I'm looking at K22 serial K 2761 at a LGS.

It has the one line address and what I believe to be the larger head extractor rod. It also has diamond center checkered target stocks with extractor relief cutout. These stocks were represented as original to this gun.

The blueing looks exceptional with a very slight sign of wear at the muzzle and a small area of flecking on the cylinder. I believe all numbers match with the exception of no numbers on the target stocks.

After a little searching here I'm thinking this left the factory late August 1947. Is this a "transitional" model with a pre-war extractor rod?

I could be wrong but I'm reading in the SCSW that target stocks for the K frame with the diamond center and relief cut weren't introduced until about 1955. Shouldn't these be square butt Magnas, diamond centered, checkered walnuts numbered to the gun?

Thanks for any opinion about value, stocks, age etc.
Sorry for the bad cell phone pics.

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Nice piece! The stocks are not original to the gun as they have the speed loader cut that I believe came in in the 70’s.

I purchased a similar piece, sn# 7xxx in 1972 as a used gun for $50. Gun was lettered to 1947. Finish on mine was not nearly as nice as the finish on yours though.

You did not mention a price? Yes, it is missing it's numbered magnas and that to me is a killer as I am a collector. It does have the LERK and appears to be a real nice gun. The stocks are a little too late for the gun. They have the football cutout for the extractor. Nice overall piece. Without the original stocks, I would value it at around $600 to $800. Correct stocks are available, quite cheap, but they will be numbered to another gun. Buy it if you get a good price. Big Larry

I think your conclusions are pretty close on all counts. I believe the first relieved K targets were shipped on Combat Magnums (pre- 19), and that gun was introduced in '56. Many of those were made from Goncalo Alves, and the ones pictured appear to be walnut. They were available as either a factory option, or could have been purchased separately as accessory items.

As far as value, the replaced stocks would have a slight negative impact, but the overall condition looks to be at least 95% or better. $1500 probably wouldn't be out of the ballpark, but being in CA might raise that estimate a few dollars too....

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

FWIW K 5277 Left the factory in October 1947.

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

In that condition, the larger extractor rod K22's with those targets I think would bring at least $800. But I believe it could easily bring more. What is their asking price?

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Get off my lawn!

The grips are not a killer for me!
If the price is halfway reasonable,
I would love to have that gun!
What is the asking price?

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

The asking price is $1,250, and as I said, they thought the stocks original.

It appears to be in great condition, especially for something 70 years old.

An inherited 1955 k22 delivered me to this forum. This one is appealing for a couple of reasons. First is the absolute quality of the work produced during the era. Second, I have 2 sons but only one k22 to leave- to the eldest.

I really appreciate any thoughts about this 1947 version, so thanks.

As others have said, those grips are not original. However, they have some value to themselves and original magnas (sharp shoulder diamonds) do show up occasionally; probably a delta of around $100. If it had its original magnas, $1250 would be an excellent price, assuming all other numbers match and original finish. Despite the later grips, I'd probably buy it, trying to use the grips as a bargaining chip. LERK's don't show up very often. -S2

I can bracket you.

K1332 shipped in 7/47
K3553 shipped in 9/47

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Let's introduce some clarity here on the K frame targets.
1. Non-relieved, diamond target stocks, introduced 1950
2. Extractor relieved (football), diamond target stocks c. 1956
3. Extractor relieved (football), non-diamond target stocks, c. 1967
4. Speed loader relieved, non-diamond target stocks, c. 1978

Illustrating the relief, the following photo shows #3 (middle gun) and #4 (top gun).


The next photo shows #2.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Welcome! You have learned well to post such detailed information and photos!

I notice you live in CA, where every handgun may have the "only guns in the state" surcharge. Fortunately (for now) you could still find and buy a 1947 K-22 from outside the PRK but they are not common in any condition, so if it is a local sale the price would be tempting even with the later stocks. A correct set of Magna stocks will be $50-75 so maybe this can be used for negotiation. Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I can add to the above;
K2686 shipped 9/47
K2947 shipped 8/47

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Dennis
SWCA #2409, SWHF #353

Good looking k22 ,you should make an offer as I am afraid you will regrett if you don't buy it at least I would.

Love that gun and holster combination ,great taste!

Couldn't leave you out man those are cool guns also now I've turned green with envy.

Here's 2762 (yes, one number younger than that one). I paid $800 a couple years ago, and mine's not nearly in as nice condition as the one you're looking at (photos are a bit deceiving). I know what I'd do.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

I would think that it is over priced. Saying that, I also think that the target stocks are worth more than a set of Magnas, especially as they are easier to shoot with. However, to a pure collector the original Magnas are a must.

With that in mind, finding one in that condition would require a lot of time and expense and would probably cost more after you did find it. I have paid more that some guns were worth because I wanted it, and because it was a hard to find item. I have never been sorry to over pay, because some years later, the value had doubled or more.

That one is a buy!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Nightowl is spot on with the diamond targets being worth more. I like targets a lot better myself. They are worth twice what the correct set of magnas will cost you.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

According to Mr. Jinks, the very first Combat magnums were shipped with walnut targets until 1958 when they changed over to Goncalo and charged $10 more for the gun. Big Larry

As an example of the non order in which they were shipped, I have # 4339 K also shipped 9- 23-1947, which is my exact 5th birthday. 100% original, about 98% in its numbered box. Had the paper, and Helpful Hints. An earlier one that may have been a holdover. Proper tools were acquired later. $825 in 2010 at the Big Reno Show. At that time, I had no idea what a LERK was, I bought it for the low serial number. Big Larry

"-------I had no idea what a LERK was---------."

I can help with that---and it presents an opportunity to vent my spleen. A LERK is a prime example of S&W's sometimes ill advised and slavish obsession with using up old parts before moving on. It's particularly ill advised in this case because the use of old parts requires an extra machining operation on a new part---and extra machining operations cost money which would otherwise be driven to the bottom line. How much extra? I don't know either---don't worry about it----they didn't.

Here's what to worry about: Supply and Demand. The supply is limited. The demand is such as to drive LERK prices to, let's say double that for a non-LERK. Does that make any sense? Absolutely not, but don't overlook the origin of the demand------lunatic fringe gun collectors. And don't look for this demand to subside any time soon----if ever.

So what's this gun worth? It's worth whatever you have to pay for it. Five years from now it'll be worth double that----hence the origin of the old saying: "It's not possible to pay too much for a good gun---it is only possible to pay whatever the price too soon." Given that one pays the price too soon, the remedy is to do nothing---just sit and wait. All will be well.

So it is written!!

Ralph Tremaine

5spotter, this K22 is about 50 serial numbers lower than the one you are looking at. It shipped 8/22/47 to a hardware store in my city and came out of the estate of a gentleman who was a well known collector and benchrest competitor in the 1950's. The sharp shoulder Magna Stocks are matching. The lanyard loop did not letter, but the original owner was a WWI Cavalry officer and other guns with lanyard loops added are known from his collection. It has been installed the same as the Victory Models were and the hole for the stud clears the serial number.

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Love this thread ,more great guns more great advice .

Here is what 1332 looks like.....my baby.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

Paul:

You know those grips are not original to the gun. Send them to me and I'll send you an appropriate set of high shoulder magnas...

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

Some of that ammo is incorrect also.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

Here's K3588 with matching grips-

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Get off my lawn!

A lot of nice guns here. The OP should buy the gun or commence kicking himself where the sun don't shine. You can go years between such finds. No predicting when, only that when you do it will cost more (and you won't have the money). We all have stories, some great about the guns we've nearly stolen.

Me,my favorite story about K22s was maybe 15 years ago. I was trundling along the many aisles when I came upon an old K22. It was pretty darn good but the best part was the serial. It was K166. I know how to be quick on the draw when needed. The seller wanted $300 and I negotiated (cheated) him down some trivial amount. I walked on, a big smile on my face. Then the same aisle but the other side a guy had one. He used to be a SWCA member and a poster here. He had K155 for less money.

Not being particularly smart or a good negotiator, I just paid his price. Sure, maybe I could have gotten it cheaper. I didn't care at all. I went home with 2 great K22s. Want more bad news? The K155 gun is my shooter. Some day soon I'll croak and Y'all can get your shot at them through David Carroll. If he wants them.... Yes, they both have boxes and the one (I can't remember which) even has some after market grips. The sales receipt is from some stupid store up in the frozen Narth lands. The same store the gun letters to. A nice touch.

But if you're a pervert like me, you don't pay attention to accumulating too many K22s. Then one day you decide to sell them off. I had 3 dozen for a while. I dumped off 2 dozen to happy buyers. Smarter than me, probably. They didn't own that many. But mine are better! I'm not slow enough to sell my gems, those will make my widow comfortable. You don't get 12 good ones without looking at a lot more of them.

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Dick Burg

Yes, I did get it in case anyone was wondering. I'm in the middle of a 10 day wait now.

Thanks for all the input. I know how to use the search function here to research the basics but the opinions expressed were perfect and just what I needed. That was some enabler magic right there.

I was thinking I might borrow a camera and post some pics when I take possesion, as a conclusion to the thread, but after seeing so many stellar examples mine might not be worthy.

Hey they are all worthy of being displayed here. Even one that has a lot of wear and blue loss. Still tells a story. I do hate to see them all rusted and corroded from flat negligent though. But, even then if it was lucky enoug to get picked up by a caring owner, there is hope it will still bring shooting pleasure.

We're pretty good at helping others spend their money.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

I have read through the thread and am somewhat (well more than normal) confused about the correct grips to be on a K22. This is a Smith and Wesson Model 17 K-22 6 inch barrel, .22 LR with Target hammer and adjustable rear sight. I am told it dates from 1957 Serial K3014xx..
Do these look to be period correct?

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Existimo ergo sum armis

Maybe. Show us the other side.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The grips are not numbered to the gun.

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Existimo ergo sum armis

The majority of target grips weren't number since they didn't need to be "fitted" to the gun.

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Get off my lawn!

I didn't mean the inside of them. I meant the panel on the other side of the gun (the left side, where the thumb piece is).

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I posted another picture showing the opposite side. Is that not what you meant?

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Existimo ergo sum armis

It is what I meant. Just didn't know you had added it. Thanks.

They sort of look like walnut non-relieved targets. But there is something about the shoulder that seems odd. It might just be stray light.

In any case, by 1957, one would expect a football relief for the extractor. However, non-relieved stocks could have shipped in that year.

They are nice anyway.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318