K22 stainless question

[steelslaver]

If I ever sent a gun to get non blue finish the Armamalloy, Metalife type of hard chrome would be my choice. Not only is it a bonded on forever finish, but it has a lower coefficient of friction than steel on steel. I would say a K22 with that finish ids worth $700 all day long. If you find a K22 for less it will not be in the best shape.

Ya, I know some guy got luck and found one for $600 2 years ago. Far and few between now days

 

[boykinlp]

To be sure of the metal that was used, grab a magnet. If it sticks, it is almost certain it is steel. That K22 was definitely manufactured in 1948 and as noted above, likely shipped that same year. Manufacture of K frame Masterpiece revolvers made in 1948 ran from K18732 to K73121.

Gary, thanks for that information. My K22 Masterpiece's serial number is K18806. I knew that it was a 1948, but didn't realize that it was a very early one.
Larry

 

[Baxter6551]

Welcome to the forum OP. Sure looks like hard chrome to me also. I recently purchased this 29-3 which the gunsmith who took it in, who knew the owner, believed it to be Metallife. I also have a model 19 that was hard chromed.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The hard chrome finishes I have seen were slightly different in color when compared to a Factory SS revolver like a 629,686,657, etc., under good LED or fluorescent (Daylight Tint)!
A question for the posters that own, or have owned, a hard chrome finished gun! Where can I get one of these finishes done to a gun today and what is the approx. cost?
jcelect

Accurate Plating and Weaponry in Newville, AL does hard chrome plating.

 

[shawn mccarver]

That is not stainless steel, and the finish is not factory original.

 

[woodsltc]

Everyone else has covered all the pertinent info about your K-22.........I just want to say that I think it's a unique and desirable K-22 IMO. Congrats on obtaining a great gun. Shoot it and enjoy.

Don

 

[nutsforsmiths]

My K-22 serial number is K50415 and shipped in October of 1948.

 

[RKmesa]

Just re-posting your photos LARGE (I get tired of clicking on the small icons)

Ok I'm adding some more pictures as promised. The white line on the cylinder is a dog hair not a scratch. LOL

...AND FOR $700, there is no way I would have left that gun with its previous owner. Like I said - Not collectible, but A GREAT GUN!!!

 

[mikepriwer]

In answer to the original question, here is a stainless steel 4" K-22 revolver stamped as a model 65. The factory letter comes next; here is the short version. In 1971, the factory built 17 of these revolvers, and stamped them as Model 65. Several years later, a marketing survey revealed no significant demand, so they were ordered to be destroyed. Before that actually happened, Roy Jinks was given one of them, that I have owned since the death of Wayne Betz. The Model 65 was then used for what would otherwise have been a Model 64-1.

The next pictures are the model stamping in the yoke, and then pictures of the gun.

The bottom line is that, today, there exists one K-22 Model 65 and many 357 heavy-barrel 357 M&P's Model 65.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[boykinlp]

In answer to the original question, here is a stainless steel 4" K-22 revolver stamped as a model 65. The factory letter comes next; here is the short version. In 1971, the factory built 17 of these revolvers, and stamped them as Model 65. Several years later, a marketing survey revealed no significant demand, so they were ordered to be destroyed. Before that actually happened, Roy Jinks was given one of them, that I have owned since the death of Wayne Betz. The Model 65 was then used for what would otherwise have been a Model 64-1.

The bottom line is that, today, there exists one K-22 Model 65 and many 357 heavy-barrel 357 M&P's Model 65.

Regards, Mike Priwer

Mike, that is a quite a story for what is now an EXTREMELY rare revolver. Thanks for sharing.
Larry