Smith & Wesson S&W 34-1 1953 22/32 Kit Gun 4″ .22 LR Revolver, MFD 1966 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,175
LSB#: 191211TA03
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 34-1 The Model of 1953 .22 Kit Gun
Serial Number: 102452
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action or Double Action Revolver with 6 Round Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The yoke cut is marked “MOD / 34-1”. The right side of the frame is marked with the 4 Line “Marcas Registradas” address. The right side of the barrel is marked “.22 LONG RIFLE CTG.”. The butt is marked “102452”, the underside of the ejector star is marked “102452” and the inside of the right grip panel is stamped “102452”. The sides of the grip frame and the yoke have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: The ribbed and pinned barrel is 4” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat topped square notched target sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is screwed to the top strap. The top barrel rib and the long base of the rear sight are serrated and have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons on a round butt grip frame that have S&W medallions at the tops. There is some minor verdigris at the medallions and escutcheons. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a faint turn-line. The trigger and hammer show minor operational wear in otherwise strong case color. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The barrel on this revolver is pinned. The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has almost no play on all six chambers. The double action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece blue cardboard S&W box with metal reinforced corners, serial-matching label, wax paper, and cleaning accessories including bore brush, jag, rod and grooved-alloy handle screwdriver. The box has scattered light storage wear, in about Very Good-Fine condition. The cleaning accessories show signs of use. Also included is a receipt and exchange stamp for the purchase of a handgun in December 1966 at Maxwell Air Force Base Exchange and a hand-written Christmas card indicating gift of the revolver from the purchaser. Please see photos for the receipts and Christmas card.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 34-1 Model of 1953 .22 Kit Gun with a 4” barrel and a blue finish. The revolver has adjustable target sights and a pinned barre. The revolver is in about Excellent condition with about 98% of its original metal finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. With its adjustable sights and longer 4” barrel, it will be great for plinking and varmint control. That said, in its high condition and with its original box, this is going to interest the Smith collectors, too. Included is what appears to be the original purchase receipt from the Maxwell Air Force Base Exchange and a card which suggests this revolver was purchased as a gift in 1966, giving some interesting history to this revolver for collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!