K22 or Model 17

[Richard26675]

New member here in Mississippi. My background is retired LEO. Today I picked this up at my local gun store. I was told it is a Model 17 but it has no model no. on the crane. On my other Smiths there is always a model number.

This is a five screw gun, I don't think the grips are original but don't know. The serial is K 189000. Any additional info would be appreciated.

The other gun pictured is my Model 14-4.

 

[Jimmyjones]

It's a K-22 Masterpiece from 1953, They didn't start model marking till 57. It could be called a "pre 17", but I prefer K-22 Masterpiece.

I have couple, they're great to shoot.

 

[Richard26675]

It's a K-22 Masterpiece from 1953, They didn't start model marking till 57. It could be called a "pre 17", but I prefer K-22 Masterpiece.

I have couple, they're great to shoot.

Thanks for the reply. I plan to shoot it.

 

[Richard kreger]

K 22

I to just recently purchased a k22 with serial #k160999 hopefully someone can help me with approximate year?

 

[flundertaker]

I to just recently purchased a k22 with serial #k160999 hopefully someone can help me with approximate year?

~1952

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[JP@AK]

I was told it is a Model 17 but it has no model no. on the crane.

This is a five screw gun

A point to remember: a five screw K frame will never have a model number. The top sideplate screw was eliminated in 1956. Model numbered guns did not start shipping until 1958.

 

[wheelgun610]

.... I don't think the grips are original but don't know....

Welcome to the forum.

Whether or not those stocks were actually shipped on your K-22 I can't say, but they are the correct style for a 1953 gun. Target stocks generally weren't numbered to the gun, so only a $50 factory letter would tell for sure what stocks it left Springfield with.

Mark

 

[Richard26675]

Welcome to the forum.

Whether or not those stocks were actually shipped on your K-22 I can't say, but they are the correct style for a 1953 gun. Target stocks generally weren't numbered to the gun, so only a $50 factory letter would tell for sure what stocks it left Springfield with.

Mark

Thanks for the info. The stocks do have a look of age to them and do not appear to have a modern finish. I had checked for numbers but did not find any. They have a very tight fit all around. Not looking to replace them as they match my newer 1981 Mod 14.

 

[trashy]

Welcome aboard Richard26675 from a fellow Mississippian. Looks like the others have answered your questions already. There's a wealth of knowledge here that you won't find anywhere else, stick around, you'll be amazed.

I notice we're not far apart, guess I've got competition now in the LGS's.

 

[PMRet]

Thanks for the info. The stocks do have a look of age to them and do not appear to have a modern finish. I had checked for numbers but did not find any. They have a very tight fit all around. Not looking to replace them as they match my newer 1981 Mod 14.

Note that the stocks on the K-22 have a diamond around the grip screw and also have no speedloader cutout. These are called non-relieved diamond target stocks, and are worth $150-$200 by themselves. That gouge on the K-22 stocks is most likely from ejected spent rounds.

 

[Green Frog]

Richard26675,

Welcome aboard! If you are old enough to be a retired LEO, you probably started your career with a S&W revolver (right?) so that pair of K-frames should be a perfectly comfortable and natural fit in your hand. For fun at the range and just plinking, you couldn't have picked a much better pair, and they have a lot of class and inherent value as well. May you enjoy a long and healthy retirement and get to "play" with these two good friends for years to come. Thanks for your service to your community!

Froggie

 

[Richard26675]

you probably started your career with a S&W revolver rig

Started in the academy with a Mod 67 4in and then added a Mod 60 2in for my backup.

 

[fyimo]

Welcome aboard and you bought a great revolver that is much sought after.