My first k Frame .22-What have I got?

[eric1959]

Brought home a new to me revolver today.Serial K48302, .22 long rifle, 6 inch ribbed barrel, adjustable rear sights, Partridge front sight. I am not knowledgeable about target triggers or hammers. No model number stamped on it. Came with cheap plastic grips. Got from a pawn shop, newly put out today, labeled model 17 on tag, Faint turn line, 5 screws, some muzzle wear, no rust. looks like it was only shot a little and then sat around for 50 years or so.
No picture technology available at the moment, any info you could share would be appreciated
Thanks for your time,
Eric

 

[rct269]

You have a K-22 Masterpiece (sometimes erroneously referred to as a K-22 "Target" Masterpiece)---also erroneously (and frequently) referred to as a "Pre Model 17"----perhaps by folks who don't know what the proper name is. The series began in the early 30's, took a time-out during WWII, back again after---with more than a few changes. Yours has a narrow rib---noteworthy only because the model following has a wide rib (to add weight)---sometimes referred to as a "Heavy" Masterpiece.

One of mine (K55489) shipped on December 7, 1948. In view of the fact they were shipping them pretty much as fast as they could make them at that time, yours went earlier. A historical letter ($75) will tell you exactly when---and to whom and where.

It is most assuredly the most successful .22 target revolver ever. Give it a good bath, buy some ammo, and go shoot it---and you'll find out why.

Ralph Tremaine

As an aside---and under the heading of speculation because I don't know the serial number split right off, yours may be a "one line" gun--------referring to the stamping found on the lower right front of the frame----which is to say yours may say "MADE IN U.S.A."----only (later guns saying three more lines). If so, the value is elevated somewhat---simply because those of us who collect such things are not quite right in the head, and will snatch up pretty much anything which is different---especially anything made in (comparatively) small numbers.

 

[JP@AK]

rct269 gave you the straight scoop. Not much I can add except to agree that it dates to 1948.

If you decide to put correct stocks on it, let me know and I'll help with some illustrations. The type this gun would have had originally were only used from 1946 until sometime in the 1952-53 period.

Congrats on an excellent purchase!

 

[JP@AK]

And, Eric, just for your knowledge and future accuracy, let me respond to this:

Partridge front sight

It is correctly called Patridge. Named after E.E. Patridge, a champion revolver target shooter in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He designed this sight and it was eventually adopted by S&W as a standard for the company's target revolvers.

 

[eric1959]

Thanks for the info guys. My knowledge of front sites apparently match's my knowledge of target triggers and hammers. This pistol is a 4 liner not a 1 liner. After looking up prices on GB, I guess my OTD was good at $398. I actually was in the car with the engine on when I decided that want was going to override need, again and I went back in and bought her. I seem to have a problem with impulse buying of nice Smith and Wesson revolvers
Thanks
Eric

 

[usm1rifle]

For $398, I would not have set it down...

Ya done good!

 

[model70hunter]

Eric, do not brag on this locally. You stole it.

It would be best to keep a low and quiet profile at the pawnshop. No telling what they might bring out next. Go by often and drink coffee or even bring coffee.

Don't worry about them underselling it, believe me they got the money they wanted.

 

[DWalt]

My closest listed SN is K504xx which shipped in 10/48. I think the 4-line address started on the K-series revolvers somewhere around K30000.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

... I seem to have a problem with impulse buying of nice Smith and Wesson revolvers
Thanks
Eric

At the price you paid I guess I'm having trouble believing that's a problem. Nice job.

Here's a photo of my K-22 with the grips yours would have had.

Enjoy that .22. I'm sure it'll be a treasure.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[samandglove1]

Even with incorrect plastic grips, you picked up a wonderful revolver for .60 cents on the dollar. Great score.

 

[Waveski]

$398 is fantastic - correct grips or not.

Enjoy my envy.