Question on K22 Masterpiece 1950-1957

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sikacz

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I'm keeping an eye out for a 1955 to 1957 or so K22 Masterpiece.
How much value is given to original matching grips? Is one with a target hammer more valuable or it is a wash? My wife's K38 has a target hammer and we both like it. I suppose if I find one without a target hammer I suppose another hammer could be purchased.
 
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Welcome to the forum.

Yeah definitely a slight premium with original target hammer and # matching stocks; maybe $100-200.
Also more market desirability.

And yes you can add the target hammer and also a target trigger.
 
Would $600 to $800 be a reasonable price for a K22 with possibly non original grips and standard trigger and hammer? Finish in pretty good condition.
 
I have never lettered a Masterpiece revolver, so wonder if it would detail what type of hammer and/or trigger the gun originally had installed? If so, we know that Magna stocks were numbered, but without a factory letter who is to say whether a target hammer and/or trigger is original? I would not pay a premium for either the hammer or trigger because there would be no way to know if the gun came from the factory that way without the letter.
 
Thoughts appreciated. True enough without paperwork knowing what is original on parts like hammer and trigger are next to impossible. Matching serial numbers with matching grips is about as much can be expected without more proof. I'm a bit puzzled over prices I'm seeing on some of the internet. More than a few asking $900 to $1200 for K22 of the period I'm looking for. I'm tempted at a few in the $800 to $950 range, but I hesitate at the price especially if it lacks a feature I'd like. I get the sense that time should be my friend and I should keep looking. I must say I'm not too fond of the reserve price idea on some. Bidding started at $500 and buy it price $950. So far I've noticed the reserve is above $800. It is perhaps much.
 
I bought a 1951 K22 recently with correct target grips and 95+% finish. It lettered correct as shipped, and I got it for about $750. Hope this helps.
 
Welcome to the FORUM! I myself, was K-22 challenged! Picked this up recently. Granted it is a 1964 gun, not your year range. It is however a very nice looking, fantastic shooter. It was purchased at buy it now for $550. (I am still working on the right stocks for it) Keep looking, and with patience, you should be able to find a deal that makes you happy. Bob
 

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Pre-model Masterpiece revolvers will sell for more than model numbered guns from the 1960s and later. Add that to the fact that your 1964 K22 did not have original stocks and the value drops further.

sikacz - as for those guns you are finding online with asking priced hovering around $1000, they most likely have been up for sale a long time. Remember asking prices are not sold prices and many are looking for that one buyer who will do an impulse buy (most likely to regret it later). Check out gun auction companies that are selling Masterpiece revolvers and not GB to find true valuations. Best way to use GB for valuation is to log and search completed auctions only to find sold items. That method will give you a better perspective on values.

Are there K-22s out there worth $1200? The answer is yes, but such an example would have to be near flawless with no wear. Personally, I love to shoot my Masterpiece revolvers, so have no interest in a 100% gun. $600 to $800 will buy you a great gun.
 
I think $800 or under for a good condition K22 would be a good deal. The pictured K22 was bought new by my late Father in 1948ish I believe. I'd be hard pressed to put a price on it. Original magna's in background.

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Thanks y'all! I'll keep the $600 to $800 range in mind. It helps to have some upper limit in mind when bidding. Of course diverting from it a bit won't hurt. EricR, beautiful gun! I doubt I'd ever part with one like it. To be be honest once I buy a gun it has a forever home. Figure it'll be my nieces problem to figure out what to do with my little gathering of odds and ends.
 
A couple of more days to go on bid. I may have over bid a bit. I won't be unhappy if I get it, but I probably placed one too many bids. It was at around $650 for many days and I had set my upper limit at around $810. Yesterday, it went beyond it and I raised my limit by a little so I'm still in the running. We'll see what happens. It's supposed to be in 99% finish....so it says anyway.

I'm at my limit on how high I want to go. I'd like to know what y'all think about the gun. It's still bidding, but I could post a link if it doesn't break any etiquette rules.
 
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Out of curiosity, in the mid to late 50's about 1957 S&W K-22 Masterpiece had 3 screw plates versus 4 screws earlier (4 screw versus 5), which is more desirable and why?
 
This is my 1950's K22...

Mine was $550, found locally in Chico.
 

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