What exactly is a "kit gun"?
- Thread starter hoytinak
- Start date
) yesterday and the dealer kept referring to it as a "kit gun". I've heard the term before but I've never understood exactly what it meant.A kit gun is a small handgun usually 22 or other small caliber for trail or outdoor use. Kit refers to kit bag, a small pack of necessities for camping. S&W called their 32/22 (now a model 34)a kit gun. Your SP101 would certainly fit that use. have fun with you new gun it will make a good companion for hiking and being able to use 38sp or 357 mag you are well served. 
Winchester_73
New member
It was really a "22/32" but I imagine you had a typo. There was also a kit gun airweight, model 43, and a kit gun 22 mag airweight, model 51. The model 35 is sometimes referred to as a kit gun target although its not that exactly. The "kit guns" were first I frame, then J frame, which is the S&W small frame.
They're nice little guns. There were made blue or nickel, 2 or 4 in barrels. All had adj sights. Here is my model 34, a nickel snub.
Mike Irwin
Staff
Generally the term has come to mean the Smith & Wesson revolvers so mentioned, becuse they were smart enough to use it as a model name, but many smaller guns, such as the Colt Woodsman and even some of the break top 9 shot H&Rs are generically known as kit guns, too.
Kit gun, a gun that went in your uniform bag, duffle, or foot locker, etc. S&W hijacked the name.
Being lazy, I googled kit - an 18th century English slang term for "outfit" or "collection," as in a soldier's "kit bag," which contained all his worldly possessions. "Kit" may have come from "kith," meaning "estate,"
Also www.soccerkits.com for football outfits, etc.
Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.
- from the 1915 English marching song by George Henry Powell.
The chorus goes:
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag,
And smile, smile, smile,
While you've a Lucifer to light your fag,
Smile, boys, that's the style.
What's the use of worrying?
It never was worth while, so
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag,
And smile, smile, smile.
Being lazy, I googled kit - an 18th century English slang term for "outfit" or "collection," as in a soldier's "kit bag," which contained all his worldly possessions. "Kit" may have come from "kith," meaning "estate,"
Also www.soccerkits.com for football outfits, etc.
Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.
- from the 1915 English marching song by George Henry Powell.
The chorus goes:
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag,
And smile, smile, smile,
While you've a Lucifer to light your fag,
Smile, boys, that's the style.
What's the use of worrying?
It never was worth while, so
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag,
And smile, smile, smile.
Poodleshooter
New member
It's supposed to be a .22 or small centerfire revolver that is low maintenance, and can be thrown in one's "kit" bag when hunting, hiking,camping,canoeing,etc.
Usually it's a revolver that's bigger than what you'd normally conceal, but more accurate and easier to shoot than a snub. Think S&W K-frame .38 with a 4" minimally lugged barrel (or a K-22 for that matter) for my ideal of the genre.
While I carry a J frame routinely, its terrible trigger and short barrel makes it too difficult to use for potting small game. 2 legged varmints it can handle, but it's not an easy to shoot weapon, which IMHO is a critical function of a kit gun.
Usually it's a revolver that's bigger than what you'd normally conceal, but more accurate and easier to shoot than a snub. Think S&W K-frame .38 with a 4" minimally lugged barrel (or a K-22 for that matter) for my ideal of the genre.
While I carry a J frame routinely, its terrible trigger and short barrel makes it too difficult to use for potting small game. 2 legged varmints it can handle, but it's not an easy to shoot weapon, which IMHO is a critical function of a kit gun.
I inherited some years ago a S&W m43-1, along with the original Stelzig’s holster, from a beloved aunt who bought it new in the early 60s. Stelzig was a boot and saddle maker in Houston back in the day. She used it as it was made to be used; a camping companion and that’s how I use it today. A light .22 with a 3 1/2 “ barrel and adjustable sights.
The gun certainly has honest holster wear but it’s the perfect tool for its intended role, which is to pop cans for entertainment and the ability to nab a bunny at 25-30 yards. I’m 60 years old (my aunt would be 80 if she were still around) and this is the only gun I own that will never be sold but someday given to my niece; quite a hunter in her own right.
I’m a little prejudiced but a proper kit gun is a small light revolver in .22 or .32. A .357 need not apply.
The gun certainly has honest holster wear but it’s the perfect tool for its intended role, which is to pop cans for entertainment and the ability to nab a bunny at 25-30 yards. I’m 60 years old (my aunt would be 80 if she were still around) and this is the only gun I own that will never be sold but someday given to my niece; quite a hunter in her own right.
I’m a little prejudiced but a proper kit gun is a small light revolver in .22 or .32. A .357 need not apply.
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22-rimfire
New member
Kit Gun
It is a gun you might put in your "kit" or carry bag out in the woods whether it be a hike or camping. The use is not so much for self defense, but rather a gun to carry when you might not carry any gun at all. Some might use it for the occasional small game (squirrel, rabbit, grouse, etc) for the pot, but since they tend to be smaller guns, many shooters were not capable of hitting a small animal at any hunting distance.
Many considered the Colt Woodsman a kit gun. S&W kind of coined the name, but it was in common usage by outdoorsmen.
It is a gun you might put in your "kit" or carry bag out in the woods whether it be a hike or camping. The use is not so much for self defense, but rather a gun to carry when you might not carry any gun at all. Some might use it for the occasional small game (squirrel, rabbit, grouse, etc) for the pot, but since they tend to be smaller guns, many shooters were not capable of hitting a small animal at any hunting distance.
Many considered the Colt Woodsman a kit gun. S&W kind of coined the name, but it was in common usage by outdoorsmen.
L_Killkenny
New member
I question the knowledge/input of the dealer. I've never, and I mean never, heard of a 4" .357 being referred to as a kit gun. .22's regularly, .32 occasionally, .38sp's rarely, .357's? Come on. Guess a 12ga could be a kit gun if you gotta a big enough kit.
LK
LK
2damnold4this
New member
Nice Colt, KyJim.
I think of kit guns as having a shorter barrel than four inches. Usually a revolver in .22 lr or .32 S&W L but I guess bigger cartridges and semi autos would be fine for the purpose.
I think of kit guns as having a shorter barrel than four inches. Usually a revolver in .22 lr or .32 S&W L but I guess bigger cartridges and semi autos would be fine for the purpose.
Ruger is the one advertising it as a kit gun, along with the .22 version.
http://www.ruger.com/index.html
Click on the "SP101-The perfect 4" kit gun" link.
Whether correct or not, that's where the dealer got it.
sawman1293
New member
I don't get the "kit gun" label, but that SP101 .357 is a sweet feeling gun in my hands. I have not shot one yet, but after handling it in the LGS, it is on my wish list!
shooter1911
New member
Even though this Mod 60 3" .357 was not billed as a kit gun, it is mighty close to the size of the original S&W .22 Kit Gun. I use it like a Kit Gun, so to me it is my Kit Gun. I think that was a marketing name anyway.
