K-22 Masterpiece Info

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I'm a fresh newby here, so please hold any violent texts to a minimum! I wish the best to you all. After a short glimpse around, I feel I'm smack dab in the middle of some well regarded, highly informed gun enthusiasts!

I recently came upon a pistol that might have some good history, as far as make and model, anyway. Any information you can give me would be highly appreciated.

It's a S&W K-22 Masterpiece as far as my research shows. A S&W .22 LR The butt of the grip has " K 53747 " Double action 6" barrel. It's in what seems to be very good condition, fairly dirty, but good condition as far as no rust, gouges, etc. It came with a leather holster that slides along a belt that holds 50 rounds of ammo. I'm told that was probably included with original purchase. Most of the wear to the gun looks to have been caused by the holster. Feel free to ask detailed questions, ask for specific digital pix. I'm currently working on the legal transfer of ownership on a certain date, to protect both buyer and seller in the event the gun ever comes in to question. I own just a few firearms, but as of date of ownership change, it is wise, in my opinion, that anything that occurred with this firearm prior to my taking possession should not harm me, and anything after, can call me into question. I hope to hear details of great information from you grand folks. Date of manufacture, place of manufacture, all that happy information.

Thomas
 
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Thomas welcome to the forum,
Your K22 Masterpiece is probably from around 1950 and would be the first post war style with the narrow barrel rib .
If you start a new thread in the section from that era 1896 to 1961 you will learn a bit more, be warned the guys here love pictures, it's tricky to do at first but you will get alot more replies as there will be more to observe.
 
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S&W K-22 Masterpiece as far as my research shows. A S&W .22 LR The butt of the grip has " K 53747 " Double action 6" barrel.
Date of manufacture, place of manufacture, all that happy information.

Hi Thomas and welcome to the S&W Forum.

Your K-22 Masterpiece probably left the factory late in the year 1948. It would have a five screw frame, Patridge front sight, micro-adjustable rear sight and the "High Speed" hammer that many refer to as a "fish-hook" hammer.

It was manufactured by S&W at the Springfield, Mass. factory.
 
Thomas, your gun should look similar to this one. It shipped in 1949. The front sight has been modified and sports a Tyler T-Grip, but otherwise like yours.

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Hi, Thomas! Welcome! Here are some known ship dates:
K-22 serial K51403 shipped in November 1948.

K-22 serial K54826 shipped in December 1948.


In collector circles, like here, the post-WWII K-22 Masterpiece is also known as the Pre-Model 17 because it is essentially the same gun configuration as when S&W implemented model numbers in 1957.


I'm sure you'll hear it soon: don't store the gun in the holster because leather can retain water and cause surface rust. They're fun shooters. Enjoy!
 
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