Is there any difference collector wise between these???

__________________
Forum consigliere

Some preference for the pre-model marked. Hard to say how much.

__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

Condition trumps the markings on pre/post 17 marked 4 screw guns, but looking at the timing, the 5th screw eliminated in '55 and mod marking starting in 57 would not leave a lot of time to make K22's that were 4 screw and unmarked. Esp with current inventory 5 screw frames on hand when the engineering change was made.

4 screw model marked 17's were possibly made 57 thru 61. 4 yrs versus 2 yrs, and you have the 17 and 17-1's both in this era, so there are two versions to consider.

I have to go back to condition to base a choice on.


Charlie

I personally would lean toward the model marked four screw than the pre model marked four screw, all things being equal. The no dash guns are kind of the beginning of the next 'transition' of the model. (Let the flames begin.)

bdGreen

I lean towards the pre model just because it is older. Condition being the same also...... I bought my pre-17 K22 as it is early 48 and has the single line "Made In The USA". As far as '55 to '57 guns, I feel better being in the "fewer produced" category. Transitions are in the (Cool Arena) to me. But, either of them will be incredible revolvers, and I'd have a tough time turning either away. As always, JMO

__________________
Go big or stay home

oh, I forgot. Buy them both.


Charlie

I have K325180 a non model marked K-22 Masterpiece.
And it is just that. A Masterpiece.
Model marking kind of ended an era, when guns were just called by their names.
So there is a cool ness factor in play with late 4 screw K and N frames
with no model numbers.

But as always, the 3 most important factors in buying any used
Smith are;
1. condition
2. condition
3. condition

All else is scarcity or shootability.

Good luck
Allen Frame

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

I personally prefer the pre models. Maybe its only because the government stuck their nose in again and required gun makers to begin model marking around 1957.

It's the same reason that my AR 15 had to have a flash suppressor, a bayonet lug and I forget what the third no no was. I wanted it just because somebody out there said I shouldn't be able to own it.

__________________
James Redfield
LM #497