K22 Combat Masterpiece

[Rodan]

After around a year of looking for the "right" Model 18, I ended up with a "pre-18" K22 CM yesterday.

Our local gunshow this weekend was kind of a bust as far as S&W revolvers went, but I had the good fortune to run into THREEDFLYER, who introduced me to another S&W aficionado in attendence who just happened to have what I was looking for.

We met later in the day, and I brought home this beatuful K22 Combat Masterpiece. Dates to ~1951, with some signs of use, but in very nice condition. Stocks are numbered to the gun.

Some of the post-war guns don't have the high polish finish of the later M18s, but you certainly won't see stocks fitted like this on a modern gun...

Looking forward to shooting it tomorrow.

Thanks again to THREEDFLYER for putting me on the trail!

 

[RKmesa]

That's a beauty!!! The 22 Combat Masterpiece is one of my favorite revolvers - very accurate, cost effective ammo, almost no recoil, boundless choice in grips, all in a compact, but still "full sized" K-Frame with absolutely beautiful lines.

Congrats and thanks for sharing that treasure,

 

[Green Frog]

DING, DING, DING! Winner, winner, chicken dinner. You were looking for a good one and found a great one. Premium value for time of manufacture (during a time of outstanding workmanship) and in fine enough condition for pride of ownership while still able to be shot without remorse. What more could you ask for?

Froggie

 

[SS336]

Great story, better than great revolver! That THREEDFLYER is a gentleman and did you a favor.
Very nice indeed.

 

[ralph7]

Looking forward to a range report as I have it's twin made 3 years later.

 

[Peak53]

Dontcha wish they made 'em like that anymore! Or maybe not. The original is fine with me. Enjoy.

 

[Rodan]

Thanks, all for the kind comments. I'm definitely pleased with this newest member of the stable!

I have been watching a lot of Model 18 auctions over the last year, and coincidentally was watching one this week on a 1952 K22 Pre-18 that just closed... at $2025!!!

As if that number isn't shocking enough, the 'small print' in the auction notes that it appears to have been "professionally refinished". Looking at the resulting sideplate fit, "professional" seems a little too kind.

The gun in question:

1952 Smith & Wesson K22 Combat Masterpiece .22LR Blued *S&W PRE MODEL 18* - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 904335110

I'm really starting to wonder about this particular seller, as there have been a number of threads here about absurd 'hammer' prices on their auctions.

Crazy days we live in, that's for sure!

 

[arjay]

Thanks, all for the kind comments. I'm definitely pleased with this newest member of the stable!

I have been watching a lot of Model 18 auctions over the last year, and coincidentally was watching one this week on a 1952 K22 Pre-18 that just closed... at $2025!!!

As if that number isn't shocking enough, the 'small print' in the auction notes that it appears to have been "professionally refinished". Looking at the resulting sideplate fit, "professional" seems a little too kind.

The gun in question:

1952 Smith & Wesson K22 Combat Masterpiece .22LR Blued *S&W PRE MODEL 18* - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 904335110

I'm really starting to wonder about this particular seller, as there have been a number of threads here about absurd 'hammer' prices on their auctions.

Crazy days we live in, that's for sure!

Definitely refinished and not by S&W

 

[Masterpiece]

Definitely refinished and not by S&W

And that's quite the understatement...To say the least...Not even close!!

 

[fleabus101]

You've certainly picked up some nice old Smiths in the last month or so..I need a bit of
your luck..Nice bunch you've come into lately..
Best.

 

[ChargerBill]

Beautiful gun! I need one…

 

[Rodan]

You've certainly picked up some nice old Smiths in the last month or so..I need a bit of
your luck..Nice bunch you've come into lately..
Best.

Thanks!

It's been an expensive month, but I know I would have regretted passing on any of them!

 

[GerSan69]

You sure did well with that one. I love my 18 as a .22 shooter even more than my 17. It's just plain more fun for a bunch of reasons.
As for spending a bunch.... oh, do I know what you're talking about! But you justify it by reminding yourself that these aren't regular-stock items that'll be there even tomorrow, never mind next month. Gotta strike when you see them or they're literally lost forever.
Anyway congratulations, great find.

 

[ralph7]

I'm a little confused as to why the OP's gun doesn't have proud pins on the front sight. I would have thought a 1951 model would fall in that range?

 

[GSP Fan]

I recently bought my third M18. This last one is a CM born in 1952 the same as me The 22's are without a doubt the most fun to shoot. Congratulations on a very nice revolver.

 

[Rodan]

I'm a little confused as to why the OP's gun doesn't have proud pins on the front sight. I would have thought a 1951 model would fall in that range?

I was wondering about that myself.

I found another K22 thread that mentioned the "proud pins" being eliminated before Model numbers were introduced, but it's not known when.

Also in that thread was a picture with several K22s, two of which were said to be from 1952. One had proud pins, one did not.

So, basically, I have no idea...

EDIT: This thread: Some Combat Masterpiece eye candy indicates the proud pins 'came and went' throughout the pre-numbered period for Combat Masterpieces.

 

[fleabus101]

Ive wondered on the front sight pins also..
I've about decided it was whoever was doing
the last stages polishing for a time period in the shop that the pins appearances come and go..Im settled on that thought til someone proves otherwise. Sometimes
I consider pin appearance on buying choices
but then consider overall condition in the end.
Esp on the early 50s models this subject usually comes up about..My thought..worth what ya paid for it