Henry Rifle Forums

One of the reasons I bought this 50s vintage S&W 22/32, 22 LR revolver, later known as the Model 34 or just the S&W Kit gun was to have a J frame for practice shooting, since I also carry a J frame in 38 Special.




The beauty of these legendary S&W Kit guns is their superb trigger. The trigger on this one compares to a match target revolver. Little wonder, then, that this legendary 22 revolver has such a rep for accuracy.

As I've posted before, Aguila Colibri is pretty dismal as far as accuracy, but it is quiet enough for back yard shooting with a revolver, so I use it. Nothing beats being able to walk out the door and shoot such a classic Smith.

And the little Kit gun does pretty well, despite the low grade ammo. Had to raise the elevation to the max to be able to use a six o'clock hold at 12 yards, given the very low velocity, but it worked. Two thirds of the session were shot in SA, with the remaining third in DA.


Oh yeah, this S&W Kit Gun is a lot more than just a practice gun. It would be a very capable 22 revolver for squirrel or rabbit or varmints. Will take it to the range some time and see what it can do with match ammo out there at 25 yards.

Outstanding. I love my revolvers. My favorite in my 22s is the 1980 Colt Diamondback. Tens of thousands of rounds over the years in practice for myself, then teaching the four kids to shoot.

As a young Marine, the first house I bought was near a Weyerhaeuser Forestry Acreage. Thousands of acres of pines. They had fire break roads with eight foot water filled ditches on either sides surrounding each plot. Something about filling a pocket with 22lr rounds and walking along a dirt roads and shooting targets of opportunity in the ditch line all those years ago. Cans, floating sticks, bubbles of foam in the water. Not hard to improve your aim shooting down into the water from ten feet up on the roadway. You knew the rounds weren't going anywhere, and plenty to shoot at. The little Ruger Single Six was also a partner on those long walks in the woods.

Always love to see a classic at work. So wonderful you were able to get the original box with the revolver. Nice work with the sub performance ammo.

Thanks, guys.

Marine, that brings back some great memories. In my younger days, I used to walk along the creek, plinking with my first Single Six. It would have been this version, a 6 1/2"barreled Standard Single Six.

And by the way, I should point out that this 22/32 Kit gun is technically not a J frame. The earlier 22/32 Kit guns were actually built on the slightly smaller I frame though you'd never notice the difference when in your hand. The best way to see the difference is on the top strap length, as seen in this pic with my I frame Kit gun on the top over my later J frame.


S&W changed to the J frame for the Kit gun in 1960 and by then the 22/32 had been renamed to the Model 34-1.

I agree. Very nice shooting with those Colibris. They are tough.
That is a very nice example of a pre 34.

For sure, a classic vintage Smith. Thanks, Dave.

The Single Six is more to my liking.

Gene, I am much more emotionally attached to my single actions and, especially, my Single Sixes. In fact, I can't go too long without shooting a Single Six without getting grouchy. No kidding.

That said, I highly respect and enjoy quality double actions and vintage Smiths are all of that.

North Country Gal wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:55 pm

Gene, I am much more emotionally attached to my single actions and, especially, my Single Sixes. In fact, I can't go too long without shooting a Single Six without getting grouchy. No kidding.

That said, I highly respect and enjoy quality double actions and vintage Smiths are all of that.

I have a few DAs myself.