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A kit gun is a small lightweight handgun, usually but not always .22LR caliber, and generally but not necessarily a revolver, which is intended to be carried in a kit bag by campers, hunters, trappers, and fishermen.
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Smith and Wesson
Smith and Wesson first produced a purpose-made kit gun in 1935, with the 22/32 Kit Gun, which later developed into the S&W Model 34 around 1960. Later S&W variants included the "Airweight" aluminum alloy Model 43, Model 51 in the more powerful .22 WMR, and Model 317 Airlite.
Other makers
Though not necessarily marketed under that term, other makers have produced firearms described as "kit guns" by shooters. The Ruger Bearcat, a small-framed single-action revolver, was introduced to meet the demand for a kit gun, as a smaller alternative to the Ruger Single Six.
Though most kit guns are revolvers, the Colt Woodsman Sport model has been described as a "near perfect 'kit gun' for the outdoorsman."