Does anyone know how to identify the differences between the S&W 34-1 and the 34-2?
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Full Version: S&W 34
I'm guessing it's the date of manufacture.~AMMOe
Swing the cylinder out & look inside the yoke.
Thanks Glen! Does anyone know if there's any differance besides the stamping?
The difference between the 34-2 and the 34-1 is 1. 2-1 = 1. Sheesh. 8 years in college huh? 
The real reason for the -1, -2, -3 etc. is an indication that there was an engineering change on the model which is designated by the -number. For everything you ever wanted to know about Smith & Wesson handguns, go to www.smith-wessonforum.com.
Those guys know all there is to know about them. There is also a book by author Jim Supica called "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" that is the bible of Smith & Wesson handguns that is supposed to have all that information. I haven't seen a copy of it, but it is highly respected. Here's a link to the book: http://www.bestwebbuys.com/Jim_Supica-mcid...=b-authorsearch
Regards,
The real reason for the -1, -2, -3 etc. is an indication that there was an engineering change on the model which is designated by the -number. For everything you ever wanted to know about Smith & Wesson handguns, go to www.smith-wessonforum.com.
Those guys know all there is to know about them. There is also a book by author Jim Supica called "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" that is the bible of Smith & Wesson handguns that is supposed to have all that information. I haven't seen a copy of it, but it is highly respected. Here's a link to the book: http://www.bestwebbuys.com/Jim_Supica-mcid...=b-authorsearch
Regards,
You're Welcome. All I know is there were 2 engineering changes to this model. Wayne's link should tell you everything you need to know.
lol Thanks! I knew someone from Ham Lake would know the answer!
QUOTE (flatlander @ Jun 15 2009, 11:37 PM) 
lol Thanks! I knew someone from Ham Lake would know the answer!
Here's a picture of the lake (Ham Lake) that the town was named for:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source...mp;t=h&z=14
Looks like a Ham to me! The original name of the town was "Glen Cary" but the Swedes couldn't pronounce it, so they changed it. Now, if I could just find two more lakes that looked like fried eggs...
I looked in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson as recommended above and found the following.
Model 34 (1957-1959) was built on the I frame.
Model 34-1 (1960-1987) was built on the J frame. Several changes over the years including changes to the thumb piece and elimination of the pinned barrel in 1982
Model 34-2 (1988-1991) built on the J frame with a new yoke retention system.
No mention of what the new yoke retention system is.
Of note: roughly 15 chambered in 22LR with fixed sights in 1972. Only four were assembled and shipped.
Model 34 (1957-1959) was built on the I frame.
Model 34-1 (1960-1987) was built on the J frame. Several changes over the years including changes to the thumb piece and elimination of the pinned barrel in 1982
Model 34-2 (1988-1991) built on the J frame with a new yoke retention system.
No mention of what the new yoke retention system is.
Of note: roughly 15 chambered in 22LR with fixed sights in 1972. Only four were assembled and shipped.
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