Found a k22 OD for sale locally.

I'm told it's a 95% condition gun with all matching number including the grips and original finish.... Waiting on pictures.

The seller does not have the original box, docs or tools.

This is a earlier then I usually buy so a little education is in order.

Anything special I should look out for? What would features +/- value and what are these currently bringing today.

As always your help is greatly appreciated

Hard to advise without specific images to reference, but I'd tell you that you should look for the same kinds of things you would look at on any gun close to 80 years old -- looseness, excess rotational play in the cylinder, fore and aft movement of the cylinder, hammer push-off when cocked, and so forth. One man's 95% could be somebody else's 98% or 88%, so make your own judgment about that.

Prices are all over the map depending on condition. A tight and reliable gun in the 90-95% range is probably a thousand dollar gun. Better condition brings bigger bucks; rougher brings less. But it's hard to find one of these in any condition for less than $750 these days. They generally run a hundred or two higher than the postwar K-22 Masterpieces simply because there are fewer of them and they are older. These can be terrific shooters, by the way. While the rare second model and postwar Masterpiece varieties are easier to shoot accurately with their bigger sights, some truly impressive accuracy can be achieved from these prewar ODs with their smaller rear sights.

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David Wilson

Here is a thread that has a lot of information - and photos...

K-22 Outdoorsman Appreciation and Photo Thread

David gave you great advice on one of my favorite guns.

Good Luck,

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

He is firm at $1000

From what I can see this would rate in the 95-97% range, and $1000 probably isn't out of line.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I paid that for a 1937 version in similar condition a year and a half ago. Some here will say its a bit much and that $800-$900 is "right." But they seem to be few and far between at that price, although holding out might get you one at the "right" price. I had already forgotten what I paid and had to dig out my list to find out. I am satisfied with the gun, the price, and being a proud owner of a fine firearm. Just my experience.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Seems almost reasonable.Ive watched on line for a year or so and I've seen some very optimistic asking prices.I did notice one I missed recently that sold for $750 in a little better condition,but I think that gun was a fluke.

Very nice and late production as OD's go , guessing 1938 -1939

S/N is 663XXX

For reference SN 663437 shipped in July 1937. It is a well-worn shooter that wears it years of service very proudly and well...



It came to me with the pictured holster and the grip adapter. For price reference, I paid $650 for the package three years ago (I maybe overpaid a bit - but the factory grip adapters for K-frame guns are not frequently found... AND I wanted one with some very honest wear ).

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Richard even without the K grip adapter that is probably worth $200-$250 by itself $650 is a bargain IMO.

I saw you posted pictures. Does that mean you bought it?

not yet. Thinking about it though

What are your reservations?

honestly I just hate paying asking price, I enjoy the negotiation.

hes quite firm...

Im with ya on that one, haggling is half the fun.

Its already a great gun at a more than fair price. More fun than haggling is scoring a great gun at a fair price. Ask yourself if you'd be happier if the starting price was $1500 and you cheated him down to $750. You'd be paying $100 more so is the pleasure of getting it for less than asking worth the extra $100? I say just pay the $650 and be done with it.

So here's the problem. In a few years you won't even remember what you paid. And the value of the dollar is so fluid that you won't be able to make a valid comparison.

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Dick Burg

What is he asking for the Outdoorsman as under $1000 is a great deal IMO and $1000 to 1200 fair market,

Here is an experience I had this past August........

Found an Outdoorsman in probably 93% condition with the box and "tissue" paper. Don't recall if the box numbered to the gun to be honest. Asked the seller a few questions, he answered 2 out of 3. So I thanked him for his time and asked the third question again. He responded with "look at my rating/feed back" or close to it. He obviously was upset that I "questioned his integrity/description" or what ever.

I explained that I was prepared to send the funds as soon as he answered my last question. It basically turned into a "pride thing/stubbornness issue". I didn't buy it. I was confident I knew the answer to my question, just wanted to hear it from the seller.

Been kicking myself in the butt ever since.
Just my two cents.
Best of luck to you, keep us posted.
Bob

And on the other hand, I paid $500 each for my last two K frame grip adapters------and was---and am as happy as a pig in the mud! I think it has to do with the fact they ain't making anymore of them---and more than a few folks want them----and those among them who decline to pay the price don't get them. I got them. And I got some more money the day after that---and the day after that---and----just like any and everybody else.

You pays your money, and you takes your pick.

You don't pays your money, and you don't.

Ralph Tremaine

I was actually estimating from the last time a pre war K grip adapter appeared on the forum which IIRC was priced around $300 several years ago, Totally out of touch with current pre war K grip adapters pricing.

I agree with that and I have been thinking about it

oddly enough another K22 OD popped up locally in even better condition with the original box and a humpback hammer for 2700.

$1000 isn't looking so bad right now

Yipes! $500 for grip adapters! I never would have guessed.
There is a beater pre model 10 four inch at a LGS that an adapter on it.
It is a consignment piece and I always thought the guy wanted way too much for it.
Been there a couple of years. Maybe I had better revisit. See if it is still there.
Aloha

Be careful, the grip adapters that Ralph is describing are the pre-war S&W stamped two steel panel adapters like the one in my photo above. The K-Frame ones are more rare than the N-Frame ones, in my experience. Here is a photo of one with the grips off to show you what to look for in the genuine article:

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Thanks! I will check it out.
This piece has been sitting in a corner of the case as long as I can remember.
Gordy

So I am taking a look at the boxed outdoorsman this weekend.

Hes says the grips and box are number to the gun and it all matches. the pictures arent the best but it looks like the only condition flaws are a slight turn ring, little bit of muzzle wear and ejector rod wear.

Is there anyway to confirm that the humpback hammer is original to the gun without it being lettered?