Info request S&W K22 Model 17-2

bryan2 · #1 08-07-2018, 05:05 PM

Bought a K22 Masterpiece 17-2. I'm the 3rd owner.
Info suggested 1957 vintage, but not sure. Serial # K728513, bought in Canada. 6" barrel.
Do you think the large wooden grips are original?
Pics attached. I did get the original box too.
Thanks,
Bryan

armorer951 · #2 08-07-2018, 05:07 PM

Likely 1967. Those are not the original grips. Probably shipped with a diamond target grip, as indicated on the box label. They are similar to the ones in your photograph, but w/o the speedloader cutout.

bryan2 · #3 08-07-2018, 05:30 PM

armorer951
Thanks for the update.
My M15-6 has the original smaller grips.
Are the smaller original grips available to purchase?
May be an export issue to Canada.
Bryan

armorer951 · #4 08-07-2018, 05:54 PM

Just about any style and vintage S&W grip is available....depending on what you are willing to pay for it. Google is a great way to search for new and used grips.

doctorfronk · #5 08-07-2018, 06:12 PM

I bought a used 6" K-22 from a long gone pop&mom gun shop way back in the early 80s; paid $145 for it.

Used to belong to a local doctor and it was in excellent shape.
The owner handed me a box full of grips and said to pick whatever I liked most, so chose a pair of smooth target grips with silver S&W medallions (love the looks of the gun with these grips on).

Sweet shooting revolver!

doctorfronk · #6 08-07-2018, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryan2

armorer951
Thanks for the update.
My M15-6 has the original smaller grips.
Are the smaller original grips available to purchase?
May be an export issue to Canada.
Bryan

Try eBay; you are most likely been able to find them there...

bananaman · #7 08-08-2018, 08:15 AM

Nice 17! You will enjoy shooting it a lot! If your gun was shipped in 1967, it would have had diamond target stocks on it according to the box. (diamond that the screw goes through on both sides)
I have a 17-2 from 1964. Still looking for target stocks for it. Picked up some super nice diamond magnas for it. The picture is my 28 no dash with diamond targets (N frame) & diamond magnas. Bob

Engine49guy · #8 08-08-2018, 10:48 AM

Very nice 17-2
The stocks on your gun are factory made "Speed loader cut" target stocks from sometime after 1980ish.

The standard stocks being used when your gun was made were the smaller "Magna" stocks , the diamond center was phased out in 1967
(For comparison I have Serial K 708518 that shipped with non diamond Magnas).

Diamond target stock supply seemed to continue until around 1968 so would likely be what it shipped with by the T under stocks on your box.

KalamazooKid · #9 08-08-2018, 07:19 PM

My 17 no dash from about 1961 wears the diamond targets.

snowman · #10 08-09-2018, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryan2

armorer951
Thanks for the update.
My M15-6 has the original smaller grips.
Are the smaller original grips available to purchase?
May be an export issue to Canada.
Bryan

bryan2:

For the sake of clarification and to prevent any confusion: Your box indicates that the gun's original grips were "target grips" as signified by the "T". Target grips would not be "smaller" than what the gun currently has. The gun's current grips are also target grips and thus are the same size as the original ones.

The differences between the current grips and the originals are evident from KalamazooKid's pictures: the latter had a diamond-shaped figure surrounding the screw hole, and a football-shaped relief at the top of the left panel to facilitate case ejection. This relief was replaced around 1980, as Engine49guy said, with the cutout as seen in the pictures you posted.

If you're looking for 'smaller' grips, you want the Magnas mentioned by other posters here, as seen on bananaman's Model 28 in the last two pictures he included. These are likely what you have on your Model 15.

I hope this helps somewhat. Enjoy your gun; it's a dandy one.

Regards,
Andy

pd1964 · #11 08-09-2018, 07:52 AM

Check the classified section here or place a WTB ad. I’m in Canada and have had no issues importing stocks. I’ve bought from a couple of people on here and a few US retailers. Some woods are restricted to import but nothing original S&W is a problem.

Jack Flash · #12 08-09-2018, 07:52 AM

Does anyone have knowledge about Bryan's question re: exporting "gun parts" to Canada? Stupid as it may sound, is it possible that handgun stocks are contraband or require so much paperwork / expense that it would be easier to cut down a tree and make your own?

pd1964 · #13 08-09-2018, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Flash

Does anyone have knowledge about Bryan's question re: exporting "gun parts" to Canada? Stupid as it may sound, is it possible that handgun stocks are contraband or require so much paperwork / expense that it would be easier to cut down a tree and make your own?

I’ve bought stocks from the US many times no issues from retailers and private people. I don’t think they fall into the gun parts category. With private sellers I tell the sender to mark the description as “wood handles”. I have however had issues trying to import certain woods one being cocobolo.