K22 DOM

[zainyD]

Gentlemen, I was showing off my new-to-me Mdl 17 that I purchased a couple weeks ago to a friend and also inspecting his pre-17 K22. We were both curious as to when his pistol was manufactured so I told him I would check with you knowledgeable folks and find out. The serial number is (508XX), corrected it is K5830X.

His pistol has seen LOTS of use and he had it reblued a few years back. I know this kills the collector value, but it's a great shooter and is one of his prize possessions. Thanks for any information you can provide.

 

[diamonback68]

Your five digit serial number doesn't look right. What is the number off the butt of the grip frame? Should be preceeded by a K.

 

[fyimo]

They are really great revolvers so get us the serial number as said above and we will get you a date of birth.

 

[DCWilson]

Dick is right about the S/N needing a K in it. If the number on your friend's Pre-17 is K 508xx, then it was probably shipped in 1948. But please confirm that this is the number stamped on the butt.

A good K-22 (is there any other kind?) goes on forever. I just don't think they can be worn out. I understand why an owner might want to reblue a well-used prize shooter that he has no intention of selling. No criticism from me about his decision to do so.

 

[zainyD]

Thanks guys, I wrote down the serial# on a piece of paper which I forgot to retrieve from the car this morning before my wife left for work. The number in the original post was from memory so it is probably incorrect. I will post the correct one later this evening.

 

[zainyD]

I located the piece of paper I had written the serial # down on and it is as follows....

K583XX

What year does that put the DOM?

I traded him the target grips that where on my Mdl 17 for his factory grips hoping that his would be correct diamond variety, but they are not. No trouble, he's a good friend and he really liked the target grips. I'm tracking down a correct set of grips for my pistol now anyway. I may even try my hand at making my own set!

 

[DCWilson]

K583xx probably shipped in 1949, possibly late 1948.

(And since S&W did not ship in strict serial number order, if it sat in inventory for a while maybe even 1950.)