Hi everyone, I've been doing some searching here but haven't answered my question yet. I have an old K-22 that was my grandfather's; he was a farmer and used it, often carrying it around in a leather holster, and that shows a bit.

I can't figure out exactly what it is because it's a 5-screw, 6" with target sights, but no sight rib and the 6-digit serial has no "K" prefix (645XXX). Everything matches, though.

It's a "one-liner", so early production (pre-'48?). I can't find a photo of anything similar; the lack of sight rib seems odd, and the grips are unusual. Can anyone help out? I'll try and post a photo here...



Any information would be much appreciated!

You have a K-22 Outdoorsman from the early to mid-1930s. They are often referred to as the K-22 First Model and did not have a barrel rib. The post-WWII K-22s were the first to have a barrel rib and had the letter K prefix on the serial numbers.

Excellent revolver and I would predict a very smooth action. Enjoy it as your Grandfather did.

Russ

Welcome to the Forum.

You started with a FINE first post. You have a pre WW II Outdoorsman, which is a highly desirable handgun. Probably shipped in the early 1930s.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Looks to me like a K-22 Outdoorsman. Produced from 1931 to 1940

THis one is a 1939 vintage.


Wow, two new answers while I was typing. How's that for service?

Here's your revolver's kissing cousin, #644xxx. These exhibit fantastic craftsmanship.

Attached Images

K22.jpg (104.2 KB, 85 views)

Now those were some quick responses! Thank you all for the information, it helps a great deal. My grandfather died when I was 6, and the pistol passed to my uncle, who later taught my brother & me to shoot with it, and later gave it to me.

This summer I just took my two little cousins shooting for the first time with it, so it has served to bring at least 4 kids into the shooting world!

It is a great shooter, though as my only revolver it may have spoiled me a bit for any other wheelgun...

And in our haste to share our excitement over your K-22 Outdoorsman, we forgot to welcome you to the Forum . . . WELCOME.

And yes, you may very likely been spoiled by one of the finest, smoothest action revolvers S&W ever made . . . but don't let that stop you from adding more S&Ws to your collection.

Russ

Welcome to this great forum,

Thanks for sharing your beautiful revolver & your Families history of it. It will serve you & your Family well for many more years

I'll tell you what it is, it's fantastic! I'd love to own one just like it. Maybe someday.

Welcome to the forum!

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Cheers!

Well, I realize this may be considered sacrilege, but what can I do to even the finish out a bit? It has some holster wear and use wear in the bluing, of course, but you can see the fine striations in the finish on the receiver, as well. Is there a way to clean that up without completely re-finishing, or should I leave it as-is? It has survived decades at this finish level already.

Leave it alone. It earned those marks and scars faithfully serving members of your family.

Use it with care and respect and it will continue to serve for a few more generations.

+1 for leaving it as is. That gun looks like it was well used and well taken care of. I would leave it like that.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

One can judge much about a man by his guns. Your grandfather was a good man indeed.

Nanook-----welcome to the forum--plus 3 or 4 for leaving your grandpa's 22 outdoorsman alone--as is--plus dont store it in the holster--if possible pick up a pistol gun sock at Cabelas or at leastgive a good cleaning and keep it dry-wrapped in old clean t-shirt after wiping it down with a lightly oiled rag--(i use Rem oil)others use Rennaisance Wax--where in Kansas?? i graduated from Bucklin(SE 25mi from Dodge City----------

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"Class Tells"

LLN, I'm currently in Overland Park, for the next year or so. As for cleaning, I'm used to military firearms and the Outdoorsman is the only blued firearm I have; so far I've just cleaned it as usual and then wiped it down with a silicone cloth before putting it in the safe. A gun sock is probably a good idea.

I would leave it just like it is, showing good, honest wear earned from years of service to your family.

One more vote to leave it as is (and pass it on to another family member when the time comes). Every scratch, ding, and worn spot is family history, take that away and all you'll have is a refinished gun. If it had been abused or suffered some disfiguring mishap, I'd say restore it by all means. But, all that's 'disfiguring' this gun is evidence that it has faithfully done what it was designed to do.