22 long rifle ctg

[javajava2]

I was hoping to find out the time frame and price range for a gun i got while visiting family.

SN K34738
cartridge 22 cal
6" barrel
5 screw
with adjustable site.

[H Richard]

Your K22 was shipped in 1949. This is 8 years before the factory began stamping the model numbers on them, and this would then be called a Model 17. The correct terminology is a S&W K22 Masterpiece. These are very desirable handguns, and a joy to shoot. Welcome to the Forum, stick around and read up all about S&W's.

[thadheth]

You asked about the price range.....that's always a bit tricky without lots of high quality photos. Your photos are ok for starters, and they seem to show some muzzle wear, a turn ring, and some wear on the sight screw. You do have some very desirable things: the grips, if real stag, can be worth a couple of hundred dollars plus or minus; the box adds to the value; if, by chance there is literature or cleaning parts in the box, that, too, adds value. The wood grips are probably original - they should have the same serial number as the frame (on the butt) - and if so, that also adds value. And, to top it off, it seems that .22 caliber revolvers are fairly hot these days, commanding very good prices. You can always check on Gunbroker to see what they are asking for them (and/or go to their "advanced" section to see what they have actually sold for). Your gun is probably in the $600 range - with a $100 variation up or down depending upon those other condition factors (bluing, bore, buggered screws, functioning, etc.). And add some value for the stag grips - which could certainly be sold separately.

[weatherby]

Hi and Welcome.

Is the Front sight a gold bead ?

[javajava2]

thanks for the information! I have been acquiring a lot of things from my mom lately to keep them in the family. First was her coin collection and now this. At first I was just wanting to have my first gun (finally) then decided to look in to it. She too is pleased to hear all this and is glad she held on to it.

[javajava2]

Originally Posted by weatherby

Hi and Welcome.

Is the Front sight a gold bead ?

No its red.

[Nightowl]

The front sight is not standard Smith & Wesson, but I don't think it would increase value much. Does the box have the gun's serial number hand written on the bottom of the box? That adds a good bit to value.
If I saw that gun at a gun show, I would bet there would be a price on it of around $1000.

[Camster]

Originally Posted by H Richard

Your K22 was shipped in 1949. This is 8 years before the factory began stamping the model numbers on them, and this would then be called a Model 17. The correct terminology is a S&W K22 Masterpiece. These are very desirable handguns, and a joy to shoot. Welcome to the Forum, stick around and read up all about S&W's.

I owned K38xxx,which shipped in 1948 according to the letter that I received.

[DWalt]

K34738 likely shipped around mid-1948. I passed on a boxed K-22 about the same age and condition for $800 about 3 months ago. But if those are real staghorn grips, $1000 for the package would not be so far out of line, if paperwork and implements are in the box.

[javajava2]

Originally Posted by Nightowl

The front sight is not standard Smith & Wesson, but I don't think it would increase value much. Does the box have the gun's serial number hand written on the bottom of the box? That adds a good bit to value.
If I saw that gun at a gun show, I would bet there would be a price on it of around $1000.

The box it came with has the same serial number written on it but in big marking probably with a marker. I saw other pics that had smaller stickers on the box with pen writing for the serial number. not sure if that matters or not. it also has "$65.00" written on it in big font. I would post a picture but I just packed it up.

[javajava2]

Originally Posted by DWalt

K34738 likely shipped around mid-1948. I passed on a boxed K-22 about the same age and condition for $800 about 3 months ago. But if those are real staghorn grips, $1000 for the package would not be so far out of line, if paperwork and implements are in the box.

Is there an easy way to tell if the stag grips are real or would I need someone else to look at them?

[javajava2]

I noticed that the S & W grip is not the original to the gun. It has a different serial number and clearly does not fit properly. It is nice to have though!