thank your grandfather for giving that to you. They are indeed quite rare. Smith K-22 Masterpieces (M17s) are available everywhere, but M35s are few and far between.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a 35 and it is one of the best little 22lrs made.

 

[vzenmn]

Regardless, that gun is supposed to go to your son or not having one, to a family member who can appreciate it's true value.

Thats exactly whats going to happen to it when I get to old to shoot safely.This thing has been in the family for over 50 years and with any hope, it will stay for another 100 and more . Besides, its the most accurate pistol I have.

The serial # is 236XX.