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Kit gun question

toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
edited November 2013 in Ask the Experts
Why is the S&W model 51 called a kit gun? Is it just a scaled down version or is there more to it? Thanks.

Todd
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Comments

  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    We have some hardcore S&W guys here so I hate to even open my mouth but I'll take a shot: I believe that the Model 51 is simply the .22 MRF version of the older 22/32 Kit Gun, which was later known as the Model 43. Since it is basically the same gun it is also called a kit gun. If I am wrong then you guys can let me have it!
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A kit gun was a small revolver meant to go in your "kit" or your backpack/ saddlebag for taking along in the outdoors. For pest control, getting meat for the cook pot, or for self-defense, or just putzing around. Anything along those lines.
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  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The 22/32 I shot was model 34 and had kitgun on the box. IIRC thay made a stainless version.
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  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    So did they come in a multi caliber set up?

    quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
    The 22/32 I shot was model 34 and had kitgun on the box. IIRC thay made a stainless version.
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,083 ******
    edited November -1
    Multi-caliber?

    IIRC, one could get the K-frame .22s with extra cylinders, but I don't think so for the J-frames.

    ".22/.32" refers to a .22 caliber revolver built on a .32 size frame.

    There was also a .38/.44 built on the N-frame.
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  • toad67toad67 Member Posts: 13,008 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks David, that clears things up![^]

    quote:Originally posted by nunn
    Multi-caliber?

    IIRC, one could get the K-frame .22s with extra cylinders, but I don't think so for the J-frames.

    ".22/.32" refers to a .22 caliber revolver built on a .32 size frame.

    There was also a .38/.44 built on the N-frame.
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  • HangfireHangfire Member Posts: 3,010 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by toad67
    So did they come in a multi caliber set up?

    quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
    The 22/32 I shot was model 34 and had kitgun on the box. IIRC thay made a stainless version.



    The stainless Kit Gun was the Model 651.. For a very short time, it was available with the second Long Rifle cylinder (1990 ? ) RSR Wholesale also offered a special run with a 2 inch bbl.. 4 Inch was standard.. I owned a 3 inch, round butt 2 cylinder 651, but can't remember what company offered it.. I don't remember it being a cataloged version.. Could have been Ashland Shooting Supplies.. I know that was the company that offered 3 inch model 66's , for awhile..

    The Model 43 Mark mentions was the alloy version of the Model 34 Kit gun, but it was short lived and dropped in the '70's, I believe..
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  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you want the true magnum and are willing to load for it a model 53 is my favorite. With the inserts you can shoot 22LR and perhaps 22 rim fire mags. I'm fitting a k-22 cylinder to mine so I can shoot 22 LR with the slowness of the inserts. Cast bullets in the 22 Jet or RCFM do fine. Think .357 Mag necked to .222. Full tilt loads require ear plugs and muffs. You can feel the shock wave on the whole front of your body. No recoil but lots of noise.

    The 38/44 was the Outdoorsman.
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  • rongrong Member Posts: 8,459
    edited November -1
    Hmmm, I also often wondered what the
    word "Kit" gun referred to.
    Now I know.
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,891 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The M51 could be ordered with an auxiliary .22 LR cylinder from the factory. And, there may have been small quantities of other variations.

    For a scaled down variation, you could go to the M-frame Ladysmith models introduced in 1902.

    Obviously, none of you young whippersnappers are familiar with the expression "whole kit & kaboodle".

    Neal
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Above answers cover the question very good [^]
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