K-22 question

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I would think it is wholly accurate to call any Model 17 or 18 a "K-22" and that would certainly be the proper term for your revolver which pre-dates S&W's model numbering system by a couple years.
 
I would think it is wholly accurate to call any Model 17 or 18 a "K-22" ,,,,,,,,,,,

Would that hold true for magnums, and stainless,, also??

Vvm3y0P.jpg


How about the "ten holers" ,,, ?

:rolleyes:
 
Well, there's a difference between a K-22 Masterpiece and a K-22. (again, IMO)

We call Model 10's and pre-10's K-38's, but we certainly wouldn't call a Model 10 a K-38 Masterpiece. We also call 15's a K-38, don't we? How about a Model 67?

I find these discussions interesting, even when they take us out in to the weeds.
 
You have a "pre model" as said above, that's not a bad thing. That means it's an oldie but a goodie!

Most pre wars and pre models came out of the factory sporting their "in house" designations, hence the K22, a .22 built on the K Target or KT frame of course. Much more descriptive than a Model #. And usually more definitive than meets the eye...but we're careful not to jump to conclusions.

You can call a pre model 10 a K Frame 38 but not a K38. As above, that distinguishes a Target model. So a Model 14 or 15, yeah they're K38s (built on the K Target or KT frame); Masterpiece and Combat Masterpiece.

A model 67, yes, it can be considered a K38. But not usually since it's stainless. Can be called a stainless K Target but it's built on the FT frame so technically an F38 or FT38. But with no ancestry prior to Model #s, you won't hear anyone call it that. So it's just a Model 67.
 
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Would that hold true for magnums, and stainless,, also??

How about the "ten holers" ,,, ?

:rolleyes:

Yeah K22, or K22 Magnum: officially K22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire. Became the Mod 48 in blue.

In stainless, Mod 648: The .22 Magnum Rimfire Stainless. Again too new, no K22 ancestry.

But if you said Stainless K22 Magnum, we'd know what you meant.

Six hole or 10 hole makes little difference. Whatever one called it, they might tack 10 shot on the end to describe it more specifically or more likely use the model with dash #.
 
As an educator (retired) and sometimes writer, my take on the subject is that the speaker/writer has a duty to make the information he conveys as useful as possible by making it understandable to the target audience. It my belief that using terms like "pre-Model" and LERK etc to sound educated or to try to be impressive by using buzz words or acronyms, if the meaning is lost, nothing is accomplished but to puff up the speaker's sense of self importance. Whenever I catch myself lapsing into insider speech I give myself a mental head slap and try to be more clear. I know I fail sometimes, but I'm trying!

"Eschew obfuscation!"

Regards,
Green Frog
 
I always called this gun a K-22 and just wanted to confirm it.
their is no model number under the crane
S/N is K 18922x

Thank You

This series is interesting in that there were two finish options buff and polished. my 53' is the buff my later model is 3-t's and polished!

Smiles,
 
Correct albeit the usual factory terms are satin and bright blue. Bright blue was optional during the satin finish years then became standard after that. This applys to all models the first 10 years following the war, except the "flagship" 357 Magnum of the period which was always bright blue.

If your later K22 with bright blue was the premium cost option of the satin period it will have a large B following the barrel serial #. If no B then it's from the subsequent bright blue is standard period.

The pic below shows the large B w/o serifs following serial # from a Bright Blue K-22 Masterpiece from 1952. The small B preceding the serial is for blue finish originally:

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Photo credit: newellj

The large B will usually also be found stamped on left side grip frame and/or on cyl under the extractor star; generally discontinued around 1955.

Does yours have the large B?
 
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We also call 15's a K-38, don't we?

Actually, no, "we" don't. Some do, but the factory advertizing never did. It was the .38 Combat Masterpiece. And the rimfire version was the .22 Combat Masterpiece. K-22 and K-38 were reserved for the 6" target models (and later, 8 3/8" units).
 
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