17 (no dash)
- Thread starter chiefdave
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cmdrcody
US Veteran
So the gun itself says 17 when you open the cylinder? Which would make it late 1950’s.
I have a couple of Combat Masterpiece’s, but they are from before S&W started calling them model 18. They are from early 1950’s.
My boxes are gold colored. The price tag on one is $72.25.
Enjoy the gun.
I have a couple of Combat Masterpiece’s, but they are from before S&W started calling them model 18. They are from early 1950’s.
My boxes are gold colored. The price tag on one is $72.25.
Enjoy the gun.
That style grips are worth a pretty penny all by themselves! And they appear in nice condition.
Larry
I might have bought it just to get those non-relieved diamond target stocks. And I don't have a 17 no dash so it would definitely have gone home with me for $750. Nice!
Edit: Checked the list, actually have two 17 NDs, it might have gone home with me anyway; it's the -1 I still need.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Edit: Checked the list, actually have two 17 NDs, it might have gone home with me anyway; it's the -1 I still need.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
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chiefdave. Since you called it a "Model 17 (no dash)" I'm going to assume you checked in the yoke cut and found MOD 17 stamped there.
In fact, a box with that label is not at all unusual for an early model-marked K target unit. I have a Model 14 that shipped in July, 1959. I have its original box, serialized on the bottom. The end label is the old style, more or less like yours, and therefore does not include the model number.
Even more interesting is the fact that the label on my box indicates the revolver is a "K-38 Heavy Masterpiece." After about 1952, all K-38 Masterpiece revolvers were of the "heavy" variety. But here they were, some seven years later, still using the "heavy" labels. This seems to prove that S&W not only didn't throw away parts, they didn't even throw away leftover paper labels!
In fact, a box with that label is not at all unusual for an early model-marked K target unit. I have a Model 14 that shipped in July, 1959. I have its original box, serialized on the bottom. The end label is the old style, more or less like yours, and therefore does not include the model number.
Even more interesting is the fact that the label on my box indicates the revolver is a "K-38 Heavy Masterpiece." After about 1952, all K-38 Masterpiece revolvers were of the "heavy" variety. But here they were, some seven years later, still using the "heavy" labels. This seems to prove that S&W not only didn't throw away parts, they didn't even throw away leftover paper labels!
OP
chiefdave
US Veteran
One of my last gun purchases recently is a K22 Masterpiece that came with non-relieved target grips. Do not know if they are original or not and do not really care, as it feels great in the hand and makes me look like I can shoot.
OP
chiefdave
US Veteran
I did a thorough cleaning today and the good news is the lack of finish loss on the muzzle, recoil shield, charge hole recesses and an almost imperceptible turn line make me think the round count is very low. The stocks responded well to a good cleaning and a coat of Renwax. The bad news is there is minor pitting in a few spots and someone did a poor job trying to remove some rust resulting in finish loss, mostly on the side plate and right side of the frame. Mechanically the revolver is perfect. The gun was wrapped in a monogramed linen handkerchief with the initials EL and whoever ECHO LIMA was proper care of firearms wasn't his strong suit.
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Appearance won't affect how it shoots. Plus those grips look great. Makes the price more than worth what You paid.
Very nice. I just paid $200 for a set of those grips, so you did well price wise. Congratulations.
Those stocks look to me to be walnut. I have a set on a 1949 K38 I bought
OP
chiefdave
US Veteran
I had to laugh at that question when I saw your user name. Only an officer would ask a CPO something like that. Thanks for your service and the trip down memory lane.
minconrevo
Member
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I am betting that those stocks weren't on the revolver when it was in use enough to get the frame finish to look as "experienced" as it does. Also thinking the barrel might have been a replacement to the original from some time in the gun's life.
Factoring in the extra nice stocks and the fact that the gun is likely a good shooter, you did just fine. I tend to take a revolver like that to the range and field often.
Factoring in the extra nice stocks and the fact that the gun is likely a good shooter, you did just fine. I tend to take a revolver like that to the range and field often.
A talking K-22 masterpiece is indeed rare and valuable.
Talking K-22's don't show up here very often.
Good looking shooter.
cmdrcody
US Veteran
Yea, sorry I was catching up after flying to the Bahamas for one of my nephews’ “destination wedding”. Part of it was sort of a blur but fun.
I think I shouldn’t post while hung over.
I did once have an armed topside watch in the shipyard shoot a hole the the temporary guard shack with a 1911. As duty officer I asked him how it happened.
Him
“I don’t know how it fired”
Me
“So your saying an unchambered round somehow got into your holstered weapon. Which then jumped out of the holster and somehow managed to overcome the grip safety and shoot a hole in the roof?”
“Uh…. Maybe.”
“So I have to notify the CO, the Commodore of the squadron, not to forget COMSUBLANT that you discovered a flaw in a firearm that’s been in use for 70 years!” “You are going to lose some money at Captains Mast, my report will help determine how much. Please give me a better story than this.”
“Sir, I was just trying to practice a quick draw.”
“Well Baba Louie, did you even think of practicing with an unloaded gun.”
True story unfortunately. But at least no one got hurt except the young seaman apprentice who lost half pay for two months.
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