Favorite K22s

[RLT620]

My two favorite (cherished) K frame .22s are:
1.) Model 45 unfired and in the box
2.) M&P (Post Office) - pre-model 45 (also in a numbered box, but fired)

Guess it's time I learn how to post photos….

RLT

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Guess it's time I learn how to post photos….

RLT

Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures

 

[bph9]

Was the satin blue finish the result of a "slow rust bluing process" that uses multiple coats of bluing and a humidity box?

 

[.38SuperMan]

I always thought the K22 and K38 were the best looking Smiths. The proportions are perfectly balanced in my opinion. It took me a long time to get one but here's my 1955.

 

[ACfixer]

Well I haven't been around the site much except to do a little lurking... Moved from CA to Tennessee a few years back and my S&W stash has grown some, including this beautiful 17 no-dash which I believe to be unfired.

So hello from N/E Tennessee, and allow me...

 

[Stranglehold]

Beautiful K-22s all, gentleman. Little late to the party, but my passion for these rimfire Masterpieces runs deep. I'm blessed to have a half dozen ranging from the 30's to the 70's.

Earliest is this mid production Outdoorsman...

This early postwar example came from a friend who's father bought it for his wife in the early 50's from the original owner. Sadly my friend passed not long after which makes it one of those guns I'll never part with...

This 4 digit postwar K-22 has a special place in the safe as well. It came from the legend who was known as Wind. Some of you may remember him. Another one that would be near impossible to let go...

Then there's the 17-3 that was the first handgun I bought as soon as it was legal for me do so. It's been with me 45 years now, the gun I learned to shoot with. It's ventilated enough aluminum cans to side a fair sized house and accounted for the makings of gallons of Brunswick Stew...

Roe

 

[Modified]

K-22s are just the best. I've never willingly parted with one that didn't go to someone who *needed* a K-22 in their life.

The current stable is extremely pleasing to me.

The most recent one is this:







It was sitting on gunbroker with an opening bid of $950. I tried to get friends to buy it, but no one would (yes, I have since expanded my circle of people I badger to buy good things). I was agonizing because I shouldn't be buying more guns. Then right before the auction finished they dropped the opening bid down to $600 and I couldn't *not* buy it.

Turns out that the engraving is factory. D.B. put in the order for the gun himself. It appears that Baritt (BMB) wanted a nice gift for her husband, they were friends with D.B. and she apparently just left the ordering to him. Still a little unclear about the nickel sideplate, but it seems original. Not sure if they did that to make it stand out? It's not in any of documentation.

It came to me wearing rubber. Nothing in my grip pile is really *right* for it. But we will get it stocked correctly at some point here, probably with the help of a particular fine stock maker I know.

The next most recent is just a plain jane K-22 Outdoorsman that I require for reasons. It won't be unveiled until it's properly stocked and it's case is back in my hands.

The post war gun would be this 1957 pre-model 17:





The Keith Brown stocks were supplied in a trade where I was cruising gunbroker and they were on a stainless .44 magnum of some kind of modern manufacture, I forget the details. I did however happen to have the correct grips for it. Messaged the seller and suggested a trade: the correct grips + $50 for the wrong grips on his gun; he accepted. Everyone wins!

 

[bgrafsr]

K 22, shipped in July 1953. All matching including the grips.

I also have a Pre Model 18 that has the box and matching grips. It shipped from factory in May 1953. K 181440. No picture.

 

[H Richard]

I think the 617-6 is becoming my Favorite.

 

[ACfixer]

I think the 617-6 is becoming my Favorite.

Thank you for threatening my wallet! I have been growing more and more convinced by the day I need a 617!

 

[RKmesa]

Great guns - THANKS FOR SHARING!!! Here are my favorite K-22s (with a couple of Kit Guns thrown in there for balance):

 

[Bald1]

My K22 is a pre 17 from Oct 1950 (as best I can tell). It is engraved with Lancaster NY PD markings. Dealer told me an elderly retired officer sold it to them. I can't find any info on why it may be marked this way. Maybe animal control or target team or even a retirement gift. Who knows. It came with mix matched grips neither of which are original. I put a set of Ram Horns and a T grip on it. I don't shoot it as often as I should.

 

[SweetMK]

I am sorry, I do not like those old K22's,,

they are all subject to listermanging of the frang,,

The newer models had the listermanging issue resolved,, especially the stainless models,,

I do buy those older K22's with the defective frang,
a friend melts them down, and forges "STOP" signs out of them for the local township.

We have taken hundreds of K22's out of circulation that way,,
well, for the most part,,
My wife uses this one for a door stop, when the wind is blowing,,

 

[sophie]

The title of this thread says "Favorite 22's"
These are not my oldest K22's by any means but they are my favorite shooters and do go to the range with me. The Leopold 4X EER Scope has been on the 8 3/8" since 1979. That gun never had sticky extraction issues.

The Model 18 has had the cylinder reamed to .228" and polished and is a pleasure to shoot.

The Model 17 with 6" barrel has also had the cylinder reamed to .228" and polished and is very smooth.

 

[JH1951]

This one goes back to 1947. It is a very well made example of post-war craftsmanship. It has seen many days at the range over decades, and barely shows a turn line.

 

[Retired W4]

This one goes back to 1947. It is a very well made example of post-war craftsmanship. It has seen many days at the range over decades, and barely shows a turn line.

View attachment 643824

That's what I'm talking about!

 

[sceva]

Mine from 1952