K-22 Options?

[Cricker]

Found a K-22 Masterpiece at our newest LGS. Serial dates to 1951, but it has a narrow polished trigger and white outline rear sight and a white dot on the patrige. Are these options that S&W would have offered?
They also have a K-22 circa 1956 that has the standard sights and trigger witha wide hammer.

 

[scooter123]

My SCSW makes no mention of white outline rear sights in this period and your front sight is supposed to be a plain black Patridge. In addition your revolver should have a 0.265 wide serrated trigger, not a smooth one. I expect that what you have is a Shooter's revolver that has been customized to improve it for competition. Most likely that competition was Bullseye and I'd bet the shooter was over 50. Because once you hit 50 you start looking around for any option available that makes handgun sights more visible.

BTW, I am now well past 50 and my 617 no dash currently is equipped with a J Point Reflex so I speak from experience about those over 50 looking for any available assistance with sighting.

As for a purchase decision, that is dependent on the price. What you have described is certainly NOT a fine collectable, so it's value in those terms is basically nill. However, it is a fantastic target revolver that can provide a lifetime of inexpensive and enjoyable shooting, so in those terms it should carry a value of 400 to 700 dollars depending on condition.

 

[Art Doc]

I do not believe the dot or polished trigger are original. But I am not an expert.

 

[Old cop]

My Model 18 is my favorite shooter and came with a target (wide) trigger and hammer. I'm not sure if mine came from the factory that way, and dependent on price, you would be well served if you can get this one.

 

[H Richard]

I'm pretty sure the wide "target" trigger & hammer were options in the 50's. I don't believe the white outline rear sight and white dot front sight were options them. A rear sight blade is easy to change, and white dots can pretty easily be installed by the user.

 

[Alk8944]

If the bead on the front sight is, in fact, white then it is probably not factory although it could be. If it is "white" metal it sounds like a Call Brilliant Bead, which likely is original. The Call bead sights came in either Gold or stainless steel, the stainless was the one referred to as brilliant. White outline rear slides were available at this time also. The trigger probably has been polished to use for double-action work as it is easier on the finger than the standard at the time grooved trigger.

 

[mkk41]

I'd bet that every trigger came case-hardened.

Removing the grooves , narrowing and polishing the trigger was quite popular among bullseye shooters back in the old days.

 

[Cricker]

The trigger is case hardened, with the grooves ground off and polished. You can see that the surface is not a perfect arc and obviously not factory. The front sight blade has probably been changed, as it has an inset white bead. The rest of the gun shows an obvious turn line and a little muzzle wear from holster carry. I suppose I have to decide if it is worth the 649 asking price.