Smith & Wesson 34-1 at LGS

[LonesomePigeon]

I saw a gun today, it was a Smith & Wesson Model 34-1 .22lr. I have mostly reproduction Colt style single action revolvers, mostly percussion and a few cartridge. I know nothing about double action revolvers or S&W's except that this was a neat little gun. I have looked up prices and I think the gun shop is asking a fair price.

My main questions are, is this a durable gun that I can shoot a lot? Not like a knock around gun but one that I can at least take to the range and shoot once or twice a month? If it did break, are there plenty of people who can fix them and are parts available?

Last question, it just says .22 long rifle on the barrel, would it be okay to shoot .22 short with it?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You you can shoot .22lr, .22 long and .22 shorts in your revolver.

The M34 is built on a slightly larger J frame than the original made on the I frame. Your children and grandchildren will be shooting that gun its so durable. The .22 does not stress a revolver much if at all. That is an old gun since production ended in 1991. You were lucky to find it IMO.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

You are highly unlikely to wear out or break that M34 short of actual abuse, such as throwing it down or spinning the cylinder and flicking it shut. It is an excellent, durable gun which will last many generations with a modicum of care.

You can shoot shorts in it, but a carbon ring will form in the cylinder charge holes which may make insertion and extraction of longer cartridges difficult until the carbon is scrubbed out.

 

[bannockburn]

LonesomePigeon

Definitely a "buy" if the price is right for you. Was looking for a nice .22 revolver for my wife's first gun when I came across this LNIB Model 34 at my local gun emporium. A friend of mine worked there and set this one aside as he knew of my interest in all things S&W! The price was extremely inviting and I went home with a great gun for my wife.

 

[Tallball]

It's a good one. Any reasonably capable person can keep it functioning for decades with no problems.

 

[LonesomePigeon]

Thanks for the info. If I get it I will post pics.

 

[Pat Riot]

"If"? Did he say "if"?

I would definitely jump on that gun if I came across one.

 

[Fyrstyk]

I love my model 34. Have had it for 40+ years with no issues. A great day pack gun.

 

[Riomouse911]

I joined the S&W “.22/.32 kit gun” club late, buying my 4” 34 no dash just last year. In my brief time owning and shooting it the gun has been flawless and fun to bring out. I couldn’t ask for more.



When you bring it home, show us what it look like and how it shoots for you.

Stay safe.

 

[ThomasT]

Why are you still posting? Get off the computer and go buy that gun. The price doesn't matter. In just a couple of years its value will increase. So get it already.

I have a 34-1 Flat Latch I paid $250 OTD for it about 15 years ago IIRC. and it shoots like a laser. Everytime I take it out I am amazed at how easy it is to hit small rocks, golf balls and anything else I point it at. Its just an amazing gun. I think mine was made around 1960 or so. I looked like it was shot a lot before I bought it. And I have shot many rounds through it and it has held up just fine. Maybe in another 60 years or so it will be wore out. But I doubt it.

 

[geologist]

 

[ArkieVol]

The Mod 34 is known as the “Model of 1953 22/32 Kit Gun” in 2” and 4” barrels, square or round butt. It was introduced in 1953 in the S&W I frame and intended as a take-along gun for your fishing tackle box or hiking “kit” gun. The frame was changed to the slightly larger J frame in 1960 and was discontinued in 1991. Fine quality gun that will outlive your grandchildren with proper care.

 

[natman]

I saw a gun today, it was a Smith & Wesson Model 34-1 .22lr. I have mostly reproduction Colt style single action revolvers, mostly percussion and a few cartridge. I know nothing about double action revolvers or S&W's except that this was a neat little gun. I have looked up prices and I think the gun shop is asking a fair price.

My main questions are, is this a durable gun that I can shoot a lot? Not like a knock around gun but one that I can at least take to the range and shoot once or twice a month? If it did break, are there plenty of people who can fix them and are parts available?

Last question, it just says .22 long rifle on the barrel, would it be okay to shoot .22 short with it?

The 34-1 was built on the J frame, earlier 34s were built on the slightly shorter I frame. It's a quality gun, you can shoot it as much as you want. You can shoot 22 shorts out of it. If you shoot a lot, you might build up a carbon ring that would keep 22LRs from chambering, but cleaning will prevent / fix that.

 

[LonesomePigeon]

Alright, I am convinced. I went back and bought it. It's being held in California's 10 day waiting period now. I will show pics when I get it.
By the way, it comes with the original box and accessories too. I am pretty sure it has been fired but it's been well cared for.

 

[DR505]

The box and accessories add quite a bit to the value of the revolver, especially for a collector.

 

[mnrivrat]

A late friend of mine had 5 Model 34's. He always was buying .22 ammunition by the case. It was family entertainment and they shot thousand of rounds through those guns with no problems. Since he had 5 of them I always bugged him to sell me one. He just smiled and said no. Nothing to worry about - buy it while you have a chance.

 

[BlueHeelerFl]

Alright, I am convinced. I went back and bought it. It's being held in California's 10 day waiting period now. I will show pics when I get it.
By the way, it comes with the original box and accessories too. I am pretty sure it has been fired but it's been well cared for.

Congrats! That is a great gun! I have a model 63 which is the stainless steel version of the 34 and I love it.

I've owned it for about 20 years and it's one of the guns I will never sell or trade away

 

[Rubone]

I just added this 34-1 to my J frame collection. You can't go wrong!