My favorites
Mine are an 80s era M63 and a flat-latch M34-1. Both are wonderful shooters, and are probably the most practical revolvers that I own.
The M63, designed later, is hardly a clone of the M34, with heavier, wider barrel rib and a more modern front sight, and a smooth target style trigger. These slight changes aid in shootability, for me. I wouldn't swear that there is any weight difference, but the balance feels better to me, for whatever reason.
Mine both have Herrretts shooting star grips. Those on the M63, with nice quality walnut and wrap around hand checkering, are older and of much higher quality than the set on the M34. The older Herretts are a good fit for the kit guns, feeling much like full size grips on these small revolvers, and they are still relatively affordable.
Like Charles mentioned, mine give up nothing to my K22s, shooting just as well assuming I do my part.
My kids and wife claim the M63 at the range and afield. I shouldn't have, but sent my third Kit Gun to someone on the old board.
I believe the M63 is back in production as a seven-shooter. I would look at those if I didn't mind modern refinements. Otherwise, I would search high and low for a M63 and wouldn't batt an eyelash if I found a nice one under $700. They are worth it, in my opinion, considering how much and how well I shoot mine, and how inexpensive the ammo is.
Complete thread:
- .22 Smith Kit Gun (J-frame .22s, anyone?) -
AaronB,
2012-10-02, 15:13
- .22 Smith Kit Gun (J-frame .22s, anyone?) - cubrock, 2012-10-02, 15:15
- I have one I have with me all the time that I got from some - Hobie, 2012-10-02, 15:29
- .22 Smith Kit Gun (J-frame .22s, anyone?) -
Charles,
2012-10-02, 15:32
- S&W still makes model 63's - CJM, 2012-10-03, 20:02
- my 34-1 1 7/8ths"bbl is only never-sell gun....nt -
passin' by,
2012-10-02, 15:44
- Yeah . . . me, too. - Kentucky, 2012-10-03, 11:38
- My favorites -
brionic,
2012-10-02, 16:43
- My favorites -
AkRay,
2012-10-02, 20:01
- Ha! I'm out of touch with real world prices then -
brionic,
2012-10-02, 21:28
- I don't think AK is real world when it comes to gun prices - AkRay, 2012-10-03, 17:06
- Ha! I'm out of touch with real world prices then -
brionic,
2012-10-02, 21:28
- My favorites -
AkRay,
2012-10-02, 20:01
- The I-frame .32 S&W Long.... -
Glen,
2012-10-02, 18:34
- Look at my post above...... - Otony, 2012-10-03, 09:35
- My 4 inch M-34 is my favorite 22 of all time. - MR, 2012-10-02, 18:57
- .22 Smith Kit Gun ,,,,consider the model 43 - cable, 2012-10-02, 20:49
- Early SS Mod 63 - no dash, 4". - John Meeker, 2012-10-03, 20:37
- .22 Smith Kit Gun (J-frame .22s, anyone?) - Warhawk, 2012-10-05, 14:48