K-22 series

[fly4miles]

im just wondering if anyone out there knows a whole lot about this series i was left this revolver from my grandfather who kept this hidden from everyone it was what he used when he was a cop. thats all i know about it have done some reserch to figure out it was a k-22 series but how would i find out its exact age and model?(by seriel number)? im looking so that i can get insurance put on it. any ideas?

[deadin]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure we will be able to tell you about your gun.
K-22's are all in .22 Long Rifle. Not exactly a police caliber.
Can you post a picture of it? Also need to know the serial number from the bottom or front of the grip. (Include any letter prefixes that may exist.)

[fly4miles]

ok im still trying to figure out the pic thing but as far as the cop gun thing he told me that is what he carried and i was to never look for it or touch it when i was little. maybe he just liked it and did not use police issue i dont know. but seriel number is K 3026X if you need last number i can send it to you in PM 10734_1224578182961_1484193737_624646_5644819_n.jpg

[fly4miles]

the holster above is what it came in dont know if its orig. or just something he kept it in

[Combat]

Your k22 was made in 1948.A very popular year for k22's.

[fly4miles]

cool thank you combat i like it never held a 22 that had that much weight and balance by holding it you would never guess it was a 22

[Art Doc]

That is a K frame "22 Masterpiece" hence the K22 nickname. In 1957 this gun was assigned the Model 17 designation.

The vast majority are in 6" barrel length and all but a small handful are in blued finish. This is a deluxe target/sporting revolver and they are very popular. The exact same gun was made in .32 and .38 calibers but the 32 is rarely seen while the 38 was also very popular and became the Model 14.

The same gun with a 2" or 4" (much more common) barrel is the "Combat Masterpiece" or Model 18 (22) and Model 15 (38) after 1957.

Wow, there sure have been a lot of recent discussions on K22s. Must be the season.

[fly4miles]

thank you for all the information to everyone. now i guess my final question would be because im sure alot of you keep insurance on your guns what should i keep on this one best i can find is somewhere between 800-1200 if im way off please tell

[DCWilson]

Value depends on condition. I think I see some marks in the finish of your gun, but the picture doesn't really let anyone evaluate it properly. It doesn't look to be in "nearly new" condition, but it's not absolutely horrible, either. K-22s in good shape have been selling between $500 and 650 recently, so that would be some indicator of the insurance value of yours.

If you have been keeping it in the holster, please stop. Contact with leather can lead to corrosion. Clean the gun up with good oil, and when you are not shooting it store it in a gun sock or something with a silicone barrier to moisture. Don't let it rest directly on the bottom of a cardboard box, or a wood drawer, or anything that might be acidic. That's another way to invite corrosion.

I'm another member of the 1948 K-22 club. Wonderful year for a wonderful gun.

[fly4miles]

yea it has been in that holster im sure for 40 years or so LOL its out now and will not go back the blu has some wear but i would put it in the good condition catagory thank you for the information sounds like a 1000 replacement value would do that one well now i got one more that will be way harder and will prolly have to have it profesional appraised hope to read more from everyone this is a nice site and people are nice

[H Richard]

From your picture, the holster may be a Heiser. They are very collectible and have reasonable value in addition to the gun. Look at the back of the holster for a makers stamp, also the snap may be marked. It's the lacing down the side that is usually a Heiser trademark.

[fly4miles]

thanks for the info richard i have looked everywhere on it but because the over strap and snap are gone there are no other marks anywhere on it so it would have to be examined by someone who knows that stuff but as far as i can remember which was 30+ years its been in that holster and my father says same which goes back to when he was a kid

[Art Doc]

Prices will vary wildly depending on location, exact condition, who's buying, who's selling, the phase of the moon, the height of the tides and who knows what other variables.

I paid $325 for this one a few months ago and thought it a good deal. I see them tagged at $450-$500 in most cases. They will sometimes fetch more.

[fly4miles]

thank you saxon thats about what everyone i have talked to says from 450-650 depending on condition and who is buying will prolly put replacement value at 1000 just to cover myself

[fly4miles]

a better pic

[fly4miles]

ok i think i got this pic thing down lets try one more time

[gunlovingirl]

From those last pics, it appears a good cleaning up would move it up a notch in the condition category. I'd bet the diamond magnas are numbered to the gun too. I think that gun would fetch $500+. Of course for insurance purposes it's higher. Nice gun with a family history. I love my '48 K-22. I wouldn't sell it for food! (well, maybe for ice cream or chocolate!)

[fly4miles]

hmmmm i got 3 gallons of ben and jerrys wana trade misty?? LOL

[fyimo]

The K22 and later Model 17's seem to be really popular lately and I'm sure it's because of the rising ammo costs and even the scarcity of finding some pistol ammo. They are a blast to shoot and you can still go shooting for a day and bust up a lot of ammo for under $20.

I paid $500 for my K22 made in 1952 in 95% condition with factory diamond targets and was indeed thrill to get it. I also bought a Model 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel in 99% condition and paid $550 for it. They are both excellent shooters and the long tube is almost scary accurate.

[gunlovingirl]

Originally Posted by fly4miles

hmmmm i got 3 gallons of ben and jerrys wana trade misty?? LOL

What flavor?

[fly4miles]

does it really matter misty?? i have yet to have a B&J i have not liked LOL its down to 2.3 gallons and falling fast better speak up quick before its gone

[gunlovingirl]

After lying awake all night, I've come to a decison. Enjoy your B&J!

[fly4miles]

hmmmmm ok i will have to try again at a more promising time