I purchased a K-22 recently, and of course before I did the research I normally do on guns I am not as familier with.

It is in reasonable shape with some holster and honest use wear. The trigger pull is probably the best I have ever had.

Now, I think there are a couple of problems. First, the rear sight appears to have been ground some on the bottom below the windage screw for some unknown reason.
Second, there are two drilled and tapped holes in the top strap. One matchs up with the screw that holds the forward strap of the rear sight to the gun, and is centered over the forcing cone. Seems reasonable enough.
The second hole is much larger, and is about 1/4" to the rear of the gun from the first hole. It does not appear to me to be a factory thing. It is about 1/4" diameter, drilled and tapped all the way through the top strap. There is plenty of meat on either side. I don't expect it to be a problem structurally. I didn't see that hole when I was looking the gun over, so I guess it is my fault.
SN is K 1411XX.
Any ideas on what was done to this gun and why? Only thing I can figure is someone want to mount an optic? I hope at least it is a good shooter.

Thanks
TD

I can't help you with the extra hole or holes but the gun was made in 1952. My only guess was they were put there to mount some other form of sight package on the revolver.

Thanks.

I bought it off Gunbroker, but was able to pick it up in person, so shame on me for not noticing the hole.

I have had issues with 2 out of 4 purchases on gunbroker, so I think I am done with it.

You say it has the best trigger you have seen, and that you don't think the holes are a structural problem. So, sounds like you have a shooter that is a little cosmetically challenged, which many shooter grade guns are. Depending on how it shoots and how much you paid, it may not be such a bad deal after all.

As for Gunbroker, I have sold a few and bought a few, and have only had one questionable experience, which the seller resolved to my satisfaction. I think the key is to make sure the seller is experienced with an A+ rating, has a good description with pictures, and allows an inspection/return period.

I wrote to S&W support before I posted my original message. Wayne from S&W responded 1950.

Not arguing, but wondering why there would be a 2 year question mark?

BTW, I shot the pistol on Sunday. NOT ideal conditions. Raining steadily, COLD heavy wind. I shot off hand at about 15 yards. Gun grouped a bit low, but about 2.5" which made me happy considering the conditions. After I figured out it was low, I dusted 4 moskeet I had hung next to the paper target. So, even though she is a bit of an ugly duck, she seems to shoot ok. Now I need a matching 38 Masterpiece. I never really was into revolvers, let alone S&W, but now I have been bitten....

TD

I quoted the date of out of the SCoS&W 3rd edition so I guess it's not always pin point accurrate. The book lists the range for 1952 K 136691-K 175637 and 1950 says K84150- K104047. The fondest (or disease) for S&W revolvers only grows and grows.

I have had great luck on Gunbroker when I can find a deal, so far.....

That's the spirit!

over the beautiful Memorial Day weekend I finally got a good day to go out to the gravel pit with the new K-22.

I started at 10 yds to see where it was hitting. Remington bulk golden bullets. Not my favorite ammo, but it is what I had most of.

It was hard to get the sight adjustment to move the poi much, but I finally got it fairly centered.
I was able from the prone postion with about 36-42 shots to tear a thumb sized hole in the paper with a few fliers here and there.
I was pretty happy. I then moved to 25 yds, and the groups opened considerably, most likely due to my eyesight, but I was able to hit a post it note most of the time.
I guess that will work for me. I can't see well enough to shoot much better at 25 yd anyway.

I like the single action pull. Now I have a K-38 on the way to keep her company. I now have an S&W monkey on my back, and he is holding my credit card and a phone.

I think 1952 is probably correct. I have a K-frame numbered just over K100000, and it shipped in December 1950. A gun numbered just under K200000 shipped in December 1953. While it is generally true that you will find a large batch of S&Ws shipped in roughly serial number order, there is no guarantee that any particular one of them did. The company had no policy of shipping in number sequence. Sometimes a gun with a lower number could ship months later than higher numbered guns. It's just one of the things that makes collecting S&Ws so exciting.

Your groups with a K-22 are better than mine. Others who shoot my guns turn in much tighter groups. Just keep working with the .22 and .38, and I predict you will be very pleased with their performance.

Did you know that S&W also made a K-32 Masterpiece? (The devil made me ask that; they are scarce and expensive.)

__________________
David Wilson

Yes they did....



And they shoot like the dickens....



Then there's also a .22 Magnum Rimfire.....







And of course "The Jet" .22 Centerfire Magnum....





Then there's the Model 19, 18, and.... and.... and....

Hang around here long enough and we'll make you broke!

Drew

Nice spread Drew!

__________________
ken
SWCA #1959

Coming from you that's a real compliment!

Drew

Welcome to the Masterpiece club. So many variations and so little time.

__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

My accountant hates you all.