A question of K-22 ethics

[Green Frog]

It's been done before, Peter. Really though, I was thinking of what the "leftover parts" might be used for if the barrel is indeed replaced. If the bulge is as slight as described, a rebore would take care of it, then a 32 cal cylinder would be found/made and the parts placed on a donor gun such as a K-38. See "Project 616" for a complete description, including discussion re changing from rf to cf.

Froggie

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I would chop the barrel to 3". Who else has a 3" K-22? Sweet! You could also order a replacement 6" barrel so you can restore it to the original configuration later or upon sale.

 

[Hondo44]

The last non-factory 5" K22 posted on this forum was a big hit as I recall. Most including me thought it was a great length especially when one already has 4" and 6" K22s. And imperfect finishes make such great guilt free favorite shooters and trail guns!!

There's a certain appeal to paying less by finding or making an all #s matching "one the factory didn't make but should have" that looks so good. I believe half the posters would have bought it if it had been available.

If you shorten it though, be sure to use the original sight or factory ramp sight like the Mod 18 Combat M; no modified rifle sights, custom or whatever that just happens to be sitting in a drawer. That ruins the factory look and the appeal.

 

[Jebus35745]

I had Andy Horvath take a cosmetically challenged K-22 and make it into a K-32. The bbl was cut to 5" to match my original 5" K-38. It was done just before Froggie had his 32 made. Andy repositioned the rim-fire pin to a center-fire position. I gave him a center-fire hammer but he chose to relocate the firing pin. Larry

 

[ACP230]

I am seeing a three-inch K-22 with hard chrome as the finish.

Maybe I need some more caffeine this morning, but I think the image will persist even after my second cup of tea.

 

[GunguyDan]

I picked up a 4" K-22 a few months back that I'm believing now had the same problem with a bulged barrel. At first I thought that the 5 screw dated from 1948 was an original ""Combat Masterpiece". I asked about it here and finally figured that it was a 6" that had been cut, it shoots good. I've got a couple of 617-6's and have been considering having one cut to 3". I happened upon fellow member Nedroe's posts a couple of weeks back and found that he'd already done it, and he posted pictures of the the conversion, you should check it out. I think it's handy and neatly done............Dan. p.s. To the OP, If you want to go for the original look, I would counter bore it myself.

 

[firebyprolong]

Well here it is with a four month wait at the gunsmith and patience wearing thin, I went ahead and clipped the barrel to 5in. I've recrowned quite a few 22 barrels but this is the first one that has ever scared me to start on. Sight is sweated on for test firing, if I want to pin it at some point I can. I haven't done the final polish and finish yet but thought I post some pics for those that are interested as soon as I figure out how.

Todays test groups with the bulk pack rem el-cheapo where all under 2 inches with a couple running much smaller. All and all I'm very pleased and including my time I'm into the whole project at about half of what shooter grade 18s are going for around me. Believe it or not it looks MUCH better than when it came to me. I love project guns, nothing makes you feel better than bringing one back to life.

 

[Hondo44]

Bravo!!

Sounds great but was there supposed to be a photo?

 

[firebyprolong]

Here you go. Hope this works, and the pics are not that great to start with. Might have to actually find my camera when I get this one done.

 

[2hawk]

Congratuations!

Looks like you did a fine job!
I'd shoot that one with pride!

 

[Hondo44]

Now that's what I call a vast improvement!

 

[Dave T]

I think you chose the best of all possible solutions. Congrats on a nice 5-screw .22LR!

Dave

 

[Jebus35745]

It looks really great. How did you crown the bbl? Larry

 

[wfsubking]

Five is sweet! Have a cut and sleeved OUtdoorsman done in old days. Cant shoot my mint gold bead 1931 gun!

 

[Green Frog]

Well done! You got a fine shooter and it's a more or less one-of-a-kind to boot. Congratulations.

Froggie

 

[M29since14]

There is nothing wrong with spending a little money to rehab a decent old S&W. To the people who carp about this sort of thing, and who are not collectors, I say: "Where is your sense of compassion and charity?"

Counterboring is practical but I like your approach better. You did the right thing.

 

[PMRet]

Outstanding work, I like it!

 

[firebyprolong]

I am glad it meets with every ones approval. I slightly miscalculated how big of a pain it was to duplicate the smith crown so everything was done with files, stones and a crowning ball. Plain barrels are very simple to do but this took quite a while to set the outside radius of the crown "just right" with stones. I hate seeing work that is obvious someone rushed through and didn't care to make things right. There is no excuse for hack job when a little more time, care and hand work could be used. If you don't have the time don't start. I think it needs more work, because you can tell its not factory. I think the sign of quality work is not being able to tell that work has been done.
I managed to find 22LR IN STOCK at the local box store and have since shot the be-jesus out of it. After a 500 rounds we have gotten used to each other and I really like the way it shoots.

Thanks for all the comments and the advice guys you all really helped me out with this.

 

[BigBill]

Sorry for the late post on this but for future reference would counter boring the barrel help it? It would save the look and improve the accuracy. We do this on the surplus military guns.