- If its an actual 39 (not 39-2), it would be a steel frame while the 39-2 model has an aluminum frame. The steel framed models are more valuable than the alloy frames. Heres some info from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson book: 'This is the first commercial 9mm double-action auto manufactured in the U.S. With 927 steel frams made c.
- Smith and Wesson Serial Number Date of Manufacture J Frame Revolver Lookup. For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions. 1950 = start at 1 1952 = 7369 - = = 55050 - = 117770 - 1 = starts at 2 = ends at 786544 J serial Prefix serial numbers. For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.
- Smith And Wesson Model 39 Steel Frame Serial Numbers
- Smith And Wesson Model 39 Steel Frame Serial Numbers Identification
| Smith and Wesson Model 34 Kit Gun | |
|---|---|
| Type | Revolver, Kit gun |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith and Wesson |
| Produced | 1958 - 1991 |
| Variants | Model 43, Model 51, Model 63, Model 317 |
| Specifications | |
| Barrel length | 4 inch |
| Cartridge | .22 Long Rifle |
| Action | Double-action |
| Feed system | 6 shot |
| Sights | Target sights |
However, S&W made 927 steel frame Model 39s in the mid 1950s. They didn't assemble or sell any of these until 1966 plus the steel frame Model 39s fall into three different serial number ranges. That is why Smith & Wesson collectors 'never say never' when asked if S&W ever made a certain configuration or variation.
The Smith & Wesson Model 34 Kit Gun is a small, 6-shot, .22 Long Rifle, double-action revolver made by Smith & Wesson. It came with a 4-inch barrel and has adjustable-sights. It was designed to be easily packed in a hunting or fishing 'kit' for small game hunting, plinking, pest control and self defense.
History[edit]
In 1911, the Kit Gun line began as the 22/32 an I-Frame, .22LR, 6-shot revolver. These are sometimes called the 'pre-war' models.[1] In 1953, an improved model was introduced, the '22/32 Kit Gun, Model of 1953”. In 1958, Smith and Wesson renamed it the Model 34. This production line continued till 1960, when it was redesigned using the slightly larger J-frame and marketed as the model 34–1.[1] The Model 34 continued to be manufactured until 1991.[1]
The Smith & Wesson Target Model 1953 (AKA: Model 35) is a 6' barrel .22LR target revolver also based on the 22/32 model.[2] The rear sight was adjustable for both elevation and windage, the front sight had a distinctive T shaped blade. Manufacture began in 1953, and it was discontinued in 1974.[2][3]
Smith And Wesson Model 39 Steel Frame Serial Numbers
In 1955, the Model 43 Airweight with an aluminum alloy frame was introduced. In 1960, a .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire version, the Model 51, was introduced. The Model 43 and 51 were discontinued in 1974. A stainless steel version, the Model 63 Kit Gun, was released in 1977. In 1983, the stainless steel Model 650 in .22 WMR was introduced. The 6-shot Model 63 was replaced by an 8-shot version in 1997.
In 1997, Smith & Wesson also introduced the new 8-shot Model 317 AirLite Kit Gun, and the later the .38 Special Model 337 AirLite Kit Gun, and a .44 Special Model 396 AirLite Mountain Lite Kit Gun. All are made of aluminum alloy frames and cylinders made of titanium (except the Model 317, whose cylinder is aluminum). Their aluminum barrels have a stainless steel liner.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ abchttp://www.ogca.com/Legendary%20Kit%20Gun.pdf HISTORY OF THE LEDGENDARY [sic] SMITH & WESSON KIT GUN ** The Most Perfect Revolver Ever Designed ** by Tom Clapper
- ^ abThe Gun Digest Book of Guns for Personal Defense: Arms & Accessories for ...
- ^Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson - Jim Supica, Richard Nahas
http://www.smith-wesson.comGuns Magazine, Oct, 2000http://www.gunblast.com
Smith And Wesson Model 39 Steel Frame Serial Numbers Identification
What comes to mind for me without knowing more about what you seek:
--post pictures for us and give us a serial number or at least a partial serial number
--if it is not in great condition (as you eluded with very little info), then it's value is certainly smacked hard... however, if it is absolutely a steel frame Model 39 then it's value starts higher than most S&W pistols so there is absolutely some value left, almost no matter how poorly it has been cared for
--they only made a small number of steel frame Model 39's before they went to the alloy frame
--they also changed the extractor design when they went to the 39-2, which makes both the top half of an original 39 and the lower half sought after, simply for parts
--there are not a lot of really very good arguments for shooting these particular pistols simply due to their age, scarcity and value (and parts value) HOWEVER, one in somewhat worn or beat-up or poorly cared-for condition again has value for the folks who have better ones and YET wish to have one they can actually shoot
Your next post may very well ask 'oh yeah, how much?!' and that will be VERY difficult to answer without pictures... and even then, not quite so cut and dried.
For most intents and purpose (not all), it will not be the best choice for you to load & fire this pistol without knowing more and having a better idea of what you wish to do with it.
And, just to add:
If you find the pistol extremely interesting and you would love to have one that is similar to shoot and enjoy without worrying about value, parts breakage, etc etc, the Model 39-2 that replaced the Model 39 was produced in great volume and is a fantastic pistol that damn near everyone loves. And when they make a very good pistol AND everyone loves it enough so they produce a lot of them, finding used ones is a fun game because the sheer volume of them available keeps the price from getting too obnoxious. Usually. Less today in 2015 than 3 or 5 or 10 years ago.