22 long rifle revolver date please


Inherited from my grandfather. In front of the cylinder
5K 80964
E 19
Mod 17-3
Any help appreciated

Model 17-3 K-22 Masterpiece, which based on the serial number dates to 1974 according to SCSW. Post pictures if you can.

5K73,963 – 6K58,917....1974 (manufacture)
This revolver (K-22) was intended principally for use in formal match target competition. Similar target revolvers were made in calibers .38 Special (K-38) and .32 Long (K-32). All were called "Masterpiece" revolvers prior to the beginning of model numbering nomenclature by S&W in the late 1950s. They differed from similar S&W revolvers built on the same K-frame because they were equipped with adjustable rear sights.

I want to post pictures but can't figure it out on my ipad

I don't know why this keeps getting repeated. It is misleading. After model numbers were added, S&W continued to call these revolvers the "Masterpiece."
The K-22 Masterpiece became the Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece.
The K-38 Masterpiece became the Model 14 K-38 Masterpiece.
The K-32 Masterpiece became the Model 16 K-32 Masterpiece.

They did not stop using the model names, they just added model numbers to the names.

All the period advertising as well as the included parts and instruction sheets reflect this fact.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318