When Grizzlies Attack - An Engraved K-22 is The Answer

[RKmesa]

Sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s, S&W ran this ad in gun magazines:



Notice that the primary gun in the ad is a K-22 Masterpiece. Just so all of you know - woodsmen in the 1950s and 1960s were crack shots and a couple of 22 LR into the scull of a moving grizzly through the eyes was not really much of a problem...

That ad and this K-22 Masterpiece, with a beautiful grizzly panel scene engraved on its side plate, complement each other nicely... and I love the engraving on the rest of the gun. Several years ago, another collector graciously sold me a set of beautifully carved walrus ivories crafted in a Roper style by one of my favorite artists (Keith Brown). They found a home on this gun, completing the package.















This was one of the guns in my 13-gun display at the latest SWCA symposium. The symposium was one of the highlights of my year with wonderful displays, lots of opportunities to learn and great comradery. My thanks to all that took the time to display, sell, present, or attend. I loved every minute of it.

I had the camera out this weekend and finally got around to shooting a series of photos of the one display gun that I had not photographed before. I hope that you enjoy.

As always, I welcome any thoughts or comments that you may have.

Thanks for letting me share,

 

[lowriderfxr]

The K22 isn’t for the bear. It’s to shoot his buddy in the kneecap and run.

 

[LPD256]

That’s a very nice package. See you in Tulsa next year. Jh

 

[bamabiker]

Wow! Sometimes a little less than full coverage is really nice. Do you know who engraved it?

 

[Kingspoke]

Imagine if RK loved tattoos as much as engraving!

While modest among your great collection, I find it artistically sophisticated while simplistically appealing. More up my alley, so hand it over!

 

[quinn]

The K22 isn’t for the bear. It’s to shoot his buddy in the kneecap and run.

^^^^^^^^
What he said! I went through bear training as part of the Artic survival school... and that was always an alternative.

Really, Richard, that was a stunning display you had. I really enjoyed visiting with you and can't wait tose the photos of your newest (that I know of) acquisition. As you can see I've already posted mine.

 

[Marshal Tom]

Richard, I'm confused. Did the bear scratch that poor gun up like that after taking it away from the hunter?

 

[BC38]

Great gun - BAD idea!

 

[riverrat38]

"Sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s, S&W ran this add in gun magazines....."

It had to be after 1963, since the address for S&W has a 5 digit ZIP code.
The USPS started using ZIP codes July 1, 1963, 60 years ago. Before that, they used 2 digit zones; I lived in Tacoma 99, WA. Probably a statewide system.

73,
Rick

 

[67tempest]

Went bear watching in Hallo Bay Alaska while on a trip with my wife, sister and brother in law. The guide talked about what to do if a bear approached and told us we shouldn't run, the bear would easily catch you. My brother in law told the guide he wasn't worried about outrunning the bear, he was only worried about outrunning his wife! My sister was not amused, I thought it was hilarious.

 

[zwartepiet]

Beautiful K-22 Richard, and the grips are outstanding!!

I really like the old print ads from firearms and ammunition manufacturers. They depict so many pastimes that I enjoy….mostly hunting, fishing and plinking.

I bet putting a bear down with that K-22 would be easier than Richard picking out 13 revolvers from his collection to bring to the S&W symposium!

Thanks for sharing Richard!

 

[raljr1]

I like the coverage on that one. You had another K22 with limited coverage that I liked as well.

 

[handejector]

More pics of the grips, PLEASE!
I have not seen another pair of Targets out of walrus.

 

[CBH44]

I’d happily let a griz chew on me if I could carry that beaut.

 

[22hipower]

Another great gun, wish I had looked it over a little more carefully at the Symposium, but I couldn't take my eyes off those 3.5 inch engraved pintos every time I walked by your exhibit.

The 22LR for bear reminds me of the story of the Eskimo wanting to trade in his 22LR rifle for something a little more powerful. Seemed he used it for shooting polar bears; hid behind a dead seal, waited for the bear to get really close and then shot it in the eye. Wanted something a little more powerful as the last one had required two shots.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[HeloMt]

It had to be a "60's" man... a "50's" man would have transferred the fly rod to his left hand instead of dropping it in the stream before drawing. As always, Richard, your collection amazes us all. Beautiful, beautiful revolver. One of my favorites thus far!!!

 

[mikepriwer]

Richard

Do you have a version of this bear advertisement picture in jpg format?

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[cougar015]

Richard.
Another great post with stunning pictures! Your display in Glendale was nothing short of breathtaking. It was great seeing you again and thanks for dinner. My treat next year. Thanks for sharing the S&W ad as it is a classic but as great a gun as the K-22, is I would want at least a Model 29 for taking on a grizzly.
Rich

 

[Pizza Bob]

Ha! I was ready for you this time....I wore a bib.

Beautiful, as your pieces always are. Thanks for sharing.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[kscharlie]

My favorite one! To my eye, it is very visually appealing. Perfect amount of engraving and free space. It was nice to see your display in Glendale and talking with you. Thanks for sharing.