The shadows make for a disruptive photo shoot, but fortunately the beating this old Model 34 has taken negates looking "worse" due to shadows.
A few weeks ago via our Facebook Page I announced in an elated fashion that my dad had just passed on his grandfather’s old squirrel rifle to me. It’s nothing flashy, in fact it’s anything but fancy or refined. The gun was made somewhere between 1934 and 1939 and thus qualifies it as a depression era rifle. It’s significant to me as it’s the first (and likely only) thing I’ve ever inherited that’s from the generation before my grandfather.
I first started shooting air guns around the age of 9 years old, slowly building up my father’s trust by making wise choices with the gun in my hand and doing my best to prove myself as a young marksman. Gradually he began letting me shoot Grandpa’s .22 while I was by his side and before I knew it I was allowed to grab some rounds and head out the door myself and plink to my heart’s desire (see, “What is Plinking?”)
It also didn’t hurt that the Remington Model 34 is capable of feeding and firing .22 Short, .22 Long and .22 Long Rifle loads. The old Remington is bolt action fed with the rounds finding their way into the receiver via what is called a “tubular magazine” much like that of an old lever action rifle, though on the Model 34 the rounds are dropped in the end of the type after removing the feeder/plug. With 13 rounds of .22 Long Rifle, I could load it just a few times and plink to my hearts delight.
Short, Long, Long Rifle all listed as if to say, "any questions?"
Regardless of our quarry, quarter sized groups at 50 yards with the iron sights were routine for the old Remington even after years and years of neglect and not being cleaned. It’s actually surprising to me we didn’t see a break sooner considering the action was so gummed up the bolt throw became sticky and tight and the safety would barely disengage with just one thumb pushing it forward. Typical lead based .22 ammo is inherently full of carbon, so it’s a wonder the gun continually performed as reliably and accurately as it did.
Up until a couple of years ago, we never once encountered any type of misfire or ammo that this skinny little rifle didn’t love. But finally a few years back I was dropping squirrels from my parents’ back patio when all the sudden the bolt wouldn’t load rounds any more. Turns out the shell carrier arm broke off and we would need to find a replacement. Disappointing sure, but not bad for the first malfunction ever out of a 75 year old rifle! A month ago when my parents visited my Dad was tickled to let me in on a surprise. He had found an old Model 34 internal group for sale on GunBroker.com and brought it along with the original Remington to work on while he was here. I was impressed as he was to find the whole rifle easy to break down to bare parts with a simple gunsmithing screwdriver and a hammer and punch set. In just a couple of hours we had the rifle taken apart, given a long overdue deep cleaning, then reassembled with the undamaged shell carrier now in place. I was in love all over again as the bolt action moved smoother and more sure than ever and the safety lever was easily engaged on and off with a satisfying “click.” The trigger even felt more smooth and lighter after the entire group was cleaned and polished.
A chrome finish on the bolt has helped it withstand years of abuse.
The condition of the wood and metal is truly a testament to the old world appreciation for a job well done invested in these early rimfires. The wood is full of nicks and light scratches as is the metal, but even approaching its 80th birthday, it is 100% rust free and still holds signs of the original classic brown (often used instead of bluing) finish. After the shell carrier replacement job was finished, the barrel and receiver group fit snug and secure right back into the stock where it’s sat without complaint for all these years.
To date, I’m sure this is the oldest rifle I’ve posted a full write up on. And well deserved. 2012 marks my 20th year of doing work with the Remington Model 34 .22 rifle, and I have no reason to believe it’s sure construction won’t be around to pass on to my oldest daughter when it’s time. The Model 34 is and I’m sure will always be one of my favorite rifles of all time, and the fact that it was owned and hunted with by my great grandfather makes it even more special.
Internals now sporting a replaced shell carrier.
Gonna have to hit this with mineral spirits then invest in some sight paint.
After a thorough disassembly and cleaning the safety lever is more cooperative than ever.
The single takedown screw allowing the rifle assembly to be removed from the stock.
Loading port for the tube magazine. Similar to modern lever .22 rifles.
The old yet perfectly fitted metal butt stock.
The bolt still throws smooth and cycles fast.
The good thing about a rifle that's already beat up, is it blends in perfectly with outdoor surroundings. 
After the light renovation this little rifle just went through, it's sure to have many years of plinking left in her!
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25 Responses to Remington Model 34 .22 Rifle Review
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Great read. I love to see these old guns brought back with new life from a new generation. With proper care and attention there is no reason this cannot be passed down generation after generation. Truly one of the joys of owning a quality firearm.
Thanks for the review and keep plinking.
What a gem! I hope you get many more years of smiles with this rifle and that your children enjoy it as much as you have. Thanks for reviewing this historic piece!
After re-reading this piece again, it reaffirms my position to only buy legacy guns. By that I mean guns that will be passed down for generations. I grew up in Canada were as a child my only gun experience was with a pump action air pistol bought from Walmart south of the line. I intend to change that trend and will have a wealth of quality pieces to pass down to my children(when the come). Your review really hit home with how a well made and preserved gun can bring a family bond and shared experience I could have only hoped for as a child.
I inheritated the same rifle.. I encountered all the same you have gone over here. The safety literally had to be pried to switch from safe to fire. It was given to my stepdad from his father and then to me from there. It is the most accurate rifle I have fired. I love this piece to death and have taken time and pride in cleaning and making this a weapon to admire. I have however encountered a problem that sounds similar to yours. My rifle wont cycle rounds through the feed tube anymore. I was thinking maybe the spring has just lost tension due to how old it is. How did you know that the shell carrier arm was broken? Was it visably obvious or did it take some tearing into? Any feedback is helpful.
Thanks
SEMPER FI
Aaron let me run this past my dad. He’s the one who originally figured out what was up with it.
Aaron, Eric gave me a ring and ask me to try and help you out. When our problem first occurred it was not initially obvious, but after close inspection I saw a small part down inside the bullet carrier assembly that looked out of place. This part looks like a 1″ long tuning fork made from sheet metal. I thought to be the part that we needed. I spent lots of internet time on Numrich and Brownells looking for that part. Nobody carries such an obscure little part for a relatively obscure rifle. So I placed it in the gun cabinet and every so often I would do a search on Gunbroker but no luck. Then I had the idea to buy an ugly model 34 for my own parts and to my surprise a guy on Gunbroker.com had cannibalized a 34. I bought the whole carrier assembly for about $50 with shipping and as you can tell from Ebb’s posts it was worth every penny. Of course I can’t guarantee what part you actually need but I just did the search on GB and auction #290459107 is the same part that fixed mine. Actually lots of parts on there now for the model 34. Hope this helps. Old Ebb’s
[...] shooting roots came from hunting the backwoods of Missouri. You’ve heard me drone on about my grandfather’s .22 rifle, my first shotgun and how I “killed the shed,” and possibly even remember how much I [...]
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Funny I happened to stumble on this review. My dad and I rebuilt a Model 34 he had gotten as a boy thirty odd years ago. I refinished the stock, polished the barrel/receiver (dad, is that good enough?
) for hot bluing, etc. Shoots like a champ. My sons, daughter and wife have all used it. Tack driving accuracy with the irons. What a great rifle! Thanks for the memories!
Thanks for sharing, Rob! The memories I have while shooting this gun make it one of my favorites, and because it’s dead nuts accurate with any type of ammo I feed it I love it even more.
I am 73 years old and was given my uncles old Model 34 when I was twelve years old. It has always shot easy and accurate. I hope that it will stay in my family for several more generations. Great memories from the article. Thanks for sharing.
My grandfather kept his Remington model 34 strapped to the side of his golf bag. When I visited him as a child, it was my job to shoot the prairie dogs that tore up that rough, wind-swept Wyoming golf course he love to play at. It was the only thing I wanted, and the only thing I inherited when he passed away. When I go shooting with my 10 year old son today, it is his preferred weapon. We\’ve refinished the stock, and kept it clean, but it has never malfunctioned and is ridiculously accurate. I\’ve promised my boy that he\’ll take ownership of his great-grandfather\’s rifle when he turns 18.
What a neat memory, Lee thank you for sharing!!! Sounds like your Model 34′s performance is just as impressive as mine.
Got a model 34 in the closet along side my Rem 512. varmints are no match using iron sights to 100 Yds.
Great story
Great story! I was just today looking over the Model 34 my late Dad Robert Pickens gave me, that his Dad had owned in the 30′s and gave to him. I will disassemble and clean it but I think I love the slightly beat up look of the stock.
My Dad hunted squirrel and rabbit his young life until one day, he said, he just didn’t feel like cleaning the squirrels. And so he gave up hunting from that day on. So Dad and I never hunted together. But my wife is a hunter and we are looking forward to trying this lovely old and precious model 34.
I hope you get many more years of use out of it!
I also inherited a Model 34 from my Dad who inherited it from my grandfather. I have reblued and cleaned it and it continues to be an accurate squirrel gun at 30+ yards,
My only problem is that the stock split. Does anyone know of a place to find unfinished or finished stock replacements?
Great Story
My uncle gave me my grampas model 34 long after he had passed away. It is serial #000006 My Grampa owned a small town grocery store in Eastern Washington. He did butchering on the side and my uncle figured that little rifle had dispached several hundred cows and pigs. I had a hard time beleving that until my dad confirmed it. (My Dad had to hold the cow with a rope while my Grandpa shot it) It has a cracked stock and most of the bluings gone but the bore is nice and its still accurate. I have no plans to change a thing on it. Funny to see it setting in the gun safe next to my 7mm Mag hunting rifle and know that little rifle put more meat on the table then that 7mm will ever no matter how many times its pasted down.
I picked up my Model 34 a few years ago. it was in its original condition with lots of brown patina. The stock had dents, dings, and a few scratches. The bolt didn’t operate as smooth as it should, but I gambled on it only needing a good cleaning, and my hunch paid off. After a good cleaning it functioned flawlessly. This little .22 is a keeper despite its $100 price tag. I found that Remington only made the M34 from 1932 to 1936 and if I run across another at the right price I’ll pick it up in a heartbeat.
I picked one up a garage sell for around $100 it was in great condition. It one of the best 22s i have ever shot, and would not take a dime for it ill keep an pass it down to grandson
Trying to revitalize my father’s model 34 NRA Target rifle and need a rear peep site. It mounts by two screws on the left side of the barrel. Anyone have any idea where to find one? No luck at Gun Parts Corp.
My grandfather bought an NRA Target Model 34 with peep site for my Dad back when they were produced, and I shot it quite a bit back in the 60′s plinking tin cans off fence posts. For the past 50 years it has been in hibernation in my mother’s home. I ended up with it and recently gave it a good cleaning. Action is fine and bore is spotless. Stock needs refinishing, and barrel is rough on the outside and could use reblueing, but no rust and otherwise very clean. I suspect I’ll just keep it the way it is. The peep site is difficult for me to use accurately as it provides a wide visual field through which I see not only the front sight, but the entire muzzle. But with a little practice I hope to reacquire the modest proficiency I had with it when I was 13 years old.
I love this story. It’s interesting once I posted the Remington Model 34 review how many other great stories just like yours have popped up through the comments. Thank you for sharing!
I too have a Model 34 from my grandpa. It was the first gun I ever shot. Then I got a Model 511 of my own. Still have them both and squirrels have not overrun the Earth yet.
Awesome story, Dave. I’ll often go to the gun safe to pull out the 34 to just stare at and reel in the memories. Such a great little rifle.