K22 build date help any other info possible

[TucsonMSH]

Greetings,
I have what I believe to be a K22 six inch Smith and Wesson revolver. I would like to find out the build date and any other information that the group might be able to offer. It is a five screw and has no model numbers on the yolk. There are some other numbers, but have no idea what they mean. The gun is in excelllent plus condition. The serial number is K26624. Thanks so much for any assistance.

 

[JP@AK]

Your K-22 Masterpiece, serial number K26624, likely left the factory in 1948. Units with numbers just a little bit lower were shipping in the spring of that year.

 

[Redwood32R2]

K-22 build date

First, welcome to the forum. Lots of good info here. Your gun is a K-22 Masterpiece (postwar, 3rd Model) also called a Pre-Model 17. The made in u.s.a marking on the frame means that your gun was made after 1946 to early 1948. In 1948 a four line address replaced the made in u.s.a. marking. Your serial number indicates probably early 1948.Your serial number should be found in several places on the gun. Also, if original grips, stamped on the inside of the right hand grip panel. Your gun looks in nice condition. Others will be along shortly with more info.

 

[rct269]

Your K-22 was completed in 1948 (along with K18732 through K73121). As to when it shipped, a letter of authenticity from the S&W Historical Foundation will tell you that, the history of the model---and to whom it was shipped (more than likely a distributor). (See the foundation's section in this forum.)

The other numbers (on the yoke and in the yoke recess) are there to enable keeping the several fitted pieces together early on in the build (before a serial number was determined and applied)-------and a temporary mental hernia prevents me from giving you the proper name---but I'll know it when I see it.


Ralph Tremaine

 

[Engine49guy]

Welcome to the forum,
Very nice K22.
I Have your guns twin,
serial K18529 shipped Feb 1948.
Like yours has the one line MADE IN USA
also has a barrel cut for a large ejector rod knob but a straight rod with knurled end.
Apparently they ran out of rod ends before running out of barrels cut for them.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Your K-22 looks to be in great condition, and should be a fun and accurate shooter. My K-22 (K40403) is also from 1948, but is one of the early ones with the 4-line address on the right side of the frame. Enjoy!

 

[Valmet]

This thread has me thinking…I REALLY need to add a pre-17 K22 to my pile soon.

 

[TucsonMSH]

Thanks for the quick responses. I am debating selling the gun so the information you supplied is very helpful. It is in really good condition. I kinda hate to sell it. Again... thanks!

 

[zonker5]

Thanks for the quick responses. I am debating selling the gun so the information you supplied is very helpful. It is in really good condition. I kinda hate to sell it. Again... thanks!

It's one of the best .22 revolvers ever made. Keep it, However if you should change your mind.....