K-22 or Model 17?

ramptester · #1 01-17-2011, 11:51 PM

I have a question for those of you in the know. I have a very nice 6 inch 22LR with serial number K324442. According to the S&W book, this would make it a 1958, but should also make it a model 17, right? It is not marked with "17" anywhere on the frame, so I am assuming this is a ....K-22 Masterpiece? Pre-17 Masterpiece?
Thanks in advance

P&R Fan · #2 01-18-2011, 12:48 AM

That serial number does indeed date it to 1958, so it should say "Mod-17" inside the yoke. Darned if I can figure it out. Possibly they used up an old frame, but I don't understand why it wouldn't be stamped with the model number.
Lots of folks smarter than me on here, so maybe somebody can explain it.

dacoontz · #3 01-18-2011, 12:49 AM

Is it a five screw or four screw? Or to be more specific does it have a screw on the very top aspect of the sideplate. If yes, then it is likely a pre-17 which is just the title for the model just before it was model marked. I have a pre-17 that is K246,xxx and a model marked 17 that is K379,xxx so it falls inbetween there.

RdrBill · #4 01-18-2011, 12:53 AM

Sir.
They are all K22's. The ones that are marked Model 17 in the crane/yoke area are the Model 17's.
I have a database with K 331924 and it is marked Model 17. Your serial number is near the transition period.
Bill@Yuma

firearmsunlimited · #5 01-18-2011, 01:05 AM

Check for the model stamp here

ramptester · #6 01-18-2011, 07:22 AM

photos added for clarification

Combat · #7 01-18-2011, 08:04 AM

Same thing happened in .38 cal.It took awhile for them to use up all the unmarked frames.

m75rlg · #8 01-18-2011, 08:34 AM

My Model 17 is K3372xx and is marked. It is a 4 screw. That puts it about 12,700 numbers after yours.

SCSW indicates Model numbers started in the K288989-K317822 range, and appears to indicate around 30,000 to 40,000 per year use of numbers.

As someone said above maybe the assembly crew just forgot the model marking step. It would have still been pretty new to them.

Art Doc · #9 01-18-2011, 09:36 AM

Nothing is for sure with models and features. S&W used up old parts on new models, used new parts on older models, shipped out of sequence, used older boxes for newer guns, added and deleted features without rhyme nor reason.

By 1958 this gun SHOULD have been stamped as a Model 17. It wasn't. Welcome to the world of S&W.

Vulcan Bob · #10 01-18-2011, 09:56 AM

I have a 1958 non model marked four screw. I consider it a pre M-17, however opinions do vary!

dacoontz · #11 01-18-2011, 11:40 AM

You have a non-tapered barrel so I would call it a model 17, but it isn't model marked so I would want to call it a pre-17. I am guessing it is a 4 screw which would tilt me more towards a model 17, but don't know for sure what feature trumps the others as far as model identification is concerned. Either way, it looks to be in great shape and the finish is nice.

rburg · #12 01-18-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulcan Bob

I have a 1958 non model marked four screw. I consider it a pre M-17, however opinions do vary!

I tend to agree with you. Its "just" a K22.

To me, that's preferable than a "model" number gun. Its all in how you view it. To me as a collector, I start losing interest as soon as I see the model # stamped in the crane area.