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.

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:

__________________
David Wilson

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

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.

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

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.

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

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".

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:

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.

__________________
Go big or stay home

there nothing better than a 5 screw k22!!

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

__________________
George Jamison

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

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.

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

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.

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

$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.

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

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

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.

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

+1 on what he said as that's an unreal price for that these days.

Thanks. I really like the look.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

I recently bought K-22 #2594XX, also a five screw target model.

I don't have it yet, will probably be a couple of more weeks but here's some pics.

Recoil,
That is some package. Target grips, hammer, trigger, box. Enjoy, and thanks for the pics.

Thanks, it won't be here for a few weeks but I'm looking forward to it.

As promised, here are pics of my recently purchased K22 Masterpiece. I forgot to mention that it has a trigger shoe installed. I will keep it on and see how it shoots at the range. If I don't like it, off it comes. It has some bluing loss near end of barrel and some scuffs and wear at high spots on cylinder. No ugly scratches in the metal or chips in the grips. Overall, still in nice shape with all matching numbers, even the grips. I won't hesitate to stuff it in a nice holster and shoot the heck out of this little gem.

FYI, no luck with finding extractor rod at Poppert's, Oldwest, or Jack First. The rod is still functional...just a little chewed up on the end. I will find a replacement soon enough.

Attached Images

	S&W1955K22 002.jpg (94.7 KB, 260 views)
	S&W1955K22 003.jpg (93.4 KB, 273 views)
	S&W1955K22 004.jpg (91.2 KB, 222 views)

That looks as good as I thought it would. Congratulations again!

__________________
David Wilson

Looks like Numrichs might have the rod:

Extractor Rod, For Barrels 4'' & Over

You might want to call them to make sure part is correct. They are good to deal with.

That gun for $340 is GTSW (Grand Theft Smith & Wesson), great score we are all jealous

__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames

K-22s tend to proliferate if you don't watch it.

This one followed me home a couple of weeks ago.



I already have a nice OD and another 17, but I couldn't pass this one up for the price.

Wow, Iggy...that's a creampuff!

Glenncal1, I tried Numrich (gun parts corp). They sent me an Outdoorsman rod (end has bigger radius). That's all they had, so I sent it back for a refund. Thanks anyways for the tip.

If that's a 5-screw target the manual is incorrect for the gun right? That's a Model 17 manual for a pre-model 17 gun. There weren't any 5 screw model 17's were there?!?

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

Also noticed a target trigger. Not mentioned on box??? Is that correct? Big Larry

I know the manual isn't correct but not sure about the trigger. Could a gun be ordered with a TH but w/o a TT? I suppose so. When I get it I'll post better pictures but from what I gathered reading this forum, target guns were usually assembled when ordered and may have some discrepancies, such as unnumbered stocks.

$50 gets you a letter, and it is well worth the $$$$. I have done 3 in the past year and going for a 4th today. My 1953 K22 lettered with a target hammer. Your early target grips will not be numbered and they are the best ones for the early "K" revolver. Do the letter. That is a very nice revolver you have. Big Larry

Finally had a chance to compare my 5 screw K22's.
All have High Speed Hammers and 4 line address.
They are top to bottom
K 259018 1955 with non relieved targets .
K 135966 1951 plastic medallion Magnas.
K 42696 1947 High rib taper barrel, dull finish, large S&W barrel font.

Here are a couple pics of my K-22 with target hammer and target grips.

JonCT,

That is a really nice one. There are lots of photos of K22's with diamond targets in this thread. They are great looking grips. I have not seen any K22's up my way with them. I am sure the grips alone are worth a pretty penny.

Hello bimoose
Try "David Chicoine", he is a Forum member here and is also known as "Old West Gun smith". He shows to have them and is a great guy to deal with, See the Link below to his web page. They did make a Few Early Post-War K-22's with the larger Mushroom cylinder extractor head, here's mine from 1947...I do have the correct serial numbered Magna's that came shipped on the gun in November 1947, but I prefer the looks & feel of any K-22 with target stocks instead. I gave a Bit more for mine being $101.00 more than you did for your's , but it has been the Last Trasitional K-22 I have seen since I bought it.. Hammerdown






he & Wesson early K-frame

Hammerdown, that is one beautiful looking transitional. I did try David Chicoine. He was currently out of stock. I located one from Trader's Den in MN. I have bought parts from this guy as far back as twenty years ago. So I should have the new rod installed soon.

Did your box and sight tool come with the revolver? You scored even if they didn't. Those grips have outstanding coloring!

Cap

Hello Cap
Yes the Box & tools came with this gun along with the dry fire target. The Target stocks I had on hand for it.

This thread inspired me to dig mine out last night. I don't have a picture but it is in 90% or so condition with diamond targets. The serial # is 93xxx, which I believe puts it somewhere in the late 40's. It has the 4 line description on the frame and the tapered barrel rib. I have an old tooled Mexican holster that I carry it around in when I am walking in the woods. The older I get the more I appreciate .22s. If I had to live out the remainder of my life with only this revolver and my old Marlin Mountie I would be happy. Not that that will happen mind you...

Rob,
Is that a 1st generation lawyer lock I see there on your K22?

__________________
Doug

Gentlemen... I have located a K-22, serial Number 46xxx, Partridge site, four lines with Diamond style grips (is that a correct description?). No box, papers, or anything to go with it. The revolver seems to be a bit rough, with the ejector rod pretty scratched up and an area above the grips showing thin bluing. The grips have a few dings as well. The seller is asking 6 bills - I think I can get him down a bit. Is this a deal or should I keep shopping for my first K-22? Thanks to all who respond.

I had that removed on Monday.....


Gun look real good by the way, still has the original warranty card with number. Cleaned, waxed and put to bed.

OK Hog Shooter,

$600 sounds a bit high for the condition you describe. I don't know how plentiful K22s are in your area, but I would suggest holding out for one in better condition. In that price range, or maybe a little higher, you should be able to pick up a nice one, that you will enjoy owning and shooting.
Otherwise, do a little research on recently sold K22s on Gunbroker and use that as ammo to haggle on the price, to pick up the one you are referring to at a much cheaper price. A close friend of mine picked up an early (1950's) K22 on Gunbroker for under $600 total and it's a beauty. Hope this helps your decision.
Remember....condition, condition, condition.

bigmoose... thanks for the price check. I, too, thought $600 was high. I had him down to $550 but I think that is still too much. I haven't been paying attention to the K-22s at local gun shows lately. There is one this week-end, so will check out what I find and report back later.

My 1954 K-22 low gloss isn't as pristine as some posted here, but she is a tight, accurate fun to shoot example. The grips are refinished 1980's era S&W target stocks purchased from a forum member.

Hello Ok Hog Shooter
I don't know what your current gun show prices in Oklahoma are, but here in East Tennessee you won't find any below $700.00 worth taking home. The Nicer ones with Box & Ect. run upwards of $800.00-$950.00 depending on age and condition. K-22s are Red hot right now due to the Higher ammo prices in other caliber gunsand consumer demand for K-22s...

I purchased this K22 yesterday and was curious about the grips. You can see they are checkered targets with the diamonds and football cutout. No serial# inside. Is it possible to have been shipped with them? Most of the pics on this forum have the stock magnas. Still learning.

Attached Images

	GEDC0305.JPG (149.9 KB, 110 views)
	GEDC0311.JPG (127.6 KB, 102 views)

Hello markeb
Anything is Possible with S&W and over time I have had to learn Never Say Never with anything S&W. That said, the only sure way to know if those stocks shipped on your gun is to Pay the $50.00 Fee for a Factory History letter since most Target stocks were Not stamped with the guns serial number on the back side of them as Magna stock's were. I hope this helps, Hammerdown