Small Revolvers used as Kit Guns

[chicharrones]

Here is my kit gun .

It was a 4” Taurus 94 that looked like it was in the bottom of a jon boat for the last 5 years. After cleaning it, I found it was very accurate.

I cut the barrel down with a hacksaw then polished the muzzle. I did not crown it and it is still better looking that the factory crown.

I did this so it will fit in my pocket when bow hunting/woods bumming. I frequently have squirrels 6-10’ away from me while hunting, and I like eating squirrels. $20 per arrow is too much for a squirrel... but a 22 short is cheap and quiet.
. . .
I like “kit guns”. I spend a lot of time on USFS land.

Good save and mod on that Taurus.

 

[chicharrones]

Guns in my safe that qualify as having kit gun potential...
Phoenix hp22
Mauser 1914 32acp
Glock 42
Arminius HW3 22lr snub
S&W 30-1 32swl 3”
S&W safety hammerless 38sw 3”
Taurus m327 327fm 2”
RG 32swl 2”
S&W 10-6 4” (big but not too big)

and today’s acquisitions which will be here soon...
S&W safety hammerless 32sw
S&W baby Russian 38sw
Charter Undercover 38spl
Miroku Liberty Chief 38spl

Maybe I need to put together a kit...or ten...

I sure would like to see some pics of the revolvers you mention.

 

[WestKentucky]

I sure would like to see some pics of the revolvers you mention.

I’m planning several pictures when the new arrivals show up... I might even get out the good camera

 

[Steel Hayes]

When it comes to kit guns, mine are the H&R’s.
Anything for the back forty the I feel comfortable with what they were designed for, pocket defense.

 

[chicharrones]

I do actually have an H&R 999, but it's got the 6" barrel, and would be a bit unwieldy for a hiking pistol. It's not a small revolver once holstered - think a Single Six with equivalent barrel length. Now, a 3" version would be pretty alright (which H&R offered from 1935-1941, per B. Goforth), especially with the Defender-style grips. Pictured is the 925 (in .38 S&W) with the style setup I'm talking about. Unfortunately, they never produced quite this setup...

I pulled out my 999 for comparison. 6" barrel versus 3" barrels. From left to right: 23 oz., 34 oz., and 19 oz. on my electronic kitchen scale.

View attachment 907175

 

[Blkhrt13]

P

Here is my kit gun .

It was a 4” Taurus 94 that looked like it was in the bottom of a jon boat for the last 5 years. After cleaning it, I found it was very accurate.

I cut the barrel down with a hacksaw then polished the muzzle. I did not crown it and it is still better looking that the factory crown.

I did this so it will fit in my pocket when bow hunting/woods bumming. I frequently have squirrels 6-10’ away from me while hunting, and I like eating squirrels. $20 per arrow is too much for a squirrel... but a 22 short is cheap and quiet.

My IDEAL kit gun was a 4” SP101 .357. I had it for a year or so. It was very accurate with 357s but the barrel was very poorly made/chattered. It leaded badly with WC and SWC. I sold it after Ruger said it was in spec. It could be carried IWB in town and carried like a large knife on the belt. With WC it was fine for rabbits and could take a deer if needed.


I like “kit guns”. I spend a lot of time on USFS land.

I’d have left a lil more barrel on it. But it has a rustic look that’s pleasing to me

 

[Meeks36]

Closest I've ever had to a kit gun would be my Glock 27. Popped a few water moccasins. And felt better having 10 rounds of .40 in bear country. Never saw one. Heard one in front of my house and saw some decent sized tracks.

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

Another Bobcat memory is dirt biking. I had a Kawasaki KDX200 from age 26 to 33. I had a dirtbike specific tool/canteen belt that I cut open one of the two plastic canteens to hold that Bobcat. I'd go out for a ride in the woods and when I'd take a break I'd pull out that Bobcat for some plinking. I'd have done exactly the same with a kit gun sized revolver if I had one back then.

Good save and mod on that Taurus.

Ive done this on bth my Taurus 94s and am happy;

“Finally found the right combo of springs for my Taurus 94 revolvers. wolff 6.5 lb trigger return spring for model 85 and wolff 12 lb hammer spring for model 66 (cut to stock length). This gives approx 9 lb double action pull and a beautiful 2.25 lb single action pull, all with positive ignition using cci,agila,federal,remington, and armscor ammo.”

 

[Geldarr]

Here's the INA "Tiger" I mentioned previously. Nice fit and finish overall, and a darn close copy of the S&W 31. Going to try to grab a grip adapter for it when I can, and then I should be all set.



Again, it's in .32 S&W Long, but it'll do.

 

[Terry G]

Wow! Thats crazy. I had a French MAS 1935A in 32 French Long. I finally found a magazine for it but could never find ammo. Finally in disgust I took it to the GS and sold it cheap just to get it out of my life. Cool gun though with pretty good ballistics. Like lower level 32 mags in power.

These French 1935A's were hot on the surplus market back in the late '60's. A lot of Soldiers who had order's to Viet Nam bought them as "Just in case" guns. Unfortunately, while ammunition was plentiful for a while, once it was gone, it was GONE. I wonder what happened to all those guns.

 

[Terry G]

I bought a Taurus old model 94 at a gun show and carried it as a kit gun for many years. I put a lot of rounds through it and the little bugger is accurate and reliable. I carried the H&R Model 999 Deluxe too, but really out of the Kit Gun class. I would say of the modern gun's I own the SR22 would fit in the Kit Gun class, but we're toking mainly revolvers here. Here are some of my "Old" .22's. I've added a few as the years went by. The little Bersa M23 probably would qualify.

 

[chicharrones]

Here's the INA "Tiger" I mentioned previously. Nice fit and finish overall, and a darn close copy of the S&W 31. Going to try to grab a grip adapter for it when I can, and then I should be all set.

View attachment 908737

Again, it's in .32 S&W Long, but it'll do.

That's in great condition, Geldarr.

 

[Geldarr]

That's in great condition, Geldarr.

I don't think it had ever been fired before I got it for a song ($140) at a local shop. The turn line on the cylinder is all me! I guess largely unknown name (Industria Nacional de Armas, Brazil) combined with the less "desirable" caliber equaled a deal for me. I like it lots.

 

[Rexster]

If revolvers chambered in the .32 H&R can count, in this Kit Gun category, I will mention my 2” S&W Model 632 and 4” Ruger SP101. Actually, with my hands not aging very well, especially my right thumb and wrist, these may be promoted to regular concealed-carry status, with the foreseeable future.

My S&W Model 17-4 shoots .22 LR, but is probably a bit large for “Kit” status.

 

[JERRY]

some small revolvers....

 

[chicharrones]

some small revolvers....

Looks like you have some kit gun contenders in there, Jerry.

 

[JERRY]

Looks like you have some kit gun contenders in there, Jerry.

Thanks. I no longer have the 4" model 63. the D/A trigger was just too poor for me to bother with keeping so I traded it off. I simply cannot endear a gun just because others pay twice its worth; it has to be really good functionally for me or it goes.... I got one because I had a jonsi'n for a 2" model 34 but couldn't find one sub $700 so I got the 63. I was not impressed with it.

 

[chicharrones]

Thanks. I no longer have the 4" model 63. the D/A trigger was just too poor for me to bother with keeping so I traded it off. I simply cannot endear a gun just because others pay twice its worth; it has to be really good functionally for me or it goes.... I got one because I had a jonsi'n for a 2" model 34 but couldn't find one sub $700 so I got the 63. I was not impressed with it.

Sorry to hear about the trigger on the 63!

 

[JERRY]

Sorry to hear about the trigger on the 63!

its been the case with every J frame rimfire I've tried.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

Mmm. My thinking of a kit gun in .22LR would be a Ruger SP101 in .22LR.

A favored well-wishing is one of those Uberti Old West Defense. Not so hot for defense, but great as a kit gun, if it had adjustable sights

 

[Rodfac]

Here's an oldie left to me by an uncle when he passed. He was a gate guard at Bethleham Steel in Buffalo NY and carried this Colt Police Positive in .38 S&W for 35 years. The gun weighs ~21 oz unloaded and has lost none of its accuracy over the years. The group shown was shot with 70 yr old ammunition & 71 yo eyes! Best Regards, Rod

 

[chicharrones]

Here's an oldie left to me by an uncle when he passed. He was a gate guard at Bethleham Steel in Buffalo NY and carried this Colt Police Positive in .38 S&W for 35 years. The gun weighs ~21 oz unloaded and has lost none of its accuracy over the years. The group shown was shot with 70 yr old ammunition! Best Regards, Rod

View attachment 909913

A classic beauty! Do you know what year or decade it is from?

 

[JERRY]

Here's an oldie left to me by an uncle when he passed. He was a gate guard at Bethleham Steel in Buffalo NY and carried this Colt Police Positive in .38 S&W for 35 years. The gun weighs ~21 oz unloaded and has lost none of its accuracy over the years. The group shown was shot with 70 yr old ammunition! Best Regards, Rod

View attachment 909913

that town along with many in the region died when Bethlehem did. beautiful gun. I count only 4 holes but six fired?

 

[chicharrones]

that town along with many in the region died when Bethlehem did. beautiful gun. I count only 4 holes but six fired?

I see at least two shots went through the lower left hole. If three made it through, that would be amazing.

 

[Biblethumpncop]

Charter Arms makes the mid-sized Bulldog frame in a 3" seven shot 32 mag called the Professional. I have only seen it with fixed sights, until today. I found an internet post with this picture which had adjustable sights. I sent an email to the Factory to see if I could order one. I don't know if they still make them like that or if it was every a production gun.

It should be the same size as a Detective Special or SP101.