My neighbor inherited this revolver from his father recently. I was hoping someone could tell me when it was born. It's a .22 lr with 6" barrel and adjustable sights. The serial number is 686821. There is not a letter K before the number. I read somewhere that model 17's made before the mid 50's didn't have the "k" prefix. I don't have any pictures available. Any info is greatly appreciated
Is this a model 17?
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If the SN is correct (in this era the digits were deeply stamped, and 6 could look like a 3, 8 or 9) it is a K-22 Masterpiece first model, a rare gun from about 1940. The earlier K-22 Outdoorsman had the old-style rear sight with a polished blue and contoured rear sight leaf, but the first Masterpiece had a click adjustable rear sight and the leaf has squared off ends that sit above the top strap. Quite a find if so, as there were just over 1000 made before WW II stopped their production. A very similar gun was called the model 17 after 1957. Hope this is helpful.
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Old ford,
The K began with post WW II production in 1946. The K is way out in front of the # on the gun butt. If it has a K, it's from 1966 and is a Model 17 which is stamped that inside the yoke, visible when the cyl is swing open.
I agree with Alan, if the number is correct, it's a 1st Model K22 Masterpiece from 1940.
Although the K22-40 Masterpiece did have the Micro Click rear sight, it was still flush fitted with the top strap:
The K began with post WW II production in 1946. The K is way out in front of the # on the gun butt. If it has a K, it's from 1966 and is a Model 17 which is stamped that inside the yoke, visible when the cyl is swing open.
I agree with Alan, if the number is correct, it's a 1st Model K22 Masterpiece from 1940.
Although the K22-40 Masterpiece did have the Micro Click rear sight, it was still flush fitted with the top strap:
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Jim, this is the advantage of actually handling or owning one...
. From photos I recalled the sight leaf being the same as later K-22s, my bad.
. From photos I recalled the sight leaf being the same as later K-22s, my bad.
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I wish I did have one. Since I don't, I have to stare at pictures of them.
Look for a grooved barrel rib as well. If present, the gun is post-WWII. If absent, it's a prewar gun.
The serial number should be repeated in a couple of easy-to-see places and a couple more that are harder to read. Look at the flat underside of the barrel and the rear face of the cylinder. The numbers are smaller, but they aren't smashed in as deep, which helps. The number you offered, 686821, is NOT located in a known K-22/40 serial number block, but 686921 would be.
The serial number should be repeated in a couple of easy-to-see places and a couple more that are harder to read. Look at the flat underside of the barrel and the rear face of the cylinder. The numbers are smaller, but they aren't smashed in as deep, which helps. The number you offered, 686821, is NOT located in a known K-22/40 serial number block, but 686921 would be.
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DWalt
Member
I agree - You really need to make a very positive identification of that serial number. I suspect 686821 is incorrect. It should also be stamped on the bottom of the barrel and the rear face of the cylinder, also behind the extractor star. Pictures would really help, especially a top view of the rear sight.
your 6 matching serial # locations for fixed sight pre war Hand Ejectors and all post war Hand Ejectors thru ~1956.
NOTE: Observing serial #s for accuracy or even existence, especially on penciled stocks, requires magnification, bright light, and an attitude that it is there!
1. Gun butt - or forestrap on I frames/single shots with grips that cover the butt
2. Barrel - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud
3. Yoke - on rear face only visible thru a chamber with a flashlight
4. Extractor star - backside
5. Cylinder - rear face
6. Right stock only - on back; stamped, scratched or penciled depending on vintage and stock material. (except most target grips because individual fitting not required.)
If there's a K prefix and the # is correctly read the revolver is from 1966.
Therefore by about the end of 1959, serial # locations went up to 4:
1. Butt.
2. Frame in yoke cut, and also stamped Mod 17-2 here on the frame.
3. Extractor star until ~ 1980 with the new extractor star shape.
4. Back of right stock, except most target grips because of less individual fitting, until ~ 1979 when no longer hand fitted.
NOTE: Observing serial #s for accuracy or even existence, especially on penciled stocks, requires magnification, bright light, and an attitude that it is there!
1. Gun butt - or forestrap on I frames/single shots with grips that cover the butt
2. Barrel - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud
3. Yoke - on rear face only visible thru a chamber with a flashlight
4. Extractor star - backside
5. Cylinder - rear face
6. Right stock only - on back; stamped, scratched or penciled depending on vintage and stock material. (except most target grips because individual fitting not required.)
If there's a K prefix and the # is correctly read the revolver is from 1966.
Therefore by about the end of 1959, serial # locations went up to 4:
1. Butt.
2. Frame in yoke cut, and also stamped Mod 17-2 here on the frame.
3. Extractor star until ~ 1980 with the new extractor star shape.
4. Back of right stock, except most target grips because of less individual fitting, until ~ 1979 when no longer hand fitted.
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Engine49guy
Member
As always the guys have given you the straight poop,
The only thing I would add is that if you look closely at the picture above you will notice that on the hammer just below the spur there is a visible "Step" on its back, This is what "Pings" a rare K-22/40 from a K-22 Outdoorsman.
In the picture below that hammer is the one in the center flanked by a "Humpback" hammer on the left and a standard pre war long action hammer (right)
In the same picture at top if you also look at the rear site the K-22/40 site has a large windage screw on the R side as well as one large yardage screw on the top like this
A K22 Outdoorsman has a small windage screw and a small yardage screw and with the exception of the earliest versions will also have a second smaller set screw just ahead of it like this:
The only thing I would add is that if you look closely at the picture above you will notice that on the hammer just below the spur there is a visible "Step" on its back, This is what "Pings" a rare K-22/40 from a K-22 Outdoorsman.
In the picture below that hammer is the one in the center flanked by a "Humpback" hammer on the left and a standard pre war long action hammer (right)
In the same picture at top if you also look at the rear site the K-22/40 site has a large windage screw on the R side as well as one large yardage screw on the top like this
A K22 Outdoorsman has a small windage screw and a small yardage screw and with the exception of the earliest versions will also have a second smaller set screw just ahead of it like this:
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