Early Post War K22

[5spotter]

I'm looking at K22 serial K 2761 at a LGS.

It has the one line address and what I believe to be the larger head extractor rod. It also has diamond center checkered target stocks with extractor relief cutout. These stocks were represented as original to this gun.

The blueing looks exceptional with a very slight sign of wear at the muzzle and a small area of flecking on the cylinder. I believe all numbers match with the exception of no numbers on the target stocks.

After a little searching here I'm thinking this left the factory late August 1947. Is this a "transitional" model with a pre-war extractor rod?

I could be wrong but I'm reading in the SCSW that target stocks for the K frame with the diamond center and relief cut weren't introduced until about 1955. Shouldn't these be square butt Magnas, diamond centered, checkered walnuts numbered to the gun?

Thanks for any opinion about value, stocks, age etc.
Sorry for the bad cell phone pics.

 

[elpac3]

Nice piece! The stocks are not original to the gun as they have the speed loader cut that I believe came in in the 70’s.

I purchased a similar piece, sn# 7xxx in 1972 as a used gun for $50. Gun was lettered to 1947. Finish on mine was not nearly as nice as the finish on yours though.

 

[larryofcc]

You did not mention a price? Yes, it is missing it's numbered magnas and that to me is a killer as I am a collector. It does have the LERK and appears to be a real nice gun. The stocks are a little too late for the gun. They have the football cutout for the extractor. Nice overall piece. Without the original stocks, I would value it at around $600 to $800. Correct stocks are available, quite cheap, but they will be numbered to another gun. Buy it if you get a good price. Big Larry

 

[wheelgun610]

I think your conclusions are pretty close on all counts. I believe the first relieved K targets were shipped on Combat Magnums (pre- 19), and that gun was introduced in '56. Many of those were made from Goncalo Alves, and the ones pictured appear to be walnut. They were available as either a factory option, or could have been purchased separately as accessory items.

As far as value, the replaced stocks would have a slight negative impact, but the overall condition looks to be at least 95% or better. $1500 probably wouldn't be out of the ballpark, but being in CA might raise that estimate a few dollars too....

Mark

 

[ditrina]

FWIW K 5277 Left the factory in October 1947.

 

[jsfricks]

In that condition, the larger extractor rod K22's with those targets I think would bring at least $800. But I believe it could easily bring more. What is their asking price?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

The grips are not a killer for me!
If the price is halfway reasonable,
I would love to have that gun!
What is the asking price?

 

[5spotter]

The asking price is $1,250, and as I said, they thought the stocks original.

It appears to be in great condition, especially for something 70 years old.

An inherited 1955 k22 delivered me to this forum. This one is appealing for a couple of reasons. First is the absolute quality of the work produced during the era. Second, I have 2 sons but only one k22 to leave- to the eldest.

I really appreciate any thoughts about this 1947 version, so thanks.

 

[Speedo2]

As others have said, those grips are not original. However, they have some value to themselves and original magnas (sharp shoulder diamonds) do show up occasionally; probably a delta of around $100. If it had its original magnas, $1250 would be an excellent price, assuming all other numbers match and original finish. Despite the later grips, I'd probably buy it, trying to use the grips as a bargaining chip. LERK's don't show up very often. -S2

 

[Targets Guy]

I can bracket you.

K1332 shipped in 7/47
K3553 shipped in 9/47

 

[JP@AK]

Nice piece! The stocks are not original to the gun as they have the speed loader cut that I believe came in in the 70’s.

Let's introduce some clarity here on the K frame targets.
1. Non-relieved, diamond target stocks, introduced 1950
2. Extractor relieved (football), diamond target stocks c. 1956
3. Extractor relieved (football), non-diamond target stocks, c. 1967
4. Speed loader relieved, non-diamond target stocks, c. 1978

Illustrating the relief, the following photo shows #3 (middle gun) and #4 (top gun).

The next photo shows #2.

 

[murphydog]

The asking price is $1,250, and as I said, they thought the stocks original.

It appears to be in great condition, especially for something 70 years old.

An inherited 1955 k22 delivered me to this forum. This one is appealing for a couple of reasons. First is the absolute quality of the work produced during the era. Second, I have 2 sons but only one k22 to leave- to the eldest.

I really appreciate any thoughts about this 1947 version, so thanks.

Welcome! You have learned well to post such detailed information and photos!

I notice you live in CA, where every handgun may have the "only guns in the state" surcharge. Fortunately (for now) you could still find and buy a 1947 K-22 from outside the PRK but they are not common in any condition, so if it is a local sale the price would be tempting even with the later stocks. A correct set of Magna stocks will be $50-75 so maybe this can be used for negotiation. Good luck in your decision.

 

[bullmack]

I can bracket you.

K1332 shipped in 7/47
K3553 shipped in 9/47

I can add to the above;
K2686 shipped 9/47
K2947 shipped 8/47

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Good looking k22 ,you should make an offer as I am afraid you will regrett if you don't buy it at least I would.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

FWIW K 5277 Left the factory in October 1947.

Love that gun and holster combination ,great taste!

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Let's introduce some clarity here on the K frame targets.
1. Non-relieved, diamond target stocks, introduced 1950
2. Extractor relieved (football), diamond target stocks c. 1956
3. Extractor relieved (football), non-diamond target stocks, c. 1967
4. Speed loader relieved, non-diamond target stocks, c. 1978

Illustrating the relief, the following photo shows #3 (middle gun) and #4 (top gun).

The next photo shows #2.

Couldn't leave you out man those are cool guns also now I've turned green with envy.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Here's 2762 (yes, one number younger than that one). I paid $800 a couple years ago, and mine's not nearly in as nice condition as the one you're looking at (photos are a bit deceiving). I know what I'd do.

 

[Nightowl]

I would think that it is over priced. Saying that, I also think that the target stocks are worth more than a set of Magnas, especially as they are easier to shoot with. However, to a pure collector the original Magnas are a must.

With that in mind, finding one in that condition would require a lot of time and expense and would probably cost more after you did find it. I have paid more that some guns were worth because I wanted it, and because it was a hard to find item. I have never been sorry to over pay, because some years later, the value had doubled or more.

That one is a buy!

 

[weatherby]

Nightowl is spot on with the diamond targets being worth more. I like targets a lot better myself. They are worth twice what the correct set of magnas will cost you.

 

[larryofcc]

I think your conclusions are pretty close on all counts. I believe the first relieved K targets were shipped on Combat Magnums (pre- 19), and that gun was introduced in '56. Many of those were made from Goncalo Alves, and the ones pictured appear to be walnut. They were available as either a factory option, or could have been purchased separately as accessory items.

As far as value, the replaced stocks would have a slight negative impact, but the overall condition looks to be at least 95% or better. $1500 probably wouldn't be out of the ballpark, but being in CA might raise that estimate a few dollars too....

Mark

According to Mr. Jinks, the very first Combat magnums were shipped with walnut targets until 1958 when they changed over to Goncalo and charged $10 more for the gun. Big Larry