I was talking to my wife a bit ago about how some of my favorite memories were learning to shoot a .22 hi standard double nine longhorn revolver with my uncle. I wanted my kids to have some similar memories so I sold a DW to have some funds set aside so if the right opportunity appeared I would pounce.

Well, I pounced today! A model 17 no dash. My second SW revolver and it’s a dandy. I can’t wait to get out and shoot it and make some memories.

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Look out tin cans! Good for you and your kids.

Congrats!!! Good choice. The K-22 Masterpiece is just that - a Masterpiece. They are among the best revolvers made by anyone in America during the time they were available.

My brother and I had a K-22 from 1957 (no model number) when we were teens, a gift from an uncle. We shot the living daylights out of it and learned our proficiency with revolvers from it.

When I got back to the World from 'Nam, one of my two first handgun purchases was a new K-22 Masterpiece Model 17-3 (the other was a Model 28-2). Thousands of rounds later (and lots of rabbits, snakes and grouse dead because of it) it is still among my favorite handguns. I've owned a few other K-22s since, and all of them have been great performers.

You and your kids will store up lots of good memories with that revolver. Have fun and be safe!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

My 1st quality 22 revolver was a Ruger Single six, which was like
a target gun compared to H&Rs, IJs, ect. I was into single actions
and more or less turned up my nose at DAs of anykind. In fact I
had a K22 NIB from a trade. Was going to leave it that way for
trading stock. Buddy talked me into shooting it and never carried
Ruger again. Still have the Ruger, HI Standard HD and the K22
From back in the 60s but only the K22 sees much use. I have
other K22s, M34s and M41 and a couple Rugers, but for serious
22 shooting it's always my old original K22.

Thanks everyone! Just need to figure out what holster to go with and I will be set!

I've got a -3 that goes with me on my walks in the woods. It simple amazes me how accurate these are.
I can't match accuracy with any other caliber I shoot..

Coincidentally, I just saw this post on the Model 17 no dash. Tonight I just got a Pre 18 with a K314XXX serial putting it at late 1957. It is a four screw with no model number. Serial number at bottom of grip and under extractor.

I was worried that the bluing was too deep for the year, but it looks just like the one pictured (but 4" bbl of course).

Does anyone know approximately when the K22 Masterpieces went from blue to deep blue as shown it the picture??? I have one from ~1947 that is a flatter blue.

When I got mine tonight I was suddenly afraid it was a re-blue, But all lettering/stamping is very sharp and clear. Also has slight wear at front tip of barrel, slight at base of both front and back straps, and at front sight crown.

You pick a great revolver. Well done.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Around 1956 you start to see the high polish blue.

Or earlier if high polish was special ordered.

Nice 22. Good find.

I've had a no dash since '71. It was shipped in '59.

Only revolver I ever shot so much that it needed an overhaul.

Sent it to S&W about 5 years ago and they went all thru it for little $. It's like new (except for blue wear) -- the ejector rod is totally without finish.

I haven't had a K-22 Masterpiece in quite a few years. The last one was a pre-17 from the late 1940s I should have kept. I've considered getting another, but I already have other .22 handguns I don't shoot much, seven at last count, so it's not a high priority. But at the right price I would be tempted. My present personal favorite .22 is a high condition Ruger standard model, ca. 1954.