I had the opportunity to examine a K-22 Outdoorsman today at my neighborhood gun shop. I had been shot quite a bit, but still retains around 70% of its original dark blue. The Circassian walnut grips number to the gun. Noticed it was a long action with the very low profile adjustable rear sight, so I figured it was old.

Checked the serial number in the SCof S&W and found out she is a first year gun #6327XX less than 600#'s into the production range!

The old Outdoorsman does have a couple of issues. First it has a nickel plated hammer which is not correct on a blue gun. Trigger is color case hardened. Second the cylinder bolt, ratchet and hand all have quite a bit of wear. Seems OK in SA but carry-up is a bit iffy in DA.

I'm not interested (flat broke!!) but it seems to me even with the issues the old gun should be worth $$$'s.

Ha! You are interested, but just broke. I feel your pain. I spent the year's gun money allowance back in February.

In most of my "rescues" the DA generally improves with a good cleaning. Timing and end-shake can be fixed relatively easily.

I'll defer a value judgement for others, but it sounds like a nice find if they don't want a fortune. What are they asking?

That could be a real diamond in the rough. I've got a 6377xx which dates to July 31 so this one should be a Feb/Mar gun in the first year of production. If it's mechanically O.K. and the price is tolerable grab it. See a couple posts up from this on the groups my July version shot today with a slightly bulged barrel. Action is smooth as silk.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Depending on the price, consider layaway if the store will do that. It's a real prize especially with matching stocks! W/o correct vintage stocks you'd have to add another $150-200 to the price to obtain them and then they still wouldn't be number matching.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I'm not 100% certain the Outdoorsman has its original finish. The color of the blue is a very deep black. The markings and screws look good and sharp which makes me doubt a re-blue. Bore is dirty but the rifling is strong.

Current price tag on the gun is $600. Came into the store from an individual retiring from his basement FFL business. Also traded several Model 12 Winchesters and a few odds and ends pistols, Savage, Iver Johnson and the like.