S&W M34-2

[Maj Dad]

I've always wanted a Smith 22, and just happened across this one on GB. I looked around a little (here and elsewhere), and $600 didn't seem grossly overpriced. The pistol looked nice, and since I'm trying to spend my kids inheritance one gun at a time (and they can deal with selling), I made a bid, and got it for the asking price, $599 + $26 priority mail, $25 for the FFL, so $650 total. I only bid the starting price with all this in mind, and I really didn't feel like it was too inflated, being a late model Gen 2 or 3 (whichever, no trigger lock, so not too young). Any thoughts? Telling me I was robbed isn't necessary - I tip waitresses a $100 bill all the time, so it's just not a big expense. Retired, divorced, no alimony, no debts - it's good to be the King...


https://www.gunbroker.com/item/853278156

 

[CharliesHammer]

Nice revolver, if all is as represented by the seller I think you did fine. Ought to be a lot of fun. It would be a very good price where I live.

 

[kscharlie]

I think you did OK on the price. I do hope you realize that the Model 34 is a J-frame revolver, meaning it is smaller and lighter than the S&W K-22 Masterpiece (Model 17) revolver. Nothing wrong with smaller and lighter, but they are a tad more difficult to shoot with a high degree of accuracy. Here are a couple of pics, one showing my Pre-34 with a K-22 and one with the Pre-34 next to my hand, for size comparison. At any rate, you will enjoy shooting that Model 34. They are fun. Enjoy it.

 

[ontarget]

I have a Taurus model 94 that is very similar to that. It's a 9 shot though. I really like it for a J frame size 22. I'm sure you will enjoy your new addition.

 

[Starter52]

$600 is the going price for these revolvers up north here. Folks like 'em. I rarely see a used one for sale.

 

[Fyrstyk]

I've had a 2" model 34 for over 30 years, and you could not give me enough money to part with it.

 

[Old Dog]

$600 is the going price for these revolvers up north here. Folks like 'em. I rarely see a used one for sale.

Same here. Last one I saw on the used gun counter at my neighborhood LGS, ticket was $700 -- and not nearly as clean as the OP's new one. Seems folks that's got one, keeps it, at least in the family.

 

[94045]

I've always wanted a Smith 22, and just happened across this one on GB. I looked around a little (here and elsewhere), and $600 didn't seem grossly overpriced. The pistol looked nice, and since I'm trying to spend my kids inheritance one gun at a time (and they can deal with selling), I made a bid, and got it for the asking price, $599 + $26 priority mail, $25 for the FFL, so $650 total. I only bid the starting price with all this in mind, and I really didn't feel like it was too inflated, being a late model Gen 2 or 3 (whichever, no trigger lock, so not too young). Any thoughts? Telling me I was robbed isn't necessary - I tip waitresses a $100 bill all the time, so it's just not a big expense. Retired, divorced, no alimony, no debts - it's good to be the King...


https://www.gunbroker.com/item/853278156

I'm available for adoption....

 

[JERRY]

retired major's pay you can afford it. happy shooting.

 

[bannockburn]

Maj Dad

Found this one some years back at the local gun shop and bought it for my wife. It was LNIB with all of the paperwork. She didn't care for the factory grips so I got her a Hogue Monogrip in Goncalo Alves which she liked a whole lot more. Very reliable and certainly accurate enough but definitely not the same smooth and light trigger that you would find on a S&W Model 17. Still for the money it was an excellent buy and I would say the same about your Model 34!

 

[Maj Dad]

Thanks, guys - validated my suspicion that it was a good buy. I knew it was smaller than the K frame, and that was one reason I liked it - I've had several K frame target pistols over the years, during the waning years of the center fire pistol matches, and a couple of J's (36's & a 642). This one I plan on plinking in the woods & swamps around me, along with my old Ruger Std Auto I bought new in '68 for around $40.

 

[Armybrat]

They are one of the best .22 revolvers ever made. Gave mine to my oldest grandson on his 16th birthday many years ago. Recently gave another grandson my Model 63 for his 16th.

 

[sparkyv]

They are great kit guns.
MIne's a 63, my son's a 34.

 

[Jonesy814]

I think you did fine on that model 34. Pretty much in the lower half of the expected price range. Those diamond center stock are probably original to the gun and in nice shape. The diamond was deleted in 1967. I also notice the cylinder release is the older flat latch style. I believe they quit using that style in the early 60's.
Very nice kit gun. I bought one at a gun show about 18 months ago, marked Pre-34. I traded a Browning Buck Mark I had $300 invested in, and $205.
Got it home and something didn't seem right. The barrel measured 3.5 inches instead of 4" . Got out a magnet and sure enough, I had the airweight version, or a Pre-35. Here is mine, built in 55-56

 

[kscharlie]

...Got it home and something didn't seem right. The barrel measured 3.5 inches instead of 4" . Got out a magnet and sure enough, I had the airweight version, or a Pre-35. Here is mine, built in 55-56

Just a minor point of clarification, your Model 1955 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight became the Model 43. The Model 35 was the descendant of the Model 1953 .22/32 Target, which had a 6" barrel.

 

[Jonesy814]

Just a minor point of clarification, your Model 1955 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight became the Model 43. The Model 35 was the descendant of the Model 1953 .22/32 Target, which had a 6" barrel.

Yep, you are correct. My fingers were typing faster than my brain was thinking

 

[tbob38]

Very nice revolver!

 

[Maj Dad]

Well, I corresponded with 2 members of the S&W Collectors Assn and S&W Historical Foundation, and it is not a 34-2 but a .22/32 Kit Gun, mfg ~1956-57. I didn't notice and failed to mention that the number 342 (no spaces, no dash) which the dealer interpreted as a Mod 34-2 is on the frame and also on the bottom of the crane - assembly numbers. As I said, it is just about pristine save for a faint cylinder ring, and I think I just received an early Golden Egg from the Easter Bunny...

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Neato!

I kick myself regularly for passing on a clean $500 example awhile back......but then I found a minty 17 just after that, so all is well.