Stumbled into this K22 on the back row of a bottom shelf at a big box sporting goods store. Serial is 36xx and everything matches. It's beat to heck but works great and I love it.

Yes, I did overpay and am embarrassed to say what they stuck me for it. It just didn't seem right leaving it there though - especially not with the counter guy flicking the cylinder closed. You can't walk away without rescuing her right?

I do understand that K22s are happiest in a pack? I should go find another...and another...and another.

That's an early one with the large ejector knob. I bet it shoots well. Enjoy.

Welcome to the forum. Nice way to make your splash here

I'm presuming the numerals you have given are preceded by a "K" (which is part of the serial number). Your K-22 Masterpiece most likely shipped in 1947, and those from this early postwar period are desirable and generally a bit pricey. From your photo, it doesn't really look "beat to heck" - I've seen worse, and I'd rather have an honestly used example that's all original than one that's been refinished. You may find in a few years that what you think you overpaid for it today was in fact a pretty good deal.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your K-22... or should I say, your first K-22

You'll remember the fun you have with it long after you forget what you paid for it. I saw one in my lgs/range a while back and was tempted to buy it but I was saving my money for something else. I went into the range and thought about it the whole time I was shooting. I came out of the range (maybe 45 minutes later) with the intention of buying it but it was already gone. I hesitated and lost and have been kicking myself in the butt ever since. It won't happen again.

Very nice! Most ppl who work in the retail gun stores know nothing about firearms! Iv'e had them hand me a semi-automatic after not checking to see if its loaded! Then when I hand it back they hold it sideways just like on TV and pretend they're firing it. Not all stores but Academy stores near me are all about the same.

You catch on pretty quick for a new guy.
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

Nice early K-22. The one liner I have is an excellent shooter. Enjoy your's and let us know how it shoots. Larry

You'll love it. And who cares if you overpaid a little. It was worth the price to you right? I think alot of the so-called "Steals" on here are just guys who want people to think they are really saavy and always spend 3-500 bucks less than the going rate. I call BS on bunches of these dream deals. Yours does'nt look real beat up to me either. Shoot it and have fun.

Chuck

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They hold no Quarter

Nice (first) K-22. I bet the counter guy not only flicked the cylinder closed, he probably spun it just to hear the clicking sound, just like in all the movies . Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Welcome to the forum. As far as I'm concerned you just can't beat a well used, single line K-22. Be sure to let us know how it shoots.

NAH! You think? REALLY?
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

A k22 is really one of the top 10 best things in the world.

Mine is less picky about ammo than some 22s, but still favors Federal Auto Match and anything CCI.

Bon Voyage!

Hello latvija
Welcome to the early Post-War K-22 Transitional Club. Your Gun is considered a Transitional K-22 as it has a Pre-War style extractor end on it. I too have one in the 3600 series. Mine came to me in a local gun show in my area for $500.00 a few years ago, in it's correct box as shown. I have it's correct serial numbered Magna's shown on it, but I changed them out for the Larger later style Diamond Target stock's. The Only thing I can see not correct on your gun is it's Hammer. It should be the early Post-War style improved Speed hammer as the factory called them with an abrupt Upswept design or a fish hook hammer as some other's call them that is shown on my gun. The one in your gun is a Much Later style hammer from the late 1950's-Early 1960's time span. Other than that it is a fine looking K-22 you have there, now you will have to add a Pre-War Outdoorsman to the series and there are many more Post-War Variant's to add to your collection, it never end's with Just One K-22 they are like eating Potato chips, you simply can Not Stop at just one...... Hammerdown



Shown here with it's original serial numbered Magna's










These are the Diamond center Target stocks that it wear's now shown with it's correct Box Paperwork, & Tools.

Thanks all for the replies. I'd gone into the store for a Ruger SP101 but saw the K-22 and pulled up this forum while I was waiting for my number at the counter. I read as many K-22 threads as I could and the choice became obvious when I got my turn.

After a thorough cleaning including taking off the side plate, it is butter smooth and shoots great. My 13 year old daughter says it's what she wants to learn on so that alone is worth the price. I shall commit to finding more - especially the ones with a nice patina and holster wear.

Hammerdown - If I understand correctly, the hammer is not original? Yours looks absolutely gorgeous.

To me, this would make it PRICELESS!! Congratulations on a nice find.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Hello latvija
You are correct the Hammer in your gun is from the mid to late 1950's time span. The Good Part is that there are some Up-swept hammer's out there from time to time and most will drop right in your gun and work as I swapped one out on my 1961 4 screw variation Model 48 which is a .22 W.M.R. Caliber revolver which had a Hammer just like yours, before I changed it, but I prefer the up-swept design hammers. Mine worked perfect with the added on up-swept hammer and is shown below with it in the gun... Hammerdown

Kudos to OP for doing the honorable thing.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Any K22 is a good addition to anyones arsenal. Yours looks fine to me sir. Both of mine appear to be no better than yours and I will not part with them. Good catch there.