This last weekend, while visiting a not so local gun show, I met a man with a K22 that he was trying to sell. It was a 6" Masterpiece from about 1954, showing a lot of holster wear and a set of Taiwan target stocks. Timing and lock up were absolute perfection, so I considered it. I have had multiple model 17s and pre 17s, but always found the 4" 18s performed better for me. I asked the man his price, and he replied $650. Not a terrible price, but I balked because of the aftermarket stocks and finish wear. He replied "Yeah, that's what everyone else said too. I would take $550 I suppose." Well, at that price, I figured I could take a chance. I paid the man and brought it home, where I just happened to have an old set of K diamond Targets. The finish is much nicer than what's on the gun, but they dress it up a little and looks normal. I took it out for a range session yesterday expecting similar results as all the rest of the 17s that I've had, they shoot well, but not really well. I suppose I should qualify that statement, as those terms mean different things to different people. By well, I mean 1.5 inch average groups offhand at 15 yds. and really well would be 1" at same. My 18 shoots really well, but I've never found a 17 that could match it. Until now. The first 6 rounds downrange grouped just over 3/4", with 4 of them making one ragged hole. Just to make sure it wasn't a fluke I loaded another 6 and fired at the same target. This time the ragged hole got a little bigger and group size increased to just under 1". The icing on the cake is that it groups exactly to point of aim, no sight adjustment needed. I think this one is a keeper. Oh, and butter smooth extraction as well.
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...Ben
