jumpinjoe
Hellcat
I've just ran into what I think is a very good deal on an S&W .22/32 'Kit gun' ...... a mod 34-1 in an almost never fired condition. I know the pre '58 models are the better ones, and those even earlier are most prized. But I also know even the -1's are pretty sought after.
This particular one is pristine .... if I had to give it a rating it would have to be in the 95%-98% bracket. According to the story (I have no reason to doubt knowing the source) it had one cylinder full fired through it when it was first bought in early 1975, then put up for safe keeping and if needed. The bluing is perfect, there's no holster or other wear on the blue at all, even the varnish or whatever finish on the grips is not scarred or scratched.
It's still in the original box, with the original cleaning tools in the little plastic bag, the owner's pamphlet, original guarantee card, and it even includes the original "Permit to Purchase" approved by the Twnshp Sheriff and apparently required in the state of purchase at the time. Even the corners and edges of the box show no wear other than a little dimming from age. On the end of the box is stamped '22/32 KIT GUN, BLUE FINISH, MODEL 34, 2-INCH BARREL, ROUND BUTT', and on the other end of the box is the glued on label with the basics of the gun such as model #, inspector ID, bbl length, finish, and 1st 3 characters of the serial#.
Now y'all know I'm not a S&W 'real' fan and lean much more towards Colts, but this is just too good to pass up I'm thinking. What I'd like is for one, or some of you S&W gurus to give me an opinion on the value, and an educated response to the date of mfg with the serial# of M46xxx. The last 3 digits are very low numbered, and note it's only a 6 character number.
I know the only real way to judge a value is to see it, hold it, caress it, etc for yourself. But know that I am a pretty fair judge of what to look for and base the value of revolvers on, and this one is as good as any 'used' gun I've ever had in my hand. And to note it includes all the provenance is very unusual for a 46+ yr old gun that has been fired 6 times.
So, how 'bout it you S&W gurus. Let me hear you !!! And thanks !!!
This particular one is pristine .... if I had to give it a rating it would have to be in the 95%-98% bracket. According to the story (I have no reason to doubt knowing the source) it had one cylinder full fired through it when it was first bought in early 1975, then put up for safe keeping and if needed. The bluing is perfect, there's no holster or other wear on the blue at all, even the varnish or whatever finish on the grips is not scarred or scratched.
It's still in the original box, with the original cleaning tools in the little plastic bag, the owner's pamphlet, original guarantee card, and it even includes the original "Permit to Purchase" approved by the Twnshp Sheriff and apparently required in the state of purchase at the time. Even the corners and edges of the box show no wear other than a little dimming from age. On the end of the box is stamped '22/32 KIT GUN, BLUE FINISH, MODEL 34, 2-INCH BARREL, ROUND BUTT', and on the other end of the box is the glued on label with the basics of the gun such as model #, inspector ID, bbl length, finish, and 1st 3 characters of the serial#.
Now y'all know I'm not a S&W 'real' fan and lean much more towards Colts, but this is just too good to pass up I'm thinking. What I'd like is for one, or some of you S&W gurus to give me an opinion on the value, and an educated response to the date of mfg with the serial# of M46xxx. The last 3 digits are very low numbered, and note it's only a 6 character number.
I know the only real way to judge a value is to see it, hold it, caress it, etc for yourself. But know that I am a pretty fair judge of what to look for and base the value of revolvers on, and this one is as good as any 'used' gun I've ever had in my hand. And to note it includes all the provenance is very unusual for a 46+ yr old gun that has been fired 6 times.
So, how 'bout it you S&W gurus. Let me hear you !!! And thanks !!!
