k 22

[glowe]

There seem to be more Pre-17 K-22s in my area (Midwest) than Pre-18, and especially 5-screw versions.

I would guess that all things being equal, a pre-18, Combat Masterpiece, 4", 5-screw, would sell for $200 more than a comparable pre-18 5-screw 6" K-22. The difference might be even greater, not sure.

What is your area?? The Midwest is a huge area and you do not note where you live in your bio. Where one resides can have something to do with prices, but not value, especially since one has not had to buy their guns locally for years. I will argue that better prices can often be found online and if the buyer is aware of what is for sale, askes questions, requests additional photos, you will get what you want for less than gun shops more often than not.

Supica/Nahas actually show lessor condition Combat Masterpiece revolvers with lower value than comparable 6" guns. My guess is that demand for K22 short barreled guns is less than 6" guns, since the main purpose of this model is target shooting. As for more 5 screw Masterpiece revolvers than Combat Masterpiece revolvers, the 6" model started in 1946 while 4" model did not start until 1949. Also, it is surmised by some that there are less 4" CMs out there because demand was less than the Masterpiece revolvers throughout CMs production run.

 

[charlie sherrill]

I went to a Louisville Show several years and it seemed like everybody in there was trying to sell a model 18 or pre 18. I picked up a nice five screw for $400.00 and saw several more that sold between $400.00-$500.00. I still have it and a slightly worn model 17 four screw that I got with a guy's name engraved on it for $250.00. I never did find out who he was. I still have and shoot both of them. They bring a little more than those prices now.

 

[ramptester]

There were several 6 inch model 17 pre-lock full lug models tonight, none broke $1100. This one 4 inch went for $2041.
Ultra Rare Smith & Wesson Model 17-6 4" .22LR Original Box Collector - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 893017533

 

[PeteC]

... I will argue that better prices can often be found online and if the buyer is aware of what is for sale, asks questions, requests additional photos, you will get what you want for less than gun shops more often than not.

Supica/Nahas actually show lessor condition Combat Masterpiece revolvers with lower value than comparable 6" guns. My guess is that demand for K22 short barreled guns is less than 6" guns, since the main purpose of this model is target shooting. As for more 5 screw Masterpiece revolvers than Combat Masterpiece revolvers, the 6" model started in 1946 while 4" model did not start until 1949. Also, it is surmised by some that there are less 4" CMs out there because demand was less than the Masterpiece revolvers throughout CMs production run.

This is probably all true.

I have had better luck buying guns from the classifieds here, meaning this forum, than elsewhere online. I also do not buy and sell as many guns as most of the experienced collectors, but it seems like there are more 6" than 4" K-22s and more Model-17 than Model-18 up for sale.

Couple quick searches on Gunbroker, and came up with this:

Model 17................... >100
Model 18................... ~ 20
K-22 Masterpiece....... ~ 30
K-22 Cmbt Masterpiece...~4

 

[k22fan]

For what it's worth, not much, my observation of local gun stores and gun shows over my adult life time is that .22 Combat Masterpieces & 18s are far less numerous than 6" .22 Masterpieces & 17s but demand is roughly proportional to the numbers made so, all else being equal, they sell for the same price. As noted above most buyers want 6" barrels for target shooting or hunting. The lighter 4" versions are actually an odd duck but I also like mallards, common and hooded mergansers, buffleheads, etc.

 

[PeterDE]

Wow, $1250? 5 years ago I bought a 1951 5 screw, K-22 Combat Masterpiece 4" in excellent condition for $474.99. Has it really appreciated that much in 5 years? I don't think so, unless it was owned by someone famous. Mine wasn't. I have a factory letter that says who it was shipped to.

 

[PeteC]

...Combat Masterpieces & 18s are far less numerous than 6" .22 Masterpieces & 17s but demand is roughly proportional to the numbers made so, all else being equal, they sell for the same price...

That makes good sense. A year ago when I was looking, I came across 3 Model-18s (post '70 manuf) in the same week. Not since then.

i think the interest in my area in anything .22 caliber has increased because of the high price and poor availability of any ammo in .38 and up. For example Ruger Single Six.

That may be pushing up the prices of older and collector grade guns, including K-22's made before 1957. So people go to a gun store and the price of a more modern used 22 has gone up by $200 over a year ago, but there is a shooter grade K-22 on sale for $550. Easy choice, right? So the LGS owner puts the price up by $100 next time, and THAT one sells in less than a week too... LOL.

 

[bigl1911]

Dlay - You have some great feedback from very experienced K22 fans. There are three things if we want good stuff that should be taken into consideration:

1. Patience
2. Hunt
3. When you find what you are looking for close the deal.

Let's breakdown where prices are today for a K22 Outdoorsman as seen from the guy living in California..

700 to 1000 depending on wear - shooter grade great condition original unmolested.. Assuming no box..

1250 to 1850 with box numbered to gun all the goodies at 98 LNIB. Make note 99+ complete high-end collector grade like new fresh out of factory on all guns are always above top number.

I just picked this one up in the last two weeks from my local gun shop. I paid $950 plus tax. I consider the gun both collector and shooter grade. Others may think I overpaid. If your gun doesn't look like this, I suggest pass and continue the hunt.

Today's pricing increase from what I see has been mostly tactical pistols. I see guns like Sig 226 going for double retail at auction. I believe gun store owners when pricing look at something like a K22 Outdoorsman and compare the sell number to a new model 17 retailing at $1017 when placing value. The logic if someone pays 1k for a new gun, an Outdoorsman has to be worth more. It should be but the market says this is not the case.

Hope this helps good luck on your hunt.. L

 

[bigl1911]

FTR - This seller is well known among the dark side Colt collectors. His auction guns have a tendency to go way above retail value for some reason.. Respectfully, not a good seller for comparison shopping FTR.

There were several 6 inch model 17 pre-lock full lug models tonight, none broke $1100. This one 4 inch went for $2041.
Ultra Rare Smith & Wesson Model 17-6 4" .22LR Original Box Collector - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 893017533