Picked up an mid-four digit K22 LERK this past weekend. Besides the obvious ejector rod knob, noticed the rear sight windage screw looked fire blued. Got me wondering what were other differences between it and my five digit pistol? Seems like I saw a list some where of changes during production, but can’t find it now. Does anyone have a list they would share? Thanks.

Jim

Your 4 digit # includes a K prefix and is from 1947, a "K-22 Masterpiece 3rd Model.

I don't know of a list other than the much later Model dash numbers.

Those early versions after the war can have MADE IN U.S.A. on the right side frame instead of the four line address.

It may have the 1/4" manufacturing jig hole in the grip frame under the grips.

The fire blue looking sight screw is just a bluing variation, might have been replaced if it's domed instead of slightly flat.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

The pre war k22's all had the late style large ejector rod knob that looks like a barrel.
When post WWII production resumed the " LERK" carried over, IIRC by 1948 the rod end was deleted to save time and expense,
I have seen a few that had the recess cut in the barrel flat but had the new knurled end rod.

As for the flat face windage screw IIRC that was the way they were made in 48,
Also will have the small sight scallop.
I don't recall when these changed but will pull some early Ktargets to compare

I've never seen a straight rod on a gun with the barrel notch from the factory. In every case that I've seen that, the cyl and extractor rod were replaced and not at the factory.

When the factory replaced an ext rod/cyl (in a gun with a barrel knob and notched barrel) with a straight rod/cyl, they changed out the barrel to one w/o the notch as well.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks for the responses. Could someone post a picture of the “small sight scallop” Engine49guy referenced? Also, it does not have the 1/4 inch tooling hole under the grips. My ‘48 pistol does.

Jim

I presume he means the 1/2 moon cut out below the sight blade notch shown below on this later variety. The early one has a 1/2 moon cut out about half this size:


Photos thx to Linde

Something else to look for:

• Target sight update for all revolvers May 29, 1958 change order: change from 6 to 12 clicks for one complete revolution. Windage screw: Add .286 Radius crown and relocate plunger hole, Elevation nut: Add .286 Radius crown and relocate plunger hole. Reason: finer adjustment.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Excellent info. Thanks!

Jim