S&W Model 34 .22

[dalv]

Guys,

Looking at a couple Model 34's at my local gun shop.
(1) 5 digit serial number 22xxx shows wear on the cylinder - somewhat stiff trigger but works nice. Cylinder swings out nice and smooth and little if any headspace play.

(2) Newer 662xxx number, less wear and $50 cheaper than # 1. It is my choice other than the cylinder is tough to release. Appears the lock releases but cylinder "catches" when attempting to swing out. Not a big deal and might just need a good cleaning. Trigger is much smoother than #1 and seems like a great little shooter.

Couple questions: Is this a sign of bigger problems? Can most gunsmiths repair? Will S&W shop work on this old of a gun?

My thought is to send back to S&W for service and tune up as I hear good things about their performance shop. Don't want to rack up a lot additional cost but compared to a new 617 @ $900+ it seems like a good deal.

Read some good reviews on this model .22. Looking for a plinker to add to my 63 snubbie with the 4" barrel for better sight picture.

Thoughts?

 

[Bill B.]

Just my thoughts but I would have to buy any revolver at a discount that I was thinking I might have to send back to the maker be it S&W or whomever. With shipping cost & S&W minimum cost I would think you are going to be looking at roughly $125.00. Only recently I saw a S&W 63 4 in. sell on the S&W forum that appeared to be perfect for $450.00. I recently bought a S&W 34 2" with about 85% blue with 100% mechanics for $300.00. Somewhere between the 2 prices should be where you should score a good serviceable M34 not needing any work IMO. Best of luck!

 

[springwalk]

It may just need a good cleaning or lube as my 30 year old new in box 34 was not very responsive in rotating the cylinder. I lubed it and it spun like a top. The nice thing about that gun I had was that it was nickle and cleaned up with metal cleaner looking new again with no cylinder drag marks. Nice kit guns, better than anything Smith makes today.

 

[Radagast]

Gun number 1 is from 1955 to 1959, if it is stamped Model 34 then 1957 to 1959.
Gun number 2 I am going to assume is serial number 662xx, not 662xxx as they didn't go that high. If so then its from 1960.

Check that the extractor rod is not loose, as this is a common cause for difficulties in opening the cylinder. IIRC its a reverse thread so don't force it.

Also look under the extractor star to make sure there isn't any powder residue preventing it from inserting fully. This is also a common cause of sticking cylinders.
If neither of these is the problem then I would pass on purchasing it.

 

[rcmodel]

Odds are neither one has been properly lubed since they left the factory.
Odds are also neither one has any serious problem's.
Cleaning & oil may be all they need.

And I second the suggestions to check for a loose extractor rod, or dirt or flakes of powder under the ratchet star.

I would also look at the hard opening one and check for a bent crane or extractor rod.
See if the gap is tight at the crane / frame joint when it is closed. If there is a noticeable large gap, somebody was playing Humphrey Bogart and slamming the cylinder open and closed with a flick of the wrest.

Then spin the cylinder with it open and see if the end of the rod wobbles from being bent.

If you find either problem, either pass, or plan on an expense paid trip back to the mothership.

rc