K-22 Outdoorsman Appreciation and Photo Thread

[RKmesa]

Seeing Pete 45's recent thread on his father's K-22 Outdoorsman

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/266282-i-have-old-gun-s-w-22-revolver.html

and the fact that it is a holiday weekend and I had the camera out today, I thought that it is time to start a K-22 Outdoorsman Appreciation Thread, by priming the thread with a few photos of my nicest example of the K-22 OD and scans of the K-22 Outdoorsman's Brochure.

SN 635065 shipped 6/29/1931 in a burgundy M&P hinged or "Patent" box with the Green label and a "22-38 H.E." stamp on the inside of the box. It has a single elevation screw rear sight and a Call gold bead front sight:

Brochure - "As Accurate as a Watch; As Sturdy as a Tractor":

Please post your favorite photos of "The "K-22" Outdoors-man's Revolver" as I have not been able to "get my fill" of this beautiful model lately.

Thanks,

 

[Goony]

Here's one that shipped in July of 1933.

 

[DCWilson]

These are fine guns and I am happy to play.

Here is 634373 and an appropriate first-year box (but not original to the gun). Like Richard's, this one also shipped in June 1931, but I don't have the destination or exact date. Time to break out the letter request forms.

Here is my other K-22 OD, 646390, which shipped April 1934. I believe this is the lowest known serial number with the two-screw rear sight foot. (Two at the back, that is; we don't count the one at the front of the foot.)

 

[Troystat]

Those are some beauties, thanks for posting the pictures

 

[bigmoose]

Everyone needs a K-22. This one dates to 1937.

 

[gripper]

RK and David, I love the early maroon boxes and guns. Here's mine shipped 1-29-37 to Hibbard Spencer and Bartlett & Co., Chicago, IL.

Chad Gripp

 

[gripper]

There are some slight changes in the K 22 Outdoorsman from a early vs late shipment standpoint. The early guns (as shown above by RK and David) were shipped in the maroon boxes, with call gold bead front sights, and a rear sight with a single elevation screw. The later guns as mine, were shipped in a red picture box, with a call silver bead front sight, and a rear sight with double elevation screws. One other niche for the K 22 OD collector is the subtle difference in the four page brochure. Note the difference in in the trademark at the top left hand corner of the page. I believe the first brochure pictured is the earlier one.

Chad Gripp

 

[Hammerdown]

Hello Everyone
Nice Outdoorsman's and S&W got them right from the start in 1931. To me, The Outdoorsman series of revolver's were the Height of quality at S&W. Here is mine that shipped in September 1936. I do shoot it occasionally, but it has never been holstered. It shoot's as good as it looks. Can't help to love these Outdoorsman's....

 

[66Park]

I unfortunately have no pictures to contribute, but what amazing guns and photo skills you guys have!

 

[GF]

Here's an engraved ( to Andrew Melon ) one that I was privileged to own for awhile.

GF

 

[Big Fred]

After all these really nice ones, here's mine. Lots of carry wear and some scratches, but she shoots great and you don't have to be afraid to take her out. I've had this one for at least 25 years.

 

[fat tom]

Here's a couple of beaters.

f.t.

 

[RKmesa]

One other niche for the K 22 OD collector is the subtle difference in the four page brochure. Note the difference in in the trademark at the top left hand corner of the page. I believe the first brochure pictured is the earlier one.

Chad:

Thanks for sharing. I've never paid that close of attention to the paperwork. So, this morning I went back and looked through my pre-war brochures: Three of "The K-22 Outdoors-man's Revolver" brochure - all have the 1st type of TM; Three of "The S.& W. ".357" Magnum" brochure - one (the earliest of the three) has the 1st type of TM and two have the 2nd type TM (and I agree with you that it is a later TM); and Three of "The .38/44 Outdoorsman's Revolver" brochure - none of which have any TM on them.

Fun trivia to file away.

 

[pace40]

Great thread!

 

[mag318]

Ahhhh, the quality that once was Smith & Wesson.

 

[Davwingman]

This'n is mine...

 

[COYOTEHUNTER]

Great thread!!

My ole beater dating to November 1935.

 

[rburg]

Here's an engraved one that I was privileged to own for awhile.

Or maybe a better way of saying it "Like a fool I sold it for a tiny profit".

 

[kritter]

my "beater" from late 37 or early 38...

 

[bmg60]

Hi
lets not forget about the K-22 King Guns.
This one shipped in 1934 has all the Options including Roper Grips.
Jim Fisher

 

[SDH]

Number 644487 shipped to a S.F. Crossman, in St. Lois, MO, 12/2/32 and is in very nice condition excepting numerous inexplicable scratches in the barrel. I can't shoot it with the factory grips so either put Sanderson or Fitz thumbrest on when it goes to the range.

 

[RKmesa]

More King Super Target...

Hi
lets not forget about the K-22 King Guns.

Jim:

I couldn't agree more. I've posted this one before, but it is one of my favorites. SN 639380 has the full King Super Target treatment including the cockeyed hammer and shipped 3/18/1932. The grip adapter does not letter with the gun, but is a period appropriate addition that I added - just because I thought it was cool.

Cockeyed Hammer and Rear Sight:

Front Gold "bead" and Reflector Base in action:

Enjoy,

 

[Pete 45]

The grip adapter does not letter with the gun, but is a period appropriate addition that I added - just because I thought it was cool.

...and it is COOL =)

 

[DHENRY]

This old gal shipped to Denver in November, 1935.
Came with its box and papers.
Currently it has this set of Ropers, but the original grips are packed away safely.
Accuracy is superb!
Don

 

[MJS5678]

some really great pictures in here, I need to work with my camera more!

 

[digi-shots]

WOW! There are some really nice ones here!!

Here's mine, shipped April 30, 1937 to Shapleigh Hardware Company, St. Louis, MO. It was shipped with checkered walnut grips and is now sporting a pair of vintage stag grips.

 

[RKmesa]

Linda:

I know that you have shared it somewhere before, but I cannot recall the story of that hammer on your K-22. Do you mind sharing it again, along with a couple of more photos of the hammer? I love to see those custom adjustments, that make a "plain" Outsoorsman, a "custom affair".

Thanks,

 

[digi-shots]

Richard, you've got a great memory!

Here are a couple more pics...

This Outdoorsman came with both the hammer device and aftermarket (custom??) weighted target grips. There's a brass weight attached to the inside of the grips. An interesting setup for sure! Whoever had it was most likely a devoted shooter!

The function of the hammer is similar to a "cockeyed" hammer. There's a "U" shaped piece that fits around the hammer and is pinned in place. There's no maker's name on it at all. It's a dream to shoot!

 

[RKmesa]

Linda:

You've got to love the creativity and engineering that went into solving desires for a wider hammer and a more butt heavy gun.

Thanks for refreshing my memory. Great photos!

 

[digi-shots]

The "hammer shoe" looks like it was definitely made for a right handed person. Just wonder why they didn't make both sides of it the same so that it could be used by both left and right handed shooters. The hammer looks to be original (with patent stamping on the back)... it was drilled out to accept the pin the holds the "shoe" in place.

The previous owner used either red paint or red lock-tite on the rear sight to keep it from drifting.

I don't know if the trigger has been adjusted or not... it's very smooth, crisp and light. It might be typical of the 1930's Smiths. I've got a .38 Colt Target with similar trigger pull.

It's a cool gun for sure... maybe not as pretty as some of the ones out there. It's been well taken care of with just some small scratches and a little wear. There are no dings on the face of the cylinder. I usually keep snap caps in the .22's I have and don't worry about dry-firing them.