Hello All,

I'm new to the Forum, this is my first thread so please be patient with me. I purchased an old K frame S&W revolver in .22LR caliber a few weeks ago at a local gun show. It has a slight bulge in the barrel about 1.75” from the muzzle due to an unlucky incident of the previous owner so I knew it would be a project to restore this nice, old pistol to working condition. I have contacted Smith & Wesson but I was told they will not work on it because it was manufactured in 1948 and they only work on pistols made after 1957. It is a 5 screw model with a 6” pinned, ribbed barrel and adjustable target sights, serial number K68803. It does have a strain screw in the front grip strap. I'm trying to gather enough information such as model number, correct replacement barrel types, what to look for on a replacement barrel, etc. to make an informed choice on what to purchase to fix it. Also any suggestions of a competent pistol smith to install or at least reline the existing barrel would be much appreciated. I'm not a collector, just want it safe to shoot. Any ideas? Thanks.

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Have you tried shooting it? If the bore is good otherwise, it may well shoot just fine. One other option would be to cut the barrel behind the bulge and move the sight.

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a K-22 with replacement grips.

I have owned several revolvers that had bulged barrels and they all shot fine. Take it out and shoot it first.

If it is inaccurate, post a Want to Buy in our Classifieds.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I agree with the other posters. I've also owned a revolver with a bulged barrel and the accuracy was fine.

Hello New Guy, nice looking 22. How heavy are you into it for?
I agree, go shoot it first. You may be surprised. Best

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

You are looking at a substantial expense to do as you propose if you take it or send it to a gunsmith. It's a more complicated job than you may expect, involving considerably more than just unscrewing an old barrel and screwing in a good one. Only you can determine if the cost of a barrel swap is worthwhile. To me, it probably would not be, and if I did anything, it would more likely involve shortening the existing barrel. I would agree with the others who say that you should determine its grouping performance before making any decision. In most cases, a slightly bulged barrel will have no effect on grouping performance.

FYI, SN K68803 probably shipped ca. early 1949.

Thanks folks, really appreciate the response. I've heard it might shoot fine as is. Though there's lots of advice out there on the web warning me it will explode killing me and the neighbors dog. Of course my buddy told me the same thing, "go ahead and shoot it". But he's one of those "hold my beer, watch this" kinda guys. The bulge is not very pronounced, around .01" plus or minus a skosh as best I can measure it. Well, I'll take it out to the range on Friday. But first I'll have Thanksgiving, at least I'll die having had some of this seasons first pumpkin pie. Happy Thanksgiving

Welcome to the forum.

That's a fine old gun. You're K22 was made before there were model #s. It has a model name only: "K22 Masterpiece".

The "sky is falling" types are those that know the least, ignore their misinformation.There is no safety issue with shooting it, period.

The accuracy will be unaffected, and it is a very accurate firearm.

I would not consider doing anything to it unless you prefer a shorter barrel. In that case you could have it shortened to a length you prefer more.

Enjoy,

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks Hondo44. Your comments and those of the other forum members are most helpful. Not being an expert on S&W's it can be confusing trying to find legit information, the web can tell you both sides of anything you want to hear. Nothing matches experience.

One more correct answer. A "like" for the new information in the bolded portion. I don't know whether ANY barrel would burst from a bulge, but it certainly wouldn't be the very heavy barrel on a K22. Even if it were a thin barrel with a large CONSTRICTION instead of a slight BULGE, I doubt that you or anyone else would be harmed by the results of firing it at arm's length.

You are about to be very pleased with your purchase.

I agree with shooting it (watch out for squibs!) and seeing what happens. If you decide to replace the barrel, any one with a number on the barrel flat (near the ejector rod) will appear similar and will fit.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Well, I took yous guys advice and took it out to the range and shot it. I admit I was under the range bench the first couple of shots just in case. You were right, so what if there's a bulge in the barrel, so what! This may well be the most accurate pistol I own! Shoots fantastic like most Smith and Wessons. One ragged hole at 50 yards over and over again, you know. I'd post the pictures but can't find them at the moment. But really, superb accuracy and an excellent trigger. Thanks so much for all your advice.

Another happy ending, courtesy of Smith & Wesson and sound engineering . Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220