I need advice on grips for my K22 Masterpiece.

[greenwellg]

Rode to a shop with my brother today. Picked up these grips (Cokes?). Thought they would fit my K22 (1958) Masterpiece. They fit but are not right for the gun probably for a larger frame (N?).
Anyway I have no gun of that type and I paid $20 for the grips. The grips on my K22 are later vintage than the gun but they are numbered, (shown in the photo) Magna's without diamonds. I would be interested in a trade but without knowing exactly what I have I did not want to post in the for sale category. Since the chances of finding the original grips for my K22 are slim, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in a trade for either the grips that are too large or maybe another set of that type that fit the gun or period diamond Magna's for the gun.
The grips currently on the gun have a number but are much later vintage than the gun itself. Number is shown in the photo.
Would be nice to get a decent deal in a trade of some sort.
Not ready for a bunch of PM's right now at This point.
My first choice would be Cokes for the gun, second would be original Diamond Magna's of the same time period.
My gun is serial number 323372.
There is a number 51671 on the frame of my gun ((bottom left). Indication of factory work?
Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[paplinker]

OK Lets get a start on some of your questions.
First cokes are N frame only and have a diamond around the grip screw.So your grips are not coke type. N will not fit correctly unless you find a altered set.

Your K22 is from around roughly 1958-59 so any correct period grips for this gun will have the diamond around the grip screw and also have the black washer on the back.. The target grips you now have are a pretty newer set with the silver washer on back. They do appear to be the correct size though.
You should have no problem finding a magna or target set on the forum. Maybe try a WTB with your year of gun in your ad.

 

[bgrafsr]

They are not Cokes, but standard S&W Target stocks for an N frame. The 12 80 means they were made in 1980.

 

[Bald1]

There's really only one answer to your grip dilemma. And the answer is always the same. Some sort of stag,horn,or bone and a T Grip.

 

[DWalt]

There are several very obvious differences between Cokes and any other Magna N frame target grip design. But they were not designed for your K-22 as it is a K-frame. I would be happy to use a pair of any type of K-frame target grips with the Diamond around the grip screw. Actually, a good pair of regular Magna Diamond grips would also be OK. For awhile, regular non-target Diamond Magnas were standard for K-22s.

 

[JohnRippert]

There's really only one answer to your grip dilemma. And the answer is always the same. Some sort of stag,horn,or bone and a T Grip.

Non-relieved targets are also 'the' answer, depending on who is answering the question.

OP: Good luck with your search for correct grips on that K22. Hope you find a nice set.

 

[Hawg Rider]

The s/n of your revolver (K323372) does indicate a manufacture date of 1958, so first of all, when you open the cylinder is there a model no. stamped in the cylinder yoke recess along with the s/n? S&W changed to model numbers (Model 17) from names (K22 Masterpiece) in 1957, so yours is either a very late K22 or an early Model 17. The standard stocks for these revolvers are checkered walnut with silver escutcheons and a diamond around the screw. Here is a picture of my 1948 K22 Masterpiece wearing the correct stocks. However, it's possible that S&W offered K-frame target stocks as an option. I'm sure that you could get either if you posted in the Want to Buy section of the Forum. Good luck!

 

[JP@AK]

I'm 99% certain the OP's revolver is not a Model 17. K326533 is the lowest known K-22 Masterpiece marked as a Model 17, and it was a November 1958 shipment. So K323372 is close, but no brass ring.

Model numbers did not replace model names; they were added to them. A Model 17 is still a K-22 Masterpiece; a Model 14 is still a K-38 Masterpiece; a Model 34 is still a .22/32 Kit Gun etc., etc., etc. The addition was authorized in 1957 but not implemented until 1958 at the earliest. When the numbers were applied varied from model to model.

 

[greenwellg]

No model number. It actually has the serial number in two places only. The grip and the bottom of the extractor. None on the bottom of the barrel or back of the cylinder. If the advice is to spend over $100 for correct grips on a gun that I only bid $525 on at the auction then I can live with grips without diamonds. Sorry, it's just not that big a deal to me, the person who owns the gun. If I have to spend 25% more for two grips, that will not be original number matching and enhance the value of the gun to a level where they are an "investment" with a reasonable expectation of increased value, then I can live with what I have. I have "modified" a $20 grip that works perfectly for my purposes.
Beyond that it fits my hand better than any other option available to me. Currently it is on my 1924 era target sighted M&P 38 special. If I can find the correct grips for the K22 Masterpiece then I will buy them if the price is reasonable. In the meantime I will use the "altered" $20 N frame grips I have available for the same amount of money I used to buy lottery tickets yesterday.
The grip on the gun in question in this thread can stay in the configuration it was when purchased (no diamond later dated).
The $20 grip now fits all of my K frame revolvers perfectly. I have another K22 that has the original number matching grips and I paid a higher price due to that fact.
Appreciate all the great advice from everyone but I also reserve the right to make decisions based on my personal experiences. Something similar to this situation is the recent investments community consideration on original finishes on collector cars. Restorations that cost more than the finished product is worth are being rejected and "preservation's" are encouraged to maintain originality. That decision may not be wise but it will be my choice.
It can only be original once is a very concise definition of my current philosophy on collectible items in general.

 

[long colt frazier]

I think you answered your own question. Keep what you have if it doesn't bother you and shoot the snot out of it;-)