Gun Show Find

[Nimrod44]

Gun show last weekend in Hoover, AL yielded this "pre" 18. I've had one of these on my radar for a while now and was pleased to find this one. Came to me with a set of nice relieved diamond targets on it but I swapped those for this set of un-numbered magnas. Serial # 20126X, has a bit of a turn line otherwise pretty nice.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Very nice!

 

[CH4]

And a 4”!
Cool find!

 

[19leben]

Love the Combat Masterpiece!! And you have a nice one.

 

[bigmtnman]

Very nice pick up. I would have liked to seen the targets on it also. A M-18 was my very first S&W purchase when I was 21. I learned what I was capable of as a pistol shooter with it.

 

[shawn mccarver]

. . . has a bit of a turn line otherwise pretty nice.

It's a good thing it has a "turn line." The "turn line" is evidence of a properly working revolver.

 

[stmry]

They are the perfect .22 revolver in my opinion.

 

[ralph7]

You're leaving off the most interesting part...

 

[Nimrod44]

OK, I was listening. Here she is with the diamond targets as I got it. I expect this gun likely pre-dates the relieved grips by just a little. A letter would likely clear that up. I'll see if I can get a ship date from Dr. Jinks.
Thanks for looking.

 

[JP@AK]

Nimrod44

K20126X means it most likely shipped in 1953, maybe 1954.

As for the stocks, it most likely shipped with Magna stocks. Targets were available on special order, but the vast majority of .22 Combat Masterpiece revolvers left the factory with Magnas.

In 1953-54, non-relieved target stocks were still shipping. Even 1954 is a tad early for the footballs, with 1953 being definitely too early, if I remember correctly. (SCSW says c. 1955 for the football target stocks. But we know that not everything in that wonderful book is always correct.)

Note: when you do request a letter or ship date, remember that the K is part of the serial number.

 

[Igiveup]

Great revolver, espeially with the diamond targets.

 

[Engine49guy]

The K22 Combat Masterpiece is one of my favorites.
The diamond targets make it look real pretty, the rounded checkering turn at the heel is a pretty good hint those target stocks were made around 1962-1967 (ish).
I'd also bet a shiney penny that it shipped with a "High Speed" aka "Fish hook" hammer although the wide target hammer was an option.

The "proud" front site pins are a hint its likely a 1953 but thats a generality not a hard rule, Satin blue finish is correct for 1953-54 era.
The finish changed to bright polished in the 1954-55 era.
I generally attribute the football relief cut in the target stocks as being introduced as a modification that arrived with the .357 Combat Magnum in early 1956.

 

[Nimrod44]

Thanks for all the likes and comments. I'll give a range report when I get a chance to put some rounds through this one.

 

[Model19man]

And a 4”!
Cool find!

Pretty sure 4" is the only barrel length available on a .22 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[Muley Gil]

Was this an Alabama Gun Collector's show? If so, I presume they are no longer held at the B'ham-Jefferson County Civic Center.

 

[bamabiker]

It was the AGCA show and they moved from the civic center to the Hoover Met a few years ago. A nice building with plenty of free parking.
OP, did you find that one on a table or was it walking around looking for a new home?
I was there Saturday but don't remember seeing it.

 

[RKmesa]

Gun show last weekend in Hoover, AL yielded this "pre" 18. I've had one of these on my radar for a while now and was pleased to find this one. Came to me with a set of nice relieved diamond targets on it but I swapped those for this set of un-numbered magnas. Serial # 20126X, has a bit of a turn line otherwise pretty nice.

Great little K-22! One of the other features on your gun that I really like is the proud front sight pins. For whatever reason, that feature adds some additional cool for me.

As to a ship date approximation, this is SN K201734...

... and it shipped in January 1954. So I would agree with Jack, that your gun most likely shipped in 1953-1954. As you probably know, an Historical letter would be needed to confirm the exact date, as S&W did not ship in SN order.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[Glynn863]

Nice. I was at the show, and tried to look at every revolver that appeared "classic". I probably gave the revolver you bought a cursory look, but I was looking for a big-bore myself. I eventually found and bought a SS Ruger Redhawk 44 Magnum.

The AGCA show is the best one that they have in Hoover.

 

[Nimrod44]

This one was on a table in a glass display case. I picked it up about noon on Saturday. I agree that this is a pretty good show.

RK Mesa- that engraved one of yours is stunning! I especially like the grips.