'48 K-22 Question

[Kinman]

I can appreciate all the current interest in the old K-22, I recently managed to grab one to replace one I let go years ago. Serial numbers on this 5-screw model place it in the '48 range, everything is very tight and smooth, the trigger breaks like glass. I have one question about matching serial numbers. Everywhere I look where serial numbers are supposed to match up is correct with exception to the numbers stamped on the crane and receiver portion of the pistol matching the crane. On the receiver portion under the barrel opposing the crane where it flattens out the is a large 4 and small 3, under that is 49434, this number is also stamped on the crane. This number is in the 10K range but about 2K less than the other numbers stamped on the pistol...under barrel, behind the extractor, on the bottom of the grip frame. There are only a few characters stamped on the grip frame, left side has what appears to be a 7, right side has an H at the heel, a 6 at center and another very small stamp I can't make out at forward section. Any help figuring this out woud be appreciated.

 

[kennethg]

The mysterious numbers in the crane area you are describing are assembly numbers and mean nothing after the revolver is completely assembled. Congradulations on finding an older one.

 

[DCWilson]

Ignore the numbers you see on the facing surfaces of the yoke and crane; those are process control numbers to keep major parts together until it came time to fit and group all the components. The frame, crane and sideplate all got the temporary numbers. The serial numbers went on when the barrel and cylinder assemblies were added to the package.

The numbers on the grip frame are various codes that I have never bothered to learn. Perhaps others here will be able to guide you through their meaning. One interesting mark you sometimes see is a date stamp. If a gun went back to the factory for servicing or a refinish, it used to get a date stamp like 12.51 (for December 1951) on the left side of the grip frame.

 

[PMRet]

Butt, barrel flat, cylinder, and inside the right grip panel make it all-matching. Now, post some pictures so we can all oooh and ahhh along with you...

 

[Kinman]

Carried the pistol out while doing some other related shooting with a few friends. Loaded it with target ammunition and proceeded to pop targets that the other guys were trying to hit with rifles. Needless to say, this pistol will not be relagated to a safe, I intend to shoot it every chance I get. I forgot how much fun plinking with a .22 can be.

 

[Hondo44]

The matching serial number is in 8 places:
the front and rear sight #s are hidden when installed.

The one on the yoke (crane is a Colt term) is there, you're just looking in the wrong place.

Open the cylinder and shine a flashlight straight down the front face of the cylinder prependicular to the barrel. Now look thru any chamber aligned with the yoke. You'll see it in tiny numbers on the rear surface of the yoke.

Congratulations on your gorgeous find.

 

[Jim NNN]

Such great lines. What a cool gun!