Hello all New member here,.......K22 masterpiece Question.

[kadams]

I have been looking at K22 Masterpiece .22 Revolvers, I am very interested in owning one, I see prices from $800$ to $1500. I am wondering if anyone could provide insight on best yrs of production or yrs to avoid? I would really like a 5 screw. I am wanting one that I can shoot without fear of scratching, but Still an accurate functional revolver. I own a recent production 4" 617
that is deadly accurate and a joy to shoot. Any advice on my quest is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Ken

 

[series guy]

You should be able to find a shooter grade example between $600 and $800. Earlier guns will most likely be a matt finish narrow rib gun. Later versions went to a wide rib and then even later guns sport a full underlug. If any of these features matter to you then they will define your search. If you are open to any model it shouldn't be too hard to find something satisfactory.

 

[JH1951]

Welcome to the Forum from Pennsylvania. You are at a good place to learn about S&W's.
If in good condition, I know of no 5-screw K-22's that you should stay away from. They were fine pieces of craftsmanship and if cared for reasonably through the decades they are still a fine piece - a gem and a joy forever.
Condition will dictate price. Something decent will be within the price range you mentioned.
Here's one from 1947:

 

[Timothy2700]

I recently bought a nice 5-screw (1953) for $775 locally as I recall. Not pristine but certainly not a beater. Shoots wonderfully. Click on the link below for the short discussion on the forum…. Hope this helps on the price range……

New to me K22

 

[kadams]

Thanks

I appreciate the info. !

 

[Nightowl]

My favorites are the 5 screw era guns in about any caliber. However, the K22 guns are pretty good in any era! Just realize that many post WWll K22s will have sticky extraction from tight chambers. With the K22, this is normal. Sometimes keeping the chambers clean will work and sometimes the chambers can be finish reamed for easier extraction.
Smith revolvers are each and individual and each need to be checked for function. Somewhere on here is a sticky describing thinks to check on used revolvers. Also, you can grow old reading threads here about the K22. Welcome aboard and good luck in your search.

 

[Green Frog]

Let me first add my welcome to our fun forum. As for your question about a 5 screw K22 Masterpiece, the answer is any of them in good condition would be good to have. If badly worn or abused, obviously repair (if possible) would add to cost but detract from value.
If you’re looking for a shooter, you don’t need 99% blue, mine has about 85-90% which is fine with me. Mine came with no box, docs, or tools, so it cost less, and I didn’t need those anyway. I look for a good, tight lockup and smooth cycling of the action and call it good. That should keep you in the low end of the price range yo mention or maybe less.
Good hunting!
Froggie

 

[Babysitr]

Welcome from Southern Illinois! you'll be happy with any of the old K22's..3,4,5screw...I own each and they all shoot well. I did ream the chambers for a better shooting experience

 

[pasound]

Welcome from West Virginia. Three years ago I got my 1947 K-22 Target Masterpiece for a good price, right in the range discussed above. Very accurate with any 22LR I shoot in it.

 

[USBP SW]

A few years ago a friend offered to sell me a K22 for $600. He was in a hurry to sell it and I apologized because I only had $500 in my wallet. He thought about it for a couple of seconds and said that $500 would be ok. He brought it into the lgs to do the transfer and it was a high condition five screw, in the original box. I felt terrible, I had to make up for my seemingly callous disregard for my friend. I did compensate him with several things that made up for the difference and eased my conscience. I feel that his original offer was very generous. When I first started shooting, the k22 was the finest revolver I had ever seen and I bought my first one used for the princely sum of $80, I have owned many since and I still own several. I will never be without a k22.

 

[boykinlp]

My favorites are the 5 screw era guns in about any caliber. However, the K22 guns are pretty good in any era! Just realize that many post WWll K22s will have sticky extraction from tight chambers. With the K22, this is normal. Sometimes keeping the chambers clean will work and sometimes the chambers can be finish reamed for easier extraction.
Smith revolvers are each and individual and each need to be checked for function. Somewhere on here is a sticky describing thinks to check on used revolvers. Also, you can grow old reading threads here about the K22. Welcome aboard and good luck in your search.

I know many folks will be sure to have a cleaning rod and brush available at the range so they can actually brush out the chambers during shooting when they get sticky.
Larry

 

[pasound]

I bought a small Hoppes' cleaning kit for my 22's, to carry in my range bag when my 617 got clogged up and wouldn't chamber after 150 rounds. A couple of screw-in rods, loop patch holder, brass brush, and bought an extra nylon brush. All fit in the handle. My 617 still needs it occasionally (though I no longer use the dirty Remington ammo I was shooting), sometimes with my Single Six and Ten. Never with my K-22, maybe it was reamed at some time, but doubtful. The rounds drop right in, and drop out again. I clean the chambers when I get home.

 

[kadams]

Thanks for all the info guys! looks like a great group with great members glad I joined,

 

[rct269]

K-22 Values---------------

Now these are "collectibles", very high condition guns-----no "shooters"; but it'll show you the top end of the scale. All of them were sold during the liquidation of my collection of target guns during the past three years ending a year ago.

K-22 1st Model (with King Cockeyed Hammer)----$2500
K-22 1st Model---------------------------------------$1750
K-22 2nd Model--------------------------------------$9500 (This rather noteworthy exception is all about the person to whom S&W gave the gun.)
K-22 3rd Model ("One Liner")-----------------------$1530
K-22 3rd Model ("Four Liner")-----------------------$1175
K-22 4th Model---------------------------------------$950

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Valmet]

Welcome to the forums. IMO the K22 is the finest 22 handgun ever manufactured. I can’t spread to “best” vintage but I’ve had my 1968 17-3 since 1998 and it’s seen thousands and thousands of rounds and it’s been 100%. You likely won’t be disappointed in any vintage you end up with.

 

[jeffrefrig]

K-22 Values---------------

Now these are "collectibles", very high condition guns-----no "shooters"; but it'll show you the top end of the scale. All of them were sold during the liquidation of my collection of target guns during the past three years ending a year ago.

K-22 1st Model (with King Cockeyed Hammer)----$2500
K-22 1st Model---------------------------------------$1750
K-22 2nd Model--------------------------------------$9500 (This rather noteworthy exception is all about the person to whom S&W gave the gun.)
K-22 3rd Model ("One Liner")-----------------------$1530
K-22 3rd Model ("Four Liner")-----------------------$1175
K-22 4th Model---------------------------------------$950

Ralph Tremaine

Amazing what a piece of steel and wood combined can be worth!

 

[rct269]

I reckon it's more about what the piece of steel and wood represents-------history and suchlike. When you sit and stare at some of them, you can almost see it unfolding right before your eyes---and then you wonder.

Ralph Tremaine