K22 Outdoorsman Pinto BBQ Gun

[Wiregrassguy]

This started as a project gun (thanks David!) to attempt to restore a badly pitted barrel on a K-22 OD that shipped in January 1932. It didn't turn out exactly as I planned but fixed the pitting problem. If my camera had a better lens, it might show better. Here's my new shooter, BBQ gun:

Here's what the barrel looked like before the refinish.

 

[Mbrgr1]

This started as a project gun (thanks David!) to attempt to restore a badly pitted barrel on a K-22 OD that shipped in January 1932. It didn't turn out exactly as I planned but fixed the pitting problem. If my camera had a better lens, it might show better. Here's my new shooter.

That's the same barrel?? Well done!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Same barrel, different front sight blade. I'd like to take credit for the polishing/plating/bluing work, but it was done by my gunsmith. It required extensive polishing and recutting of the stamps with equipment I had no access to.


Edit: I realized that the above pictures don't show the new hammer and trigger case coloring very well. It's not S&W, but looks like this:

 

[Model19man]

Looks pretty nice. I like it! Nice work by the plating company and the smith for sure.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Here it is wearing a S&W K frame grip adapter. Better for shooting.

 

[paplinker]

Looks like a very fun gun for the range.!

Nice to see you were able to keep the original bbl.
Gives the gun a better vibe.

Also interesting that you went with nickle. Does nickle hide the clean up work on the bbl better or were you in a mood to have something different?

Did your gunsmith made the front sight pin?
I want to change the front sight on a OD I have but am concerned the pin might get bent or destroyed in the process. Not sure how I would replace it.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I wanted something different. I don't think nickel hides imperfections very well. Any ripple or pit shows up big time for me. The shop is pretty much masters at polishing for nickel plate...not so much for bluing, but still nice. Actually, I wanted to have it engraved but all the engravers I contacted were booked up through this year. I still think it looks pretty good.


The front sight pin is the original that I removed before taking it to the shop. Actually, I disassembled everything but the frame mounted firing pin and the barrel. Taking out the pin is not hard with the right punches. You want cup tip punches so the pin doesn't get marred or flattened. I believe I got my set from Brownell's. The problem is on installation of the new blade if it hasn't already been drilled for the pin. I had the gold bead blade that's on it now and it was already drilled.

 

[series guy]

Very nice rescue Guy. I have a well used .357 Magnum that I would like to do the same thing to. Did I mention that I have this case of CCI SV just itching to fly down range : )

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Did I mention that I have this case of CCI SV just itching to fly down range

I seem to recall an echo that sounded like that...jes sayin'

 

[S&W ucla]

Very nice! Need a range report next. Just let me know when the BBQ is. Boiled peanuts and Grady's shrimp be good too!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Range is closed for berm rebuilding, but the ribs are on right now slow cooking for tonight. No shrimp, tho. Rib's be gone by the time you get here.

 

[John_M52]

Nice! Since we are talking BBQ guns and it was a mess before your work, I wonder how a satin or high polish with TiN (gold colored) coating would look (or be received) by onlookers instead of Ni? TiN is super hard and durable. I like the hammer!

 

[SS336]

You and your gunsmith are very talented. It came out great! If I lived closer I would definitely need his name.
Impressive job, on the barrel especially. How does he redo the role markings?
Te case color is beautiful. Did he do it or ship it out?

 

[Truckman]

That's the same barrel?? Well done!

Make that very well done!...Kudos......Ben

 

[RKmesa]

What a fun gun. Well Done Guy!!!

 

[SAFireman]

Looks great Guy!

 

[Wrangler Rich]

The results are worth the effort! Now, let's see what holster she'll ride in.......

WR

 

[Fullmetaljacket]

Just curious, how does the bore look? Amazing polishing and plating job, that was some rough pitting.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

You and your gunsmith are very talented. It came out great! If I lived closer I would definitely need his name.
Impressive job, on the barrel especially. How does he redo the role markings?
Te case color is beautiful. Did he do it or ship it out?

Thanks for the kind words but I have to give credit to Accurate Plating & Weaponry for the work. All I did was mostly disassemble it. The case coloring was farmed out and I don't recall where. The roll stamps were cut with a laser. If you look close, you can see the S&W and caliber stamp on the barrel is not period correct. For example, the ampersand is not lazy like it should be. There are other anomalies that stand out like a beacon for a savvy collector. Wasn't my intent to do a restoration. It wouldn't letter, anyway.

Just curious, how does the bore look

Interestingly enough, the bore is pristine and was even with the corrosion. As far as the polishing/plating, the same folks did the recovery of my cut barrel lobster gun K-32 Model 16. Some of the folks saw that one at the last S&W Collector's Association Symposium in Tulsa.

 

[JohnRippert]

I think I remember the post where you were trying to decide what to do with that one. Nice job on the refinish.