Found a nice K-22 UPDATED - Got the K-38 too

[sigp220.45]

The range I use is in a gunshop that mostly deals in Tactical Timmy stuff, but every once in a while someone will bring in older guns to trade for newer ones. Yesterday there were two nice vintage S&W's - a K-22 and a K-38.

I didn't hold out much hope for price - the only other S&W in the wall case was a well-worn ex-police Model 15 for $900. Imagine my surprise when they handed me the K-22 and I saw the tag.

The K-38 was marked the same, but it was in my shooting buddy's hand and he wasn't letting go.

So, here it is:

The grips are very nice and are numbered to the gun.

I think it is from around 1948
.

I don't think it has been shot all that much in the past 73 years. I'm gonna change that starting Monday when I can hit the range.

I've had terrible luck with K frame .22s having very sticky extraction. I hope this one is different.

The K-38 was just as nice, and had beautiful diamond target grips. It now lives next door.

 

[Nightowl]

Holy cow, that's a nice one! At a great price, I have seen K22s priced double that for not so nice gun.
I have a K49xxx, that I can shoot at least a hundred rounds through it before it gets too sticky. A couple of cleaning brush strokes and it shoots good for awhile. I hope that is encouraging.

 

[Hondo44]

Bravo, great find and extraordinarily low price.

It's true about possible sticky extraction. But don't worry, it's a well known issue and there's many simple fixes to choose from. If you have the problem which is likely, you'll have lots of help here, just ask.

 

[SS336]

Ok that's just not fair, you have to stop this.
When I go to a shop around here all I see for that price is a very used
Taurus of worse.
Congratulations none the less. It's a beauty.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Wow, that sure is sticker shock but in an incredible way! I'll bet you put a death grip on it to not get away at that price. Those just might be the "Deals of the Year" right there. Congrats and looking forward to a range day report!

 

[monsai52]

Beautiful K-22, great price! I really like the low luster blue, and much prefer it to the high polish.

Best regards,

 

[Narragansett]

Nicely done! Every once in a while ya catch a break. Of course I am always looking to catch a break. In today's world, catching a break is just getting a fair price

 

[BAM-BAM]

SWEEeet haven't seen one priced like that in a decade!


Looks like a little muzzle wear (?) and a few minor dings on the stocks........

perfect shooter grade range gun!!!!

Lucky man.... enjoy and buy a lottery ticket!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats on that handsome k-22.

Okay, here it comes: at that price you don't get to whine about "sticky extraction."

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Deal of the day! Congratulations.

 

[OutWest50]

Wow, great find. While the price is excellent ..... the important part is acquiring such a nice S&W .22 !!!

 

[JH1951]

You have done quite well. Congratulations. You walked out at about half price (at least for my area). Your gunshop must be using a very old reference book.....

 

[Golphin]

Nice gun and a great price. I got mine home for about $750.00 ad felt like I got it at a good price.

 

[Targets Guy]

Very nice acquisition. K-22s are a ton of fun.


K538xx shipped 11/48
K550xx shipped 11/48


I have found that running some "Strike Hold" through the chambers of my K22 after cleaning really help the extraction issue.

 

[Babysitr]

Good for you....half price sale! they are wonderful revolvers

 

[damienph]

That is a fantastic deal! Good for you. The K38 would have been a nice snag too.

 

[oysterer]

I n s a n e.....

 

[boykinlp]

Like everyone is saying, great gun for a fantastic price! I don't see a turn line, so it must have not been shot much, or even played with much. Was the K38 in the same condition?
Larry

 

[Heinz]

When I shoot Eley Tenex standard velocity ammo I get no sticky extraction. I bought a bulk amount from the CMP. CCI mini mags will start to stick on the second cylinder full, if I do not wipe the chambers out. I put a short 3/16 brass rod in a wooden handle and push the sticky ones out. I also have a brass brush and a 22 mop on short sections of cleaning rod.

But I am a black powder, flintlock shooter so I thrive on this screwing around

 

[sigp220.45]

Like everyone is saying, great gun for a fantastic price! I don't see a turn line, so it must have not been shot much, or even played with much. Was the K38 in the same condition?
Larry

The K-38 was also in great shape. No turn line, no case head marks on the recoil shield, and it had beautiful diamond targets.

A youngish guy brought them in. Grandpa's guns. A good reminder that no matter what, our treasures are never more than one generation away from the pawnshop.