Early Smith & Wesson "The 1955 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight", Pre-Model 43 .22LR 3.5" Revolver & Box Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 1955 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight, Pre-Model 43
Serial Number: 5959
Year of Manufacture: 1954 (Pg. 135 4th edition Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson - Supica & Nahas)
Caliber: .22LR
Action Type: Single Action or Double Action Revolver with 6 Round Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "SMITH & WESSON" and the left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The sides of the grip frame, yoke cut, and yoke are marked with inspection marks. The right side of the frame is marked with the 4 Line "Marcas Registradas" address. The right side of the barrel is marked "22 LONG RIFLECTG.". The butt is marked "5959", found again on the underside of the ejector star, face of the cylinder, and barrel flat. The sides of the grip frame and the yoke have inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is marked "5 / 959"
Barrel Length: The ribbed and pinned barrel is 3 1/2" in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat-topped square notched sight in a base that is micro click adjustable for windage and elevation and screwed to the top strap. The top barrel rib and the long base of the rear sight are serrated and have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut magna grips with smooth borders on a square butt grip frame that have S&W medallions at the tops and smooth diamonds around the grip screws. The grips have light handling marks, no major defects. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Black Alloy
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a couple faint marks on the barrel on the edges at the muzzle. The frame has some thinning on the edges and brownish discoloration, most noticeable at the front. There is some thinning and brownish discoloration on the alloy cylinder. There are a few little spots of finish loss on the sideplate under the grips. There is a turn line through the finish. The screwheads are mostly lightly used with heavier tool marks on the sideplate screw behind the trigger. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has light play on all six chambers. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a two-piece red box with metal reinforced corners. The end label is marked with the correct configuration. The box has some scuffs, marks thought the finish, and edge wear. One of the corners has split. The box rates in about Very Good condition.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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