I'm two days into my current Maryland "one gun per month" waiting period, so naturally I had to start looking for a K-Frame .22 to go with my M19. I decided to stop at this funky old shop in a neighboring county run by some funky old people that I don't usually bother with because their handgun selection is small, mostly plastic, and their prices high. Lo and behold, they had a 5-screw K-22. Bluing a little thin on the barrel especially at the muzzle, and one or two faint scratches, but otherwise tight and in good shape. $700 on consignment. No box, no papers, SN K2772XX.

This seems about $100 high, considering what I've seen on the internet, but then again, they're damned few and far between around here, prices always run higher in MD because of our asinine laws among other factors, and if I buy it in-state I won't have to pay an FFL transfer fee. So, what do you think? Fair price or not? And what vintage would it be? Given the price and the clientele, I suspect I don't need to be in a rush.

I do not know the laws in Md. but if you like older guns and want to collect without the added FFL fees you might considerd getting a Federal Curio and Relics license (C&R FFL03) .
This allows guns that are over 50 years old to ship directly to your door from another state.
Checkout the ATF website for details.

You guys have that gun rationing laws too. I am waiting for a 1955 dated K22 that I got for $645. The two others that I have on the collectors mult-purchase permit are a Colt OMT dated 1937 and a Colt OMM dated 1955 also. The Colts were of course higher. The K22 was unwanted by one of my students she went with a Browning Buckmark bottom feeder so I still seen the K22 in the shop so now it will soon be mine. .22 handguns are selling like hotcakes because the ammo so cheap. Federal ammo prices going up again in May 8% for handgun and 10% for rifle ammo.

Yeah, I know, you're absolutely right. The way it works here, if you have your C&R you can get what's called "Maryland Designated Collector" status that exempts you from the one gun a month" restriction, but not the 8-day waiting period between purchase and delivery. It's never been an issue for me before, but I've been buying more guns lately, just like everyone else, I guess.

Like hotcakes here, too, but mostly plastic guns and other semis. Nice revolvers have a limited market, at least here, except a lot of people seem to be buying the 7-round 686s.

You don't say what the bbl length is so we don't know if the K22 is a pre-17 or pre-18.

For the sake of discussion, let's say it has a 6" bbl.

So, if that same gunshop quoted $700 for the NIB factory fresh Classic edition of the Model 17...which gun would make your heart go pitty-pat? Which would give greater pride of ownership to you? And, which would likely appreciate in value twenty years in the future?

6" - Pre-17. And you can bet I couldn't touch a NIB M17 Classic for less than $850 from anyplace around here.

The two Colts that I stated in my earlier thread Colt OMT and OMM are both .22LR's. I have a 617 10shot "range" gun but with the "cool" looking underlug it's not any fun to shoot over a period of time. Trying to find a smith to slabside it like the German PC guns.

Frank Ruple
S&WCA # 2087

Seems a bit high unless it is a single line address or has the large ejector knob.

I won’t tell you how much I paid recently for a mid-70s Model 17, but the $700 asking price is not out of line here in California. Yeah, it is a lot of money but think of how much money you will save by shooting that K-22 instead of the Model 19…

It galled me to pay so much for my Model 17, but when I picked it up it talked to me. And if I had let it go it might have been another year or more before I saw another one and it wouldn’t have been this nice and it probably wouldn’t have talked to me.

See if you can negotiate with them but when you are shooting that fine old pistol you won’t care how much it cost you.

Enjoy…
Frank

It may be a hundred bucks higher than you want to pay. Lets say it is, and you decide to buy it. In 20 years, after you've put a few thousand rounds through it and totally enjoyed it, do you think you'll regret it?
On the other hand, suppose you pass it up. Do you think in even ONE year you'll still have that 700 bucks in your pocket?
The obvious answer to both questions is a resounding NO!!!
So go ahead, offer $650. Even if you get it at full price, you'll have one of the best revolvers S&W ever made.
Trust me, I wouldn't lie to 'Ya.
Jim

Five screws don't come around very often. Think about it.

Yes,and to me too,but if he seldom encounters them in his area,his cost for buying a cheaper one online equates to the same number by the time he is done.
I like the older ones as well,but when they get pricey for so-so examples,I'll go for a new Classic.I like perfect condition,so will accept the other inferior qualities that the new ones may possess.My LGS has a K22 from about 1956 in his case for 550ish.Not bad,I'm thinking,but then I give it a close exam.Scratches,and bit of pitting not seen through the glass,a possible reblue,that trigger shoe....No thank you.
My new Classic was less than 800 OTD when I got her on sale.I can live with that.At the usual non-sale Davidsons price-I think not.

A K277xxx serial number points to 1956. There are known K-22s with slightly lower serial numbers that are four-screw guns. Are you poitive this one is a five-screw variety? If so, it is probably one of the last ones. If that kind of distinction is distinctive to you, it might help justify the $700 price if you can't get the gun for less.

__________________
David Wilson

5 screws for sure - I counted. And 1956 is my birth year. I'm persuaded - I'll go back on Saturday and put down some money.

HIS PRICE WAY OFF
NIB 650. EXC 475. V.G 300 GOOD 175. FAIR 125. POOR 100.
I WOULD NOT OFFER MORE THAN $500. GOOD LUCK

Based on your description of their usual customer base and inventory, they may be willing to negotiate the price a little. I would at least try, maybe offer $600 and hope to settle at around $650 or so. But that's just me...

Deuce,

That gun has been there a long time, I'm sure you could get it for less, but I also believe it is reblued, hence why it has been there so long.

Oh, get your designated collector status, it is free short of the notary (my bank did it gratis)