I just got a K-22 LERK and it has an oddity as far as I can tell. It is fairly early (K2177) and looks to be at least 98%. My other K-22s have or have had grooved triggers, but this one is smooth. It looks to be original as far as I can tell. I'll get pictures up when I can.
What is the consensus, is it possible it shipped this way?

I have a early LERK with a smooth trigger. I was told and always assumed it was replaced at a later time. It is my favorite trigger of all my guns.

Well I thought I was pretty good with the various S&W acronyms. Ok, I admit it. Ya got me on this one.
What's a LERK?

Large Ejector Rod Knob.

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Get off my lawn!

As opposed to a SERK.

Many early post war guns use some left over pre war parts including the LERK which was standard, replacing the mushroom knob when it was ordered discontinued in 1927.

Although LERKs were also used on N frames with shrouds from the beginning.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

So technically, a LERK can also be referred to as pre SERK in collector speak. That way you could have a pre SERK on your pre 17...

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James Redfield
LM #497

If the the trigger is slightly wider with a case colored face like the above posted pic its a later one that has been swapped,
If the trigger is thin standard width and shiney or blue it has been smoothed.

Except for snubs that barrel end ejector rod "LERK" knob style was used pre war , WWII and early post war.


If you look at the evolution most changes simplified production, The LERK required a matching notch cut in the barrel as well as attaching the separate barrel end to the rod where the modern style rod is one 1 piece.

N&J indicates the 44 2nd Model’s mushroom knob changed to an integral barrel shaped knob c. #29,000/1927.

Although TLs and 3rd models always had barrel shaped knobs due to the shroud, 44 3rd Models and all other models had LERKs thereafter which were also integral with virtual certainty.

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Jim
S&WCA #819