This remarkable revolver from 1952 is just so perfect in every way. The condition, the lines, the balance, you name it.

The back story might be the best part. I purchased it from the original owner’s daughter (via a broker). He passed recently at I believe 91 years old after living his whole life in the UP of Michigan - my favorite place in the whole world. He bought this and a few other S&W revolvers new and then lovingly cared for them for 60 plus years. I bought 3 of them, all unfired. No one can tell me that you have to shoot a gun to fully appreciate it.

Here’s a few pics ......

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Mark

It is a thing of beauty and you have fine skill with the photography!

I agree 100% about the purpose, value and joy in not necessarily shooting some guns. It seems that some folks will never understand.

That is SWEET!!!

It does seem exciting that you will be the first to break in a 68 year old gun. How often can you say that.

Since he bought it new and left it new is there a box? If not it might still be tucked away in his house.

Yup, I have the pristine gold boxes for two of them (just not a pic).

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Mark

Superb!!


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Very nice! The photos transported me back to a 1952 gunshop. Stuff stashed everywhere, mounts on the walls. I can imagine that revolver sitting in a display case waiting to go home with somebody. I bet the shop owner was in a black and red flannel shirt, and chewing on a cigar. Guys hanging around telling tales; some of 'em true. Coffee on the stove. A guy came in the door and took your revolver home for a 68 year rest.

Thanks for that.

Wow factor is off the scale on that one. Just absolutely beautiful. You are a lucky man.

No, thank you! I really do feel connected to this man without even knowing him. I wish I could buy his daughter lunch some time, it would connect some dots for sure!

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Mark

OK, you said you bought three and used the plural when speaking of the gold boxes....people want to know. What else did you get?

That K22 is outstanding!!!

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

Beautiful K-22. And never being fired makes it even more beautiful.

I totally agree, "you have to shoot a gun to fully appreciate it".

I only have one of those.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

This K-22 made the “introduction” for me. The others include a 38 M&P (4”) from 1953 and a K-38 with a rare 5” barrel from 1957. The 38 was originally ordered for the IL State Police (that one has a blue box). I just haven’t had time to do a deep clean with pics for them. Here’s one of the 38 ......



I regret that I didn’t purchase the 1935 Outdoorsman that was also part of his collection.

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Mark

Something to be said for a time capsule. I can appreciate them but since I tend to shoot my stuff, I pass them on to the correct kind of collector. Nice example of a k-22, would love to see the other revolvers you picked up as well. My wife's family is all from Michigan and we are familiar with the UP, gorgeous place to visit!!

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I just cannot imagine having that and never shooting it

I could not have done that......enjoy that beautiful piece!

I have other K-22’s and 17’s to scratch that itch.

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Mark

I have one or two I am not likely to shoot.

Did you put the targets on it?

I figure its likely a four ring box for magnas but did read on here a larger box did come out later. I am only aware of larger blue boxes for target grips.

Yes, I put the targets on it. Been saving them for the right gun - being period correct, they’re as perfect as the gun so I thought a good fit. The original magnas are tucked away in the box.

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Mark

Nice piece! I have a 1952 and a 1953 K22, both with the non-relieved target grips. Probably some of the finest guns S&W ever made. I hope you shoot it, that's half the enjoyment ow owning it. Be sure to shoot that 5" K38 also, the accuracy is outstanding.

The 5" in use. All double action one handed on 10 seconds (or less) per cylinder. Please ignore the high right, that's all me.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Didn’t mean for this to be a shoot vs don’t shoot thread. I should shoot them all because I know when they get passed on to my son he’ll DEFINITELY shoot them all

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Mark

Sooner or later somebody will shoot them. Might as well be you.

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That's just somebody talkin.

Absolutely outstanding!

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

Keep that one pristine! As you said, you have other toys to play with. That is gorgeous.

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Mike H

I sold my extremely nice 1951 K-22 about a year ago leaving me with no .22 pistols. There are times that I think maybe I should have kept it.

I seriously doubt that I will ever shoot my unfired (since leaving the factory) 3.5" pre-27. I like that it has never been fired. Part of why I like it soo much.

It matters not to me if whoever ends up with it shoots it. It will be theirs for them to enjoy however they want.

I'm not sure if I'm going to shoot my 4" pre-27 too and I'm pretty sure that it has been fired, just not much.

Once again, your K-22 is beautiful and I love the target grips that you have been saving for it.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

I was fortunate when I traded for my K-38 and bought my K-22 at auction, both made in 1948 and equipped with the standard lightweight, narrow rib barrels. Both had been carried and fired, so I have taken up where my predecessors left off and have continued to enjoy using both of them. If either of them (or any other antique gun) came to me unfixed I would be severely conflicted trying to decide, “shoot or don’t shoot.”

I don’t have the resources to own multiple examples of many guns, and am not thinking of my basement as a museum, so I fear the temptation with any gun I felt the desire to buy would bring an overwhelming desire to shoot it as well.

JMHO ~ YMMV,
Froggie

I love diamonds & speed hammers

[QUOTE=KalamazooKid;140647171]This remarkable revolver from 1952 is just so perfect in every way. The condition, the lines, the balance, you name it.

No one can tell me that you have to shoot a gun to fully appreciate it.

I have never shot the majority of the guns I have (most antique)
However, I think to FULLY appreciate a gun, it must be shot.
(read my first sentence)

p.s. your gun is outstanding