Late 5 screw K22 Masterpiece..now with pics

bigmoose · Apr 3, 2011

I just put some money down on a nice 5 screw K22 Masterpiece. The serial number is 2432xx and according to SCSW that dates it to 1955, the same year they deleted the 5th screw. So if anyone catalogs this type of info, there you go. It's in nice shape with original grips but some knucklehead buggered the end of the ejector rod with a pair of pliers. Does anyone know of a good source to buy a pre 1959 (year they switched from right to left thread) rod for this K22?

The profile of the hammer is a little different from my 1957 (year they started marking model 17) K22 Masterpiece which, by the way, is not model marked as a model 17. And the profile is unlike my Outdoorsman from 1938 either. There is probably a name for this style, but I am unaware of it. Sorry, no pics until I pick the gun up, but will post when I do. As usual, all comments and help are appreciated...thanks.

As an aside, I hit a local show Sat and walked out with an absolutely mint 20 ga. Beretta BL-3 for $650 (circa late 1960's). I weighed the gun when I got home....5 lbs. 15 ozs.!! I was really lucky to find such a nice over/under.

DCWilson · Apr 3, 2011

Try Poppert's Gun Parts for the rod. They seem to have a lot of stuff. Also oldwestgunsmith.com and Jack First Gunshop

I think you are describing the speed hammer or high-speed hammer, as the company called it. Out here in userland, this is also called the fish hook hammer (but not by everybody).

Looks like this:

bigmoose · Apr 3, 2011

you nailed it

Yup, that's the hammer. OK, I'll call it a fish hook also. Thanks for the names of parts dealers. I will report back with my success and cost, for those who may be interested. I appreciate the quick reply (with a photo, to boot!) and also enjoy reading your informative posts, DCWilson.

Cap

handejector · Apr 3, 2011

DCWilson said:
I think you are describing the speed hammer or high-speed hammer, as the company called it. Out here in userland, this is also called the fish hook hammer (but not by everybody).

Also called the "Sculpted" hammer by the more refined amongst us, which would include David if he chooses. That explains why Dick Burg calls it a fish hook.

bigmoose · Apr 3, 2011

I will have to be careful on which term to use: "fish hook" or "sculpted". Reminds me of a line in "The Outlaw Josey Wales" spoken by the river raft operator....In my line of work you have to be able to sing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Dixie" with equal enthusiasm.

Redmond · Apr 3, 2011

My 5-screw K-22, Pre-17, Serial 2588XX , shipped with Target stocks in late April, 1956 according to Mr. Jink's letter. Same hammer, bright blue finish. I belive I have seen one 5-screw K-22 with a later number, but the 5-screw/4-screw serial number boundary is somewhere close to here.

bigmoose · Apr 3, 2011

redmond, Thanks for the pic and info.
Those are outstanding looking grips on your K22.

Engine49guy · Apr 4, 2011

Redmond said:
My 5-screw K-22, Pre-17, Serial 2588XX , shipped with Target stocks in late April, 1956 according to Mr. Jink's letter. Same hammer, bright blue finish. I belive I have seen one 5-screw K-22 with a later number, but the 5-screw/4-screw serial number boundary is somewhere close to here.

Redmond, As your gun letters with target grips I am wondering if they have a football cutout or if they are unrelieved.

I will have to check the serial on my 1955 five screw, It also has the " Smith & Wesson High - Speed Hammer".

Nframe_is_no1 · Apr 5, 2011

Thanks for another chance to show off my 5 screw pre-17 from 1951, serial # K115xxx. Mine does not have the "fish hook" high speed hammer, but rather a .500" target hammer mated with a standard skinny trigger. It also has the 6 groove backstrap along with the tapered barrel and narrow rib. I added the target stocks to fit my hand, but have the original diamond magnas:

Sprefix · Apr 5, 2011

Looking forward to the pics.

I love my pre-17 K22 Masterpiece. It is a nice user-grade from very early 1948. I'm fond of the single line address. I put these grips on.

gjamison · Apr 5, 2011

there nothing better than a 5 screw k22!!

where in NY did you find her.....

nightshade2x · Apr 5, 2011

Nice find. How much did she set you back?

I have a 5-screw 1955 pre-model 17 K-22 serial (close to yours) K2413XX in the bright blue with the speed hammer and numbers matching magnas with the blue/black box. Pictured with a vintage George Lawerence basketweave holster.

I personally think these are the best .22 revolvers ever made.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

fyimo · Apr 5, 2011

Here's my K22 5 screw also made in 1955 and mine has seen some holster carry in it's time before me and it came with these grips for $500 two years ago.

fyimo · Apr 5, 2011

;135900940 said:
.

As an aside, I hit a local show Sat and walked out with an absolutely mint 20 ga. Beretta BL-3 for $650 (circa late 1960's). I weighed the gun when I got home....5 lbs. 15 ozs.!! I was really lucky to find such a nice over/under.

bigmoose
That is a crazy good price on the O/U

Redmond · Apr 5, 2011

Engine49guy said:
Redmond, As your gun letters with target grips I am wondering if they have a football cutout or if they are unrelieved.

I will have to check the serial on my 1955 five screw, It also has the " Smith & Wesson High - Speed Hammer".

The target grips are unrelieved. I inherited a matching K38 Pre-14 from my Dad, shipped in 1955, and just had to have the K22 like it.

GF · Apr 5, 2011

Nothing like a good K-22 thread!

I hate to be the one to tell the OP that one is never enough.
The single line one at the top is a '47 and the CM is a '53

My ol' shooter is a mid 50's rimfire.

GF

bigmoose · Apr 5, 2011

cost of K22 5 screw

$339 plus tax. I will post pics next week. I am currently on the road. I thought it was a very good deal even if I have to spring for a new ejector rod. These K22's have been popping up lately. Thanks all, for the comments and info.

nightshade2x · Apr 5, 2011

You stole that gun. post war-pre-17's are in the $600-700 range easily these days.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

bigmoose · Apr 5, 2011

One?

GF said:
Nothing like a good K-22 thread!

I hate to be the one to tell the OP that one is never enough.

GF

I got bit by this bug years ago. 1957 Masterpiece purchased back in '95. Then last month a nice Outdoorsman (1938) with Magnas, then just the other day this 1955 Masterpiece.

The target stocks you guys have look tremendous on those K22's. When I get a new camera, I got to get a tutorial from fyimo. Talk about bringing out the best in these neat .22's.

Well, all the pics posted here are much better than mine. Thanks for sharing guys.

bigmoose · Apr 5, 2011

nightshade,
Forgot to mention....that Lawrence holster is a cool piece to go with the K22.

Late 5 screw K22 Masterpiece..now with pics

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