Gun of the Week!

Published on November 23, 2021
Duration: 3:01

Jerry Miculek showcases a vintage Smith & Wesson Model 34-1 J-frame revolver in .22 LR, originally used for snake hunting and plinking. He demonstrates its compact nature and accuracy, even with a rudimentary, low-magnification scope from the 1970s. The video highlights the evolution of handgun optics and pairs the revolver with Fiocchi 38-grain copper-plated hollow-point ammunition.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 34-1 is a vintage J-frame revolver in .22 LR, known as a kit gun. It's a six-shot firearm that, even with a limited 1x-1.5x scope from the 1970s, could achieve groups around 2.5 inches at 40 yards when paired with Fiocchi 38-grain copper-plated hollow-point ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: Vintage Kit Gun
  2. 00:07S&W Model 34-1 Specs & History
  3. 00:30Vintage Optics Discussion
  4. 00:59Ammunition: Fiocchi .22 LR
  5. 01:32On the Range: Shooting the Model 34-1
  6. 02:37Accuracy Results & Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 34-1?

The Smith & Wesson Model 34-1 is a classic J-frame revolver chambered in .22 LR. It's a six-shot firearm often referred to as a 'kit gun,' popular in the 1970s for its compact size and suitability for plinking or small game hunting.

How accurate is the S&W Model 34-1 with vintage optics?

Even with a rudimentary, low-magnification scope from the 1970s, the Model 34-1 demonstrated reasonable accuracy, achieving groups of approximately 2.5 inches at around 40 yards. The speaker noted the optic's limitations, comparing it to looking through a straw.

What ammunition was used with the Model 34-1?

The video features Fiocchi .22 LR ammunition, specifically their 38-grain copper-plated hollow-point load. This ammunition is noted for its accuracy in various .22 LR firearms, including the 10/22 and the vintage revolver.

What were the limitations of handgun optics in the 1970s?

Handgun optics in the 1970s were generally low-magnification, often around 1x to 1.5x, and were not specifically designed for handgun platforms. This resulted in a narrow field of view and a less-than-ideal shooting experience, often described as looking through a straw.

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