Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Kit Guns.

From the time I was a little kid my dad and uncles carried a hand gun into the field.No matter what season,they carried a side arm.I can always remember being more fascinated with the hand guns they carried than the 22's,shotguns or rifles which they used to hunt.

When I was old enough,I bought my own Kit Guns and to this day I carry one of these during my forays into the field.

What models are those?

S&W Kit Guns from top to bottom.

Model 63 no dash.

Model 651 no dash.

Model 60-4.


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/14895507/s-w-kit

This one goes with me everywhere I go in the field



High Standard Model R-101. It was my grandfather's back in the day. He bought it new in 1953 or so. Not the fanciest pistol nor the highest quality but I can hit what I shoot at with it and there is a certain sentimental value due to family history.

That's really cool,especially since it belonged to your granddad.

Always wondered why these were called "kit guns"? Were they sold one time as a bunch of components that had to be assembled?

The name derived from outdoorsmen carrying these handguns in their kit.

Whether it be their fishing kit,hunting kit or trekking kit.

Jack O'Connor often carried one on long trips for potting small game.

Thank you. I've wondered about that for over 30 years off and on when I ran across them mentioned. Never enough curiosity to follow up on it but I appreciate that.

You're welcome.

I'm not sure when Smith & Wesson started to use the term Kit Gun but it was probably before I was born.

This has always been my favorite...........


I loan it out to the ones I don't like very well.

I love the old ones and the new ones.

I think Ruger has really stolen the market for this niche. Tough to beat.

They're nice but I don't believe they make a 101 in 22 Winchester magnum rimfire.

They'll also probably never achieve the collector status of the Smiths.

gun in a leather shave kit....

My old Model 63 is a constant companion when afield. It has accounted for a number of birds, squirrels, rabbits and snakes

I guess by "kit" you mean hunting kit. I don't carry a handgun when hunting because I'm already carrying a rifle.

I've had several through the years but these 3 stay. Top is a pre model 34, model 1953 22/32 kit gun chambered in 22lr. All original, dumbass kid traded it to me for 500rnds of 5.56 during the first Obama administration. Had $89 in the ammo.

Second is a newer production 60-15, 3" Jframe in 357 mag.

Bottom is a model 63, 22lr, 3" Jframe.

Top is the most carried/shot. S&W 317, 22lr, 3" air weight Jframe. Untold number of rounds fired.

Bottom is a Ruger SR22. Not the most accurate but loads of fun.

Yeah, Ruger is cleaning up with their LCR lineup. Waiting for the 3" in 327. Clements does a workup on the 22lr Sp101, your choice of barrel length from 3" to 6" converted to 22WMR. They're pricey but who gives a damn. Not like it's a depreciating asset.

What happens when during your ride back to camp you spot a grouse just 20' off the trail?

Do you pull your 7MM Mashburn magnum from your scabbard and blast the grouse? LOL

A friend who owned ranch in Colorado always carried his S&W Model 17 just in case of such an event.I can't tell you how many times this provided us with some succulent grouse for dinner.