622 VR

[badnws2]

Hello, i have a 622 VR 6" with adjustable sights. i know this is a rare model but i am looking to sell the gun. Can someone tell me what the value of this would be.
I have attached a picture is this helps.

Russell

 

[skjos]

The 622VR was a one year gun, so it is fairly rare. There are typically some 622's on GB you can benchmark the price from. I would imagine the 622VR would command a $100 to $200 premium over your run of the mill 622, provide the purchaser knew/cared of it's uniqueness.

 

[mlk18]

The last one I saw for sale was priced at $500 LNIB. The goal as a seller of the 622VR is to find the right seller. One who knows what it is, what's worth and is will to pay your a fair price for it. This is a really good place to start.

 

[vigil617]

I guess the condition will make a difference too. Is it NIB, ANIB, or if it has been fired, any idea how many rounds? Also, the 622 series came with either 10-shot or 12-shot mags depending. Which was this one?

Original box, papers, any tools, etc?

The Standard Catalog lists this one as Product Code 102846 made only in 1996 and in addition to the adjustable sights, it came with checkered walnut grips. Have you changed those out, and do you still have them?

All of these will help dictate a fair price for this beautiful pistol.

 

[Slidemuzik]

...
The Standard Catalog lists this one as Product Code 102846 made only in 1996 and in addition to the adjustable sights, it came with checkered walnut grips.

Virgil, I've been researching this series for a little over a year and I would respectfully challenge the S&W SC regarding the walnut grips being standard. Apparently some came from the factory that way, but there didn't seem to be many. I haven't seen any walnut grips that I recall as being noted on the vr box label. I have seen it noted on other models.

The 622VR came most often with adjustable sights in both 4.5 and 6" barrels. There were some fixed sight models in each barrel length. I know in the 4.5" there were 320 made with fixed sights and 706 with adjustable sights. I don't remember off the top of my head how many 6" 622vr's were made, but it was many more than in 4.5". I want to say something between 6-7 thousand produced during the one year run. I wouldn't bet on that number without going back to my notes though.

Regarding condition, I have been noticing quite a few 622vr's that have rust beginning to come through the finish on the slide. I was under the impression they were stainless like the other 622 and 2206 models. I have noticed however that there is a finish on the slides that is different than the 622 or 2206. I don't recall ever seeing rust on the stainless slides of those models, so I am wondering if the metal used on the slide of the 622vr is different? I know the 422's are not stainless slides and you sometimes see rust on those slides, but usually from the finish being compromised, not coming from under the finish like I've noticed on the 622vr's.

Any thoughts on this?

To the OP, does the box have the correct serial numbered box and does it have any signs of the rust I mentioned, particularly in the serrations and around the sight?

What are you thinking about asking for it?

 

[vigil617]

Slidemusik, I certainly defer to your research and observation on these, and thanks for what you've added here! The SC does contain errors and sometimes incomplete information, as we all know, and it's great that folks who have first-hand knowledge of them are willing to share it.

Not having owned any of the .22 caliber models myself, and only having read about them on the Forum, all I know about rust issues is that it has been mentioned here that the bluing on some of the models does not seem to be as durable as you might expect.

Perhaps that's also a function of how well (or poorly) those have been maintained by the owners -- not to cast any aspersions, of course.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Virgil, as a novice compared to the collectors here, I appreciate the chance to exchange knowledge with those more experienced.

I'd agree that the finish on the 422's isn't as durable as one would hope for, but the 622vr's have some sort of coating on the slide that is different from the 422's. The regular 622's and the 2206's have a lightly brushed finish on a solid stainless slide and appear to use identical slides. The rust issue I'm noticing on the vr's seems to be coming up from under the finish. Not sure how one would prevent that. Would keeping it oiled prevent that if it's under the finish? Can the oil penetrate the coating?

 

[badnws2]

Slidemuzik,
There is no rust anywhere on this gun. From what i have found out all of the slides for this model were out of stainless. There are several grades of stainless and some will rust with time.

The numbers on the box do match the gun. At this time i am looking for 600.00. below is a little i found out about this gun.

Smith & Wesson 61

Notes: This is a set of related Smith & Wesson pistols that share the same basic design, though they may differ widely in size, shape, and purpose. They were the first commercial small-caliber designs that Smith & Wesson made after the Model 41, debuting in 1970 with the Model 61.

The Model 61 Pocket Escort is a tiny automatic pistol designed for self-defense. It was designed to be cheap and easily concealable, basically a “Saturday Night Special” type of firearm. It was available in blued or nickel-plated finishes and black or white plastic grip plates. Production stopped in 1973.

The next small-caliber model was introduced in 1987, the Model 422. Two versions were made: the Model 422 Field with a fixed sight and black plastic grip plates and blued finish, and the Model 422 Target, with an adjustable rear sight, walnut grip plates, and a stainless steel finish. Both could have either a 4.5-inch or 6-inch barrel. Both are identical for game purposes. Initial models had a magazine capacity of 10 rounds, but in 1992, this was increased to 12 rounds. Production stopped in 1996.

In 1989, the Model 622 was introduced. This weapon is similar to the Model 422, but has a light alloy frame finished to look like stainless steel, and a stainless steel slide. Like the Model 622, this pistol changed to a 12-round magazine in 1992, but this reverted back to a 10-round magazine in 1996 with the advent of the Brady Gun Bill. Field and Target versions were produced. Production stopped in 1996.

In 1996, the Model 622 VR was introduced. The “VR” stands for “Ventilated Rib,” and refers to the sighting rib above the front portion of the slide. The Model 622 VR has an alloy frame and an adjustable rear sight. Most have black plastic grip plates, but a few were built with walnut grip plates. Only 6-inch barrel versions were made, and no provision was ever made for a 12-round magazine. Within months of being introduced, it was withdrawn. For game purposes, it is identical to the Model 622 with the 6-inch barrel.

The Model 2206 was introduced in 1990 as a totally stainless steel version of the Model 622. It was originally available in 4.5-inch and 6-inch barrel versions, but only 6-inch barrel versions were made after 1993. Three versions were built: the standard 2206 (identical to the Model 622 for game purposes); the Model 2206 Target with match-quality barrels and a micrometer rear sight, and the Model 2206 Target Match with an ergonomic grip, adjustable hand support, micrometer rear sight, and heavy match barrel. Production of all 2206’s stopped in 1996.

The Model 2213 Sportsman Stainless is an update of the Model 61 Pocket Escort, introduced in 1991. The barrel is an inch longer than the Model 61, but it is not physically much bigger than the Model 61. The Model 2214 is similar, but the 2214 has an alloy frame and a blued finish. Manufacture of the 2213 and 2214 stopped in 1997.

The Model 22A Sport is basically a very large version of the Model 2214. It has an alloy frame and blued finish and comes in barrel lengths of 4, 5.5, or 7 inches. The grip is made of polymer. A version of the Model 22A is the Model 22A Target; this version has a bull barrel with 5.5 inches. Both versions have an adjustable rear sight.

The Model 22S Sport is a variant of the Model 22A Sport, introduced in 1997. The slide is of stainless steel; the frame is of light alloy, finished to look like stainless steel. It is a much heavier weapon than the Model 22A, but is otherwise similar. A Target version also exists. It is still in production.

 

[Slidemuzik]

badnws, I have highlighted some items in red and answered in blue. Have you shot this yet? Blue hard case, or cardboard? Sounds like a dandy.

Slidemuzik,
There is no rust anywhere on this gun. From what i have found out all of the slides for this model were out of stainless. There are several grades of stainless and some will rust with time.

The numbers on the box do match the gun. At this time i am looking for 600.00. below is a little i found out about this gun.
I think 600 is the minimum it would take to get my attention, but I'd have to like them.

The next small-caliber model was introduced in 1987, the Model 422. Two versions were made: the Model 422 Field with a fixed sight and black plastic grip plates and blued finish, and the Model 422 Target, with an adjustable rear sight, walnut grip plates, and a stainless steel finish.
This doesn't seem correct. I believe all 422's had a "blued" finish. 622's had the stainless finish.

In 1996, the Model 622 VR was introduced. The “VR” stands for “Ventilated Rib,” and refers to the sighting rib above the front portion of the slide. The Model 622 VR has an alloy frame and an adjustable rear sight. Most have black plastic grip plates, but a few were built with walnut grip plates. Only 6-inch barrel versions were made, This isn't correct as I am intimate with a 4.5 " 622VR. See this thread for some good info and photos. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/316801-622-vr-rescue-thread.html
and no provision was ever made for a 12-round magazine. Within months of being introduced, it was withdrawn. For game purposes, it is identical to the Model 622 with the 6-inch barrel.

The Model 2206 was introduced in 1990 as a totally stainless steel version of the Model 622. It was originally available in 4.5-inch and 6-inch barrel versions, but only 6-inch barrel versions were made after 1993. Three versions were built: the standard 2206 (identical to the Model 622 for game purposes); the Model 2206 Target with match-quality barrels and a micrometer rear sight, and the Model 2206 Target Match with an ergonomic grip, adjustable hand support, micrometer rear sight, and heavy match barrel. Production of all 2206’s stopped in 1996. This is very interesting. I am only aware of one 2206TGT. 6" barrel only. Millet adjustable sights. I have seen several grips. 2 carved walnut target style (Herritt made some) and I have heard there was a plastic target grip, but don't recall ever seeing one and can not confirm this. The adjustable grip is new to me. Where did you find this info? I'd love to see one.

 

[badnws2]

All of the information came directly off of a website if visited.
US Pistols - Smith & Wesson

it is a plastic case with the tag still on the outside of the box.

 

[Slidemuzik]

All of the information came directly off of a website if visited.
US Pistols - Smith & Wesson

it is a plastic case with the tag still on the outside of the box.

badnws, thanks for the link. I've seen that page before. I knew some of what you had said sounded familiar. I didn't remember that info about the grips.

In any case..... You wanted to sell this. Do you have any idea of it's history, or how many owners? Are you wanting a quick sale? Have you shot it to know how it shoots?

BTW... as I understand the date code shown under spec ord 5285, First digit = last digit of year produced. Last three digits = day of year it was boxed. That would indicate it was boxed Saturday October 12, 1985.

 

[badnws2]

Slidemuzik,

i am the original owner of this gun 3-400 rounds thru it. and i just sold it for 600.00 to a gentleman back east. Now all of the fun paperwork and getting it to an FFL in his area. Thank you for all your assistants and knowledge.

 

[Slidemuzik]

badnws, you're welcome. There should be one happy gentleman back east to get this beauty from the original owner.
Nice piece. Thanks for bringing it here.

 

[cs45pilot]

622VR

Great thread and very interesting as a 622VR owner. My 622VR:

 

[Slidemuzik]

cs45pilot, very nice looking VR with those walnut grips. Do you have the original box to know if it came that way or if they were added later?

 

[cs45pilot]

I changed them out for the wood grips. IMHO, all the 622VR's should have come with the wood grips.

 

[Noah Zark]

I'll play:

I found this 4.5" 622VR in a semi-local gun shop this past summer:

It has the adjustable rear sight. Well-balanced in the hand, and a phenomenally accurate handgun. It shoots on a par with my A-series Model 41 with the Field barrel.

For those inquiring minds, I paid $235 OTD, and was glad to do so.

Noah

 

[Slidemuzik]

I'll play:

I found this 4.5" 622VR in a semi-local gun shop this past summer:

It has the adjustable rear sight. Well-balanced in the hand, and a phenomenally accurate handgun. It shoots on a par with my A-series Model 41 with the Field barrel.

For those inquiring minds, I paid $235 OTD, and was glad to do so.

Noah

Noah you know you stole it at that price, right? I'd say about 1/3 of what it's worth. Nice find and good judgment to give it a new home where it is appreciated.
One of 706 made with the adjustable sights in 4.5". Congrats.

 

[cs45pilot]

Noah, I hope I stumble on to one of those 4.5 inch VR models. Nice find.

 

[jayuhl]

badnws, you're welcome. There should be one happy gentleman back east to get this beauty from the original owner.
Nice piece. Thanks for bringing it here.

Yes the gentleman out East is very happy I now have 2 long barrel VR and the short barrel fixed sight. Looking hard for a short barrel VR with adjustable sights. Also looking for a 622 short barrel in both fixed and adjustable sights. I will post my full collection once complete.