K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 - UPDATE II

Waveform · Jun 25, 2013

For those interested here's the old thread about this beater K-22 I found in a local pawn shop and bought for $200.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/283216-k-22-buy-pass-bought.html

I've had this gun for six months now and it has proven to be a great shooter. I flat out LOVE this old gun. Despite it's looks it has become one of my very favorites and I can't imagine ever parting with it. Everyone who shoots it seems to be impressed with it and I was even offered a trade for a revolver that I know the owner paid three times what I have in this "old beater".

So, with that in mind, tomorrow I am stopping by Ford's (Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing - Ford's Desert Eagle Sights) and have them take a look and talk about a total restoration. Yes, I know it will cost far more than the gun is worth. Yes, I'm throwing away good money and, yes, I'm crazy to consider it. But I love this old gun and I think it deserves a better fate than to look like this.

I'll let you know what they say and what I decide to do.

Wave

Peak53 · Jun 25, 2013

Yes, I'm curious about your K-22's future. Let us know how it goes.

THE PILGRIM · Jun 25, 2013

Me two. The k22 is one of the finest guns ever made. I like mine a lot but I'm sure how much Yankee money I would actually spend on it. I am probably inclined to go buy another gun. But then I usually am.

Waveform · Jun 25, 2013

I know. The rational, fiscally responsible part of my brain says "not such a good idea" but the irrational, romantic idealistic part of my brain says "go ahead - it deserves the royal treatment."

I already owned a better example before I found this one - here's my four-liner from 1957 (with non-relieved Target Stocks):

I guess it's not a "do I restore OR buy another gun" question. If I know me I'll likely end up doing both....

Wave

EdF702 · Jun 25, 2013

There is more to life than "good deals"... Do what makes YOU happy! I only ever worry about money before I've spent it... If I use money to get something that speaks to my heart, I soon forget the ache in my wallet.

Keep us posted, pics are always welcome!

Hondo44 · Jun 25, 2013

Gosh I've been there too. So far I've decided to upgrade in each case and pass on the restorable candidate to someone who appreciated the lower price and getting it the way it was because he couldn't afford a better one.

Maybe that's why we find them in all levels of condition, so there's one priced to fit everyone's wallet.

paplinker · Jun 26, 2013

If your really going to do a resto, consider maybe a red post front sight or a gold bead,

PMRet · Jun 26, 2013

In your original thread I (along with others) advised you to clean it up as best you could and shoot it a lot before deciding it's future. Sounds like you did that, and it's turned out to be a keeper. Given that, here are some thoughts:

Ordinarily I'm against spending a lot of money in these situations, but in this case there are extenuating circumstances: 1) Your gun functions and shoots perfectly, and not all of them do. 2) It has issues way beyond the kind of "honest wear" most of us don't mind. 3) You really like it.

Some time ago I saw a K-22 one-liner that had been factory refinished and fitted with a target hammer, target trigger, gold bead sight, and a beautiful set of Fuzzy Farrant grips. It had probably been somebody's prized shooter that they felt was worth every penny spent to make it just right. I watched it for over a month and started to buy it several times, and each time I did I let the fact that it was refinished stop me. When somebody else finally bought it, I immediately wanted to kick myself.

Bottom line, I understand exactly where you're coming from on this one. Can't wait to see the "after" pictures.

inyomono · Jun 26, 2013

Personally, I think having a gun you love refinished is a great idea!
If you want to do it, just do it.

And you might even give some thought to having the refinish done in nickel. See pics attached.

Waveform · Jun 26, 2013

inyomono said:
Personally, I think having a gun you love refinished is a great idea!
If you want to do it, just do it.

And you might even give some thought to having the refinish done in nickel. See pics attached.

I do like nickel guns and that one is a real looker! I even had the thought of having it done as a "pinto". But in the end I went with blue. Maybe the next one will be nickel.....

Waveform · Jun 26, 2013

I stopped by Ford's today and we discussed the options and outcomes for this old girl. A full restoration is in the works! They felt confident they could mill out the pitting and re-engrave the rollmarks prior to giving it their Master Blue finish. Their Master Blue reminds me of the finish I have on my 19-3 Texas Rangers or on a Colt Python Royal Blue. Deep, lustrous and the samples they showed me were spectacular. The trigger and hammer are in fine condition with good case color so they will be left as-is. In an effort to keep the budget under control I opted to restore and not start any custom ideas. This will keep the budget to around $400 which I thought was very reasonable given the quality of their work and reputation. I already found a very nice set of diamond magna stocks (the originals are too trashed) so when it's all said and done I will have around $700 in it and it should look pretty impressive. A refinished K-22 pre-17 may not be worth $700 but I really don't care. This one will be handed down in the family someday.

Now to settle in and wait. I should see it sometime before Christmas........ The good people are always busy and they're running 20 weeks out right now.

You shoulda seen the stuff they were working on in the shop.....holy ****! It's been a long time since I had such a "kid in a candy store" experience. It's a good thing none of it's for sale - all customer's guns.

The after photos will be posted I promise.

Wave

boykinlp · Jun 26, 2013

I look forward to the pictures.

smitholdtimer · Jun 26, 2013

K-22 Pre. 17, ugly before?

I would have liked to have seen the "before" photos too but if the after photos of the finished product exhibit Fords normal quality they will certainly suffice.

Jebus35745 · Jun 26, 2013

It looks like you're friend will have one of the nicest finishes available. Nothing like a high gloss blue. I have a custom .32 long made from a model seventeen and a lot of money in it. It shoots great and looks good with the Keith Brown Ropers on it. Enjoy your gun when it's done and don't look back. Fords does nice work and make sure we get pics of it when it's done. Larry

Waveform · Jun 27, 2013

smitholdtimer said:
I would have liked to have seen the "before" photos too but if the after photos of the finished product exhibit Fords normal quality they will certainly suffice.

I'll post some "before" photos with the "after" ones but if you want you can see the "before" photos in the link in the original post of the thread. It was pretty sad looking when I found it.

K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 - UPDATE II

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