Another K22 query

[Oldgoat03]

I inherited a S&W K22 from my Grandfather and am looking for some info on it. I am not planning to sell it for sentimental reasons but am curious about how old it is and its approximate value.

This was the first firearm I ever got to shoot. I remember my grandpa teaching me to shoot cans off of pieces of driftwood while camping on Whidbey Isl (Wa) back in the early 1960's. I remember it was accurate and easy to shoot even for a youngster. That experience has stuck with me over the years and was the foundation for my lifelong interest in shooting.

I'm asking you because I wanted to make sure that is was reasonable to shoot this nice old revolver and not hurt it or its value. I have been told not to dry fire it so am aware of that. It still looks pretty good and even has the original gold box and instructions.

I have other 22 shooters so don't really need to shoot this one.

I've included some photos so you can check it out and comment.

Thanks for your help with this cool Heirloom.

Bob

 

[nedlate]

I'm asking you because I wanted to make sure that is was reasonable to shoot this nice old revolver and not hurt it or its value.
Thanks for your help with this cool Heirloom.

Bob

Nice looking K22! It looks like it was made around 1953. I wish I had a family heirloom such as that! I don't think it will hurt value at all to shoot it but personally would not put it in a holster.
Ed

 

[DGT]

What a wonderful way to remember your grandpa. It is obvious that you value this heirloom as you should but, I see no reason not to shoot and enjoy it. I have the Winchester Model 62 that my grandfather taught me to shoot with. I still shoot it and it still brings back wonderful memories.

As far as value, I would guess somewhere in the $650 to $750 range.

 

[Mike McLellan]

Shoot it. I think your Gramps would want you to have fun with it and think of him from time to time. Dry-firing is okay if you have snap-caps. They tend to wear down from firing pin strikes, but if you rotate them a degree or two now and then, they'll last a few months. Just don't let them get too ragged on the edge. You don't want steel hitting steel. Have fun. That's one of the finest revolvers ever made. Gramps was cool.

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. I agree with the others who have posted in reply -- go ahead and shoot it, but clean it well after every outing. By going through the shoot-and-clean routine you honor your grandfather, who did the same.

Yes, 1953. If you didn't have that one, you would probably have to spend around $700-750 for one in similar condition with its box. Because prices vary from region to region, you might have to go a little higher than that in some parts of the country.

Very nice K-22, and it is beyond cool that this is the gun you learned to shoot on.

 

[GF]

Grand-dad had good taste in revolvers.

A wonderful rimfire with box and Helpful Hints brochure is an heirloom all of us here would cherish.
Shoot it someday with your children and keep the revolver in the family, it'll last many generations.

Oh, about "its approximate value" ... about a million dollars!

GF

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice K22 and story, I have my Grandpas S&W 22 as well and am reminded of him everytime I pick it up.
A little bit of information about your gun in case you are interested,
Your S&W is called a Post War, 6" inch, 5 screw, Tapered barrel K22 "Masterpiece" with Walnut diamond Magnas, "High Speed" or "Fishhook" hammer, "Patridge" front site with a "satin" blue finish .
Since your S&W was made before the advent of the simplified numbering system in order to save time some simply refer to it as
a "Pre Model 17" .

They are great fun so take it out an enjoy it, one other important tip is not to slam or flip the cylinder shut with the wrist like they do in the movies, Instead close it gently snapping the "Yoke" into place with your fingers, rotating the cylinder until it engages the cylinder stop notch and goes "click" , This way your revolver will stay nice and tight for the generations ahead of us that will also want to pass it down and enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing it !

 

[bgrafsr]

Nice looking K-22 and box. Shooting it will not ruin its value, but you should clean up what looks like rust on the bottom of the butt. Use some good gun oil and 0000 bronze wool, and then make sure you keep some oil on it to prevent the rust from coming back.