This is a piece that's in progress for eventual publication in The Blue Press. I'd welcome constructive comments. Thanks!

John



This classic Smith & Wesson .22 caliber target revolver had its beginnings way back in the early 1930s and is now discontinued, yet it is still an extremely popular item among both shooters and collectors. It serves the needs of target shooters wanting a companion piece to .38 caliber target revolvers as well as filling a niche for a field revolver suitable for small game. A more accurate .22 wheel gun has never been made, and S&W was entirely correct in calling it a “Masterpiece.”

A medium-size frame (factory designated as the K-frame) .38 Special revolver with target sights was first offered by Smith & Wesson in 1899. This was the .38 Hand Ejector Target, sometimes called the .38 Military and Police Target. It quickly became a favorite with many competitive target shooters, and many U.S. Revolver Association records were set with it. Over a number of years since the introduction of that arm, a growing demand developed for a .22 caliber version that would have the same feel and balance as the .38. In addition, a lot of sportsmen thought that would be a good idea for field use as well.

In 1927, the Smith & Wesson factory began development of a revolver that would meet these perceived needs. The first batch was completed in January, 1931. The new handgun was introduced to the public and advertised as the K-22 Outdoorsman. The catalog, however, called it the K-22 Target revolver. In later years, collectors have referred to it as the K-22 First Model. It was built on the .38 M&P target frame, had a six-inch round barrel and a blue finish. It had a floating firing pin in the frame and a flat-faced hammer. A Patridge front sight was standard. The trigger pull was adjusted to be 3 to 4 pounds. The gun weighed 33 ounces. It was immediately popular, and competitive shooters soon discovered that its 50-yard groups could be as small as one and a half inches.

In December, 1939, with over 17,000 of the First Model having been produced, the factory began making an improved version. This new revolver was dubbed the K-22 Masterpiece, as S&W thought it was truly the best of all revolvers made to that time. Collectors today call it the Second Model. It sported a new micrometer rear sight and a shorter action with a faster lock time. Also incorporated was a carefully fitted and filed anti-backlash trigger. Patridge, plain or gold bead front sights were available. The first of these was completed and shipped in January, 1940. It sold for $40, which was a premium amount in those days. Unfortunately for target shooters and sportsmen, the Battle of Britain began overseas. Smith & Wesson then had to concentrate on shipping large numbers of .38/200 service revolvers to England. Only slightly more than 1,000 of the Second Model K-22s were produced. Their manufacture came to a halt in December, 1940.

When World War II concluded and S&W could again concentrate on the civilian market, production resumed on target revolvers. The first to be produced was the new K-22 in 1946. It was extensively re-designed, as were all the K-frame target models. These Third Models sported ribbed barrels, new micrometer-click rear sights, and a trigger overtravel block that could be quickly installed or removed right behind the trigger and adjusted quickly with a proper feeler gauge. A 1/10” or 1/8” Patridge front sight was standard. Prior to 1948, “Made in U.S.A.” was stamped on the right side of the frame. After that, a 4-line address was found there. This new series initially had K-prefix serial numbers beginning with K101. The postwar models all featured the new and safer automatic hammer block that was first used on the Victory Model .38s in 1944. With a ribbed 6” heavy barrel, introduced around 1950, it weighed 38 ½ ounces.

At the request of competitive shooters, in 1949 the weights of the matching K-38 and K-32 revolvers were adjusted so that all had the same loaded weight. In December of 1949, the factory moved from its old quarters on Stockbridge Street and into a new factory on Roosevelt Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts. K-22 manufacture then continued following an interruption of only 11 days for the equipment relocation. In 1955, the four-screw sideplate was eliminated and replaced by one using only 3 screws, with the earlier top screw replaced by a tongue on the plate that fit into the frame. In 1957, when the factory assigned numerical designations for each of its handguns, the K-22 Masterpiece became the Model 17. An 8 3/8” barrel was offered as an option beginning in 1958. As time went on, further changes would be indicated by a “dash number” following the model number. The Model 17-1 was a modification that changed the extractor rod from a right-hand thread to a left-hand thread. The “dash 2” model eliminated the screw in front of the trigger guard, and the “dash 3” model relocated the rear sight leaf screw. These dash numbers were authorized in 1959, 1961, and 1967 respectively, although implementation dates varied. The revolver illustrated is a Model 17-3, and was shipped in 1977. Checkered “magna” stocks that matched the contour of the grip frame were standard. However, this particular example is equipped by preference with optionally available factory smooth presentation target stocks.

Model 17s were virtually all blued, although a very few were nickeled. All have cylinders counterbored for the cartridge rims, and had pinned barrels until 1982. “Diamond pattern” checkered stocks were used until 1968. In 1990, with the Model 17-6, a full underlug barrel was introduced and became standard. The 8 3/8”-barreled version was dropped from production in 1993. The final Model 17-7 was discontinued in 1996 in favor of a 10-shot alloy cylinder version, the 17-8, which was made until late 1999. In 2001, a Heritage Series was produced, also stamped as the Model 17-8, but these had 6-shot cylinders and a new frame design. Metal injection molded (MIM) parts and side-mounted internal locks were used on these guns. A similar Heritage Series Model 18 (4” barrel) was also offered. The Model 617, a stainless version of the Model 17 with a full-underlug barrel, began production in 1989 and continues today with various barrel lengths and other modifications.

A lighter and handier spin-off of the Model 17 was the Model 18, which featured a tapered 4” barrel. It served as an excellent training vehicle for police and others who used 4” .38s and .357s. This was produced as the K-22 Combat Masterpiece from 1949 to 1985, and had similar engineering “dash” changes to the Model 17. The Model 18 was dropped from the line as the Model 17 became available with an optional 4” barrel.

In 1959, another variation based on the Model 17 was generated. This was the Model 48, the K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire. It was chambered for the .22 Winchester Rimfire Magnum, and was conceived as a field gun with longer reach and more power than the .22 Long Rifle guns. It continued in production until 1986, when it was replaced by the stainless Model 648. Changes during its manufacture paralleled those of the Model 17. Almost all were blued, although a very few were nickeled. Available barrel lengths were 4, 6 and 8 3/8”. Some were shipped from the factory with .22 LR interchangeable cylinders, making this combination quite versatile and valuable today.

Although no longer made, the Model 17 and its siblings, the Models 18 and 48, continue to be very popular revolvers, and are eagerly sought after. I’m fortunate enough to have a 6” Model 17 as well as one with an 8 3/8” barrel, together with a Model 18 and a Model 48. These are all exceptionally accurate handguns, and get extensive use as practice guns for their more powerful K-frame counterparts in .38 and .357. In the field, you could not ask for better small game revolvers. The K-22 Masterpieces were perhaps the finest .22 revolvers ever made. Today they have achieved definite classic status, and are well worth finding.

(c) 2012 JLM

Note - 9/10/2014: This piece is one of many in my new book 101 Classic Firearms. Quite a number of S&W firearms are featured there.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Looks good but a few minor things ,
I believe that examples of the K22 "Heavy Masterpiece (which appeared in the 1950 circular ) did not ship until a few years later.

Also there was a brief overlap where both the 6" "Heavy Masterpiece" and tapered barrel Masterpiece were offered but ultimately the 6" tapered barrel version was discontinued but the tapered barrel style frame continued in the 4" (Combat) Masterpiece.

Also where it says:
"A 4” heavy-barreled Model 18 was produced for a while, beginning in 1986" is technically not correct.

The Model 18-4 was discontinued when S&W opted to produce the Model 17-5 and 17-6 in both 6" and 4" barrel lengths instead.

Also the 6 shot Model 18 and 17 were reintroduced in the new "Classic series" with IL and MIM parts and are instead based on a new style frame instead of the older "Heavy Masterpiece Model 17 frame.
In contrast both now have tapered barrels and Patridge Front sites.

Don't you mean to say that in 1955, the 5-screw sideplate was eliminated and the 4-screw, without the top screw, was introduced? Then in 1958, or whenever it was, the trigger guard screw was eliminated, and the 3-screw guns introduced.

Thanks for the info.

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

Nope. Early sideplates had 4 screws, later reduced to 3 screws and a top tongue.

The screw in in front of the trigger guard was a separate issue, and that was mentioned as well.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Good info. See corrections in the OP. Thanks!

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

A mention of the narrow ribbed guns might be productive, as collectors distinguish the difference along with the One Line Address guns. The Twelve Revolvers produced the only nickel full lug version.
I think you have done quite well. Maybe the gold bead on the first and the difference in the top between that and the second model. Maybe the different stocks on the revolver pictured...Just some thinking out loud.

Good points! However, space limitations for the article preclude getting into much esoterica, which while valid, make for a length overrun. I might mention that the smoothie grips on the gun mentioned were not original to the gun - just my personal preference. Thanks! I'll try to incorporate what I can.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Look forward to seeing your article in the Blue Press, and as far as "... the smoothie grips ... just my personal preference."
In some cases - Mine Too!



Your photography is very well done too.

GF

I look forward to getting that issue of the blue press so I can put it with all my other S&W books and catalogs . Knowledge to hold onto .

Please let me know when the article comes out if you think about it.

Yeah, you're right. I was thinking 4-screw gun, not 4-screw sideplate. Sorry.

Although the article won't permit more than one picture, I thought I'd post these just for giggles. The top one is of two 17s and an 18, and the bottom one is a 48.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Its a nice article, well done. Those of us who consider ourselves K22 collectors can nit pick it to death, but to little gain. I do wonder where you got your production numbers for prewar guns. Roy always quoted it at 19,500, but we also know that one is high. there are messy instances where entire pages of K22s appeared but none have shipping dates logged. Those are the ones that result in "no information in company books" on factory letters.

While more Model 48s were produced than Jets, I wonder why the collector darlings weren't mentioned. Model 53 fans are absolutely crazy over their guns, but usually pan the 48 as a pretender. We (yes, I'm in the Jet crowd) usually write off the 48 as noisy and expensive to shoot. But we love the even noisier Jet cartridge with nearly unobtainable ammo.

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Dick Burg

Thanks for the kind words, Dick. I tried to concentrate on the rimfire-only guns, space limitations being what they are. I have often looked at the Jets at gun shows, but the oddball caliber never seemed to make them worthwhile for me to purchase. The production figures come from Roy himself in the February, 1979 edition of "History of Smith & Wesson." As you say, the 19,500 figure is probably high given the reasons you cite.

Best regards,
John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

You might want to consider a sentence or two on how the Model 17 transitioned into the 617.

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Tom

love mine!1105** ser #. any date help would be great. got this one from an older friend who i am sad to say, is terminal. wont ever let this one go. its in good, not great shape. a shooter as they would say. 6" bbl. and accurate all day long. this is the gun my little daughter will learn on. i will tell her many stories about Elly as she shoots. a little backround on Elly. 101st. Airborne, enlisted early, 17 years old. a fine jewish boy from Brooklyn NY. dropped in behind enemy lines on D-DAY, and couldn't wait to get some payback from the Nazi party. he will be gone soon, and i will miss him as much as my own Grandfather, if not more. any date help for history sake would be very cool. thanks to a great forum, and a great membership ahead of time.

The earliest serial number for a K-22 (1st model) is reported as being # 632132. The serial number you report does not make sense, as it is a much smaller number. You might want to check the number on your gun more closely. You might have missed a digit or two.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

looks like a 17 with some other stuff near it. wish i had more to give now. will look for more info on the frame/yoke. thanks much for any info i can get.

Look on the butt of the grip frame for the serial number. The numbers in the yoke area are usually assemblers or inspectors marks although later guns may have the serial there also. When you find the serial on the butt also include any letter prefix found there also.

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John. SWCA #1586

I just looked at 2 smiths, both 8 3/8 bbl, one is a 17-4 22LR SN 89K92xx and the other a 48-4 22MRF 86K61XX.
Reading top post it talks up to a 17-3 and then in next paragraph goes to 17-7.
Where do the 17-4 and 48-4 come into play

The 17-4 moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. In 1982, with no dash change, the pinned barrel was eliminated.

Ditto with the Model 48-4.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Fine job, John. Your efforts are appreciated!

Best Regards,

Jerry

Thanks for the response.
Just got home from going back to look again at the 2 smiths again. Needless to say I shot an offer and he accepted
Both of the guns are P&R 8 3/8. Now need to find DO
B. Had the pachmayr grips on both but also had the origional grips. Will get them situated to get a pic to post later.

[IMG][/IMG]


K 416xxx I believe it is a DOB of 1960
If you can verify this I would appreciate it.
I hope the kids get me the book this Christmas
Some turn line no holster wear.
I hope I didn't pay too much.
$725 yesterday.
I was happy to find it and the old owner finds the box.

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Have a blessed day ,
Bull

Recent and proud owner of near new 17-3, can't wait to shoot it! Thanks for the history lesson, now I like it more.

I have a question, hypothetically, an early 50's k22 combat masterpiece, the unicorn nickel guns. Wouldn't they have a blued front sight, along with the rear, and were any of these nickel hammer and trigger? I have located one, and suspect a refinish because of these oddities. Were any of this model done all nickel besides rear sight? It was done extremely perfect if done aftermarket, I see no signs of work done to it.

I'm not sure I saw mention of the 17-9
I have a six inch, six shot, target trigger, target hammer no underlug, beautiful firearm.
Somewhere I seem to recall it being referred to as a modern classic ?

Went to my LGS yesterday and found out they had just sold a K-22 masterpiece. I was told it was in very good shape (they describeD 95%) and it went for a paltry $600 dollars. I missed it by one day. Just my luck. Maybe next time.

Thanks for reviving this thread. It's a great read. The nickel hammer and trigger would be incorrect as S&W never did that.

Sorry, it was Bull that revived it. Thanks.

Thank you Retired W4. Just verifying what I "thought" I knew! Lol

Great article. How do you shoot these darn things and hit the target?

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Why, I aughta.....

I have a (Model 17)? I think. Is there a list of when the gun was manufactured according to the S/N? On the butt of the gun I have is a K 468**. I noticed in the forum, most of the guns have six numbers following the K. Mine has only five. I also noticed that people don't list the entire S/N, so I didn't either. Other than that, it looks just like the Model 17. It is a 22 cal. with a 6 inch barrel. I'd just like to know more about it. It belonged to my Grandfather. Thanks for any help.

"Is there a list of when the gun was manufactured according to the S/N? On the butt of the gun I have is a K 468**"

K18,732 – K73,121…...1948 (manufacture). The closest SN on my list to yours is K504xx which shipped in 10/48. Yours is a K-22 Masterpiece. Model numbering did not begin until about 10 years after yours was made.

I feel very fortunate to recently have found and bought a Model 18 4" .22LR
5 screw, which the SN indicates was shipped in 1955...Look like it was carried in a holster maybe shortly, then put away...VERY little wear or use, and amazingly tight and solid...A real gem, IMO.

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Liberals made the USA

I recently acquired a K22, 6 inch, serial number K212480. It has been rechambered in .22 Magnum. "Mag" is marked inside the crane, but not on the barrel. It says only K22 on the barrel, not Model 17. I'm guessing it is a pre-17 from around 1954-55? It has 3 screws on the sideplate, one at the front of the trigger guard. It does not appear to have a ribbed barrel, but not sure I would know what one looks like.

If anyone could date this for me, or offer any input, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

SK

You do have a pre-17. Since the upper sideplate screw was eliminated in 1955 in favor of a tongue that could be inserted under the frame, and the "Model 17" markings began in 1957, I'd say your revolver was made circa 1956. After the .22 mag Model 58 became available in 1959, .22 mag cylinder kits (including the crane) were available. I'm betting one of these kits was obtained, probably in the 1960s, and installed by an enterprising gunsmith to fit your gun. If so, the original .22 LR cylinder would be nice to have, but is now missing from your gun. If the back of the cylinder is missing the gun's serial number (found on the butt), this approach would appear to have been the case. If the matching serial number IS there, the original .22 LR cylinder was re-chambered for the larger and lengthier round.

Hope this helps.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

The serial number is on the cylinder, and the seller specified that it had been re-chambered. Some gunsmith had reamed out the chambers and inserted sleeves. The fit is very good, and the gun locks up and shoots very well.

I found a chart of serial numbers on the Internet, and it shows my serial as coming from 1954.

Thanks,

SK

Help me date my K-22. I have a nice S&W 22LR. The serial number is K 188xxx. I always assumed it's a K-17 but the model number is not stamped in the yoke. As a side note someone took an electric pencil to the trigger guard and scribed S.C.Co. 40051 CD in a triangle. I know the CD stands for civil defense. I am sure it was for training/range time. I would love more info on this revolver. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

The model 17 and the model 48 are listed on the current website.

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S&W Accumulator

Mike I am afraid I don't know what you are trying to tell me. Who's website, this one, Smith & Wesson?

K188XXX would date to 1953 long before they assigned model numbers.

Thank you for the information. I have wondered about that date for a long time.

Nice to see this old post resurface,
Just reread it noticed two minor things,
First the Heritage 17-8 did not have an internal lock.
Second while there was a 4" K38 Heritage
offering there was no 4" Heritage K22 that I'm aware of.

I have a Model 18 that I bought new in 1972. I cannot count the number of rounds that I have put through this gun over the years.
This has been a holster gun since new and it shows but on the inside it is like new.

The action just gets smother the more it has been used. About 15 years ago I picked up a 1950 -51 vintage K-22 in pristine condition. No box , but the gun looks new. I fire it occasionally and put it away after a good cleaning.

These are great guns and I would not mind having a few more.

I enjoyed seeing this thread pop up again and the memories it brought forth. My personal favorite K-22 purchase was at an auction where a shooter grade 1948 vintage K-22 was down near the end of the list. Everybody else was pretty much “spent out” or had left, so I got it for a bargain. It shoots well and doesn’t have sticky chambers like I hear so many people complain about. What more could I ask?

Froggie