K22 Masterpiece Question

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I recently picked up this pre model 17, K22 Masterpiece. It is in really nice shape. I cleaned it up today, and I think I was cleaning old grease that it was originally shipped with. It has matching numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, ejector, and grips. It has slight wear on the muzzle from holstering it, just the lightest turn ring around the cylinder, a chip on the bottom of the right grip, and a few scattered rust spots on the left side of the barrel. I'm thinking the rust came from storage in an old holster that came with it. My question is how to preserve this fine revolver, and other old guns which I am in possession of. A friend suggested "Old West Snake Oil". Are any of you familiar with this product? Are there better products out there? Thanks for any advice you could give me.
 

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Renaissance Wax is probably the most highly recommended preservative for guns (blued steel and wood) on the forum. Other carnauba based waxes (not "cleaner wax, which contains gritty polishing compounds, as well, and may damage the finish) can also be used. Oils are helpful in preventing corrosion, but are not long-lived. RIG (rust inhibiting grease) is extremely effective at protecting finishes, I recently cleaned up a rifle which I had not shot or handled excessively since the late 1960s or early 1970s. At that time, I had cleaned it thoroughly and, as was the practice of my family, applied a light coat of RIG to the metal surfaces. When I cleaned it a few months ago, the RIG had pretty much solidified, but wiped off pretty easily with an oiled cloth, and the metal and bluing was still perfect.
 
i have a k 22 about the same as yours, was told it was made about 1951 or 1952. very nice condition, shoot extremely well. hope you enjoy yours as much as i do. Have a nice holiday season and a great new year.
 
I use RIG for blued guns and Renaissance Wax for nickel guns. For stainless, I just wipe 'em off with an oily rag. This works for my location (southern Ohio). If I lived near salt water, I'd use RIG on the stainless steel guns, too.

- Buckspen
 
Also looking for k-22 help

I'm new to the forum and appreciate the opportunity to ask questions. I just bought a K-22 and would like to get some idea of its age and specific model info. The serial number on the but of the handle reads K 25XXX. Numbers on the frame that are visable when the cylinder is opened read 9N 92209. Any info the group could provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Geoffrey
 
I'm new to the forum and appreciate the opportunity to ask questions. I just bought a K-22 and would like to get some idea of its age and specific model info. The serial number on the but of the handle reads K 25XXX. Numbers on the frame that are visable when the cylinder is opened read 9N 92209. Any info the group could provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Geoffrey

Geoffrey, welcome to the forum.

That serial number (the one with the K prefix) points to a ship date in 1948. The numbers stamped on the interior frame surface are just process control numbers that have no meaning once the gun leaves the assembly floor.

I think your gun would be one of the so-called "single-line" guns. On these the address line on the right side of the frame says just MADE IN U.S.A. (like my avatar over there); after about April of 1948, S&Ws were produced with a four line address in smaller letters that included the phrase "MARCAS REGISTRADAS."

Don't hesitate to show pics! We love pictures here.
 
Nothing wrong with a light coat of any gun oil and then a silicone coated pistol sock from Midway USA.

I use a lot of Hoppe's #9 for a wipe down too with guns I have out frequently for range time. Hoppe's actually does very well as a protective coat.

My safe has a Golden Rod in it. The safes are in the house now, but when I had them in the garage I never had any rust problems either.

Emory
 
The waxes make a gun look nice and protect it as well, but if you use the gun the wax won't last. Any cleaner or solvent will cut it right off.

I just do a wipedown with Breakfree and don't worry.
 
David: Thank you so much for your speedy response to my K-22 question. I'm about to do some traveling but will try to get some pictures posted upon my return.

Best wishes,

Geoffrey
 
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