Quote:
Originally Posted by skeath
I recently acquired a K22, 6 inch, serial number K212480. It has been rechambered in .22 Magnum. "Mag" is marked inside the crane, but not on the barrel. It says only K22 on the barrel, not Model 17. I'm guessing it is a pre-17 from around 1954-55? It has 3 screws on the sideplate, one at the front of the trigger guard. It does not appear to have a ribbed barrel, but not sure I would know what one looks like.
If anyone could date this for me, or offer any input, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
SK
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You do have a pre-17. Since the upper sideplate screw was eliminated in 1955 in favor of a tongue that could be inserted under the frame, and the "Model 17" markings began in 1957, I'd say your revolver was made circa 1956. After the .22 mag Model 58 became available in 1959, .22 mag cylinder kits (including the crane) were available. I'm betting one of these kits was obtained, probably in the 1960s, and installed by an enterprising gunsmith to fit your gun. If so, the original .22 LR cylinder would be nice to have, but is now missing from your gun. If the back of the cylinder is missing the gun's serial number (found on the butt), this approach would appear to have been the case. If the matching serial number IS there, the original .22 LR cylinder was re-chambered for the larger and lengthier round.
Hope this helps.
John