Greetings, help me identify two revolvers?

[bh2win]

Greetings,

I just received some revolvers that have no model marking on them.

I'm providing all the information I can based on the model identification guide.

Some more photos are here as well: Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Revolver #1

Serial: K323700
BL: 6"
Caliber: 22 Long Rifle
Grips: Checkered Wood
Finish: Black/Blued
Yoke: Says 87, also says 51947 U M
Sights: Hand Ejector Post-War Adjustable

Revolver #2

Serial: ??? There are two numbers, see below.
BL: 4"
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Grips: Checkered Wood
Finish: Black/Blued
Yoke: 26487 but also has loose 8 and 3 numbers.
Ejector Rod Channel: 262996
Sights: Hand Ejector Post-War Adjustable

 

[murphydog]

Welcome!

The first, a K-22 Masterpiece from about 1958. This 'should' have been stamped MOD 17 by that time but this was not universal.

The second, a fairly early (.357) Combat Magnum, likely from 1956. The first one was serial number (K)260001.

 

[bh2win]

Welcome!

The first, a K-22 Masterpiece from about 1958. This 'should' have been stamped MOD 17 by that time but this was not universal.

The second, a fairly early (.357) Combat Magnum, likely from 1956. The first one was serial number (K)260001.

This is very helpful, thank you. Which of the two numbers is the actual serial number on the Combat Magnum?

 

[murphydog]

This is very helpful, thank you. Which of the two numbers is the actual serial number on the Combat Magnum?

The official serial number on S & W revolvers is (99.9% of the time) on the bottom of the grip frame. The Combat Magnum has Target stocks that cover this area, and soon after this any gun with factory Targets also had the serial number stamped in the yoke recess (frame upright under the barrel).

 

[JP@AK]

Revolver #1
Serial: K323700
BL: 6"
Caliber: 22 Long Rifle
Grips: Checkered Wood
Finish: Black/Blued
Yoke: Says 87, also says 51947 U M
Sights: Hand Ejector Post-War Adjustable

This is a K-22 Masterpiece that probably shipped sometime in 1958. It is near the end of the K-22 units that were not model marked. The lowest known K-22 Masterpiece serial number on a gun that carries the model number (17) is K326533, and that revolver left the factory in November, 1958.

Keep in mind that the June, 1957 date for model marking only indicates the management decision to add model numbers to existing model names. In production, no model marked guns left the factory until 1958, in some cases late in that year.

Therefore, the unit you are asking about is a K-22 Masterpiece, not a Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece.

51947 is a parts tracking number, used during assembly.
The 87, the U and the M are fitter's and inspector's stamps.

Revolver #2
Serial: ??? There are two numbers, see below.
BL: 4"
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Grips: Checkered Wood
Finish: Black/Blued
Yoke: 26487 but also has loose 8 and 3 numbers.
Ejector Rod Channel: 262996
Sights: Hand Ejector Post-War Adjustable

The serial number is K262996. If you look on the butt (hidden by the target stocks), you will see that the serial number begins with the letter K. As Alan mentioned, it probably left the factory in 1956, which was the first year of full production for the Combat Magnum revolver, which later became the Model 19 Combat Magnum.

26487 8 and 3 numbers, as mentioned above, are the parts tracking number and fitter's/inspector's marks.

 

[bh2win]

This is a K-22 Masterpiece that probably shipped sometime in 1958. It is near the end of the K-22 units that were not model marked. The lowest known K-22 Masterpiece serial number on a gun that carries the model number (17) is K326533, and that revolver left the factory in November, 1958.

Keep in mind that the June, 1957 date for model marking only indicates the management decision to add model numbers to existing model names. In production, no model marked guns left the factory until 1958, in some cases late in that year.

Therefore, the unit you are asking about is a K-22 Masterpiece, not a Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece.

51947 is a parts tracking number, used during assembly.
The 87, the U and the M are fitter's and inspector's stamps.



The serial number is K262996. If you look on the butt (hidden by the target stocks), you will see that the serial number begins with the letter K. As Alan mentioned, it probably left the factory in 1956, which was the first year of full production for the Combat Magnum revolver, which later became the Model 19 Combat Magnum.

26487 8 and 3 numbers, as mentioned above, are the parts tracking number and fitter's/inspector's marks.

Much thanks!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! I suspect that all of your questions about these two revolvers have been answered by our friendly and knowledgeable Forum members. Your K-22 (which later became the Model 17 when S&W switched to model numbers) and .357 Combat Magnum (later known as the Model 19) are both great revolvers and very popular. Both show evidence of honest use and holster wear, but should still be excellent and accurate shooters. Many of us appreciate revolvers that have been used but not abused, and yours are both nice. Congratulations on acquiring a couple of great vintage revolvers. Enjoy!