Model 17 k22

[Brans]

I have a model 17 k22 but don't know how old it is can someone help me? The serial number is k with no dash 3287##

 

[P&R Fan]

Catalog says it was born in 1958.
An early M17. They got model numbers in1957.
Jim

 

[Brans]

I cant find a model number on this one

 

[Brans]

Also what is a good value on the gun?

 

[P&R Fan]

When you open the cylinder it is in the yoke. Right near the hinge.
It's possible it may not be model marked, just a late Pre-17.
If it is in good shape it should be worth about $600.
Does it have the original stocks? Take them off and the serial number should be on them. Also if you have the box and papers it is worth more.
Jim

 

[Brans]

Yes it has original grips and I have the papers and the tool kit but the box is not original. Also does it add value if it has the target trigger and hammer?

 

[JP@AK]

The model numbers were assigned in 1957, but model-marked guns did not begin shipping until sometime in 1958, so there would have been some K-22s that were not Model 17s that shipped in 1958. Clearly yours is one of them.
Having the original stocks, documents and tools does add value even though you don't have the original box. But the biggest factor will be the actual condition of the finish. This could easily be a $700 gun if it is up around 98% condition.
The target hammer and trigger don't add much, since they were very common on these guns at that time. The K-22 was, after all, a target revolver. However, they are nice features and do add to the attraction of the gun.

 

[DWalt]

K317,823 – K350,547...1958 (manufacture)
I do not have any SNs listed which are very close to yours (K3287xx), but those I do have strongly suggest a 1958 shippping date. And not having a model number stamping is possible.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Those are great to hang onto. Nice gun.

 

[Brans]

What is the difference between the gun I have and a k22 masterpiece?

 

[Cooter Brown]

What you have is K22 Masterpiece. As others have written above model numbers were assigned in 1957 and the six inch version of the K22 was designated Model 17.

Even after model numbers were assigned, the guns continued to be called by the model names by shooters, collectors and I'm pretty sure at times by the company as well.

So it is perfectly right to call a Model 17 a K22 Masterpiece.

 

[Brans]

Ok thanks I do have the 6" version and is in excellent shape. This forum has Ben great thanks for your help. I have taken this gun to some shops around my hometown and have heard several different things but they all end up wanting to buy it from me. The funny thing is that when I told them I thought was an early model 17 they told me that is from the 1980's and offered me around 400 dollars for it. I'm so glad I came on here to find out what I have.

 

[JP@AK]

What is the difference between the gun I have and a k22 masterpiece?

There is no difference. Yours is a K-22 Masterpiece. Except for the addition of the model number, the Model 17 was the same gun as the pre-1958 K-22 Masterpiece.
When S&W started shipping the Model 17, the parts and instruction sheet was labeled "K-22 Masterpiece Revolver, Model No. 17." The name was retained, the model number was merely added.
Here is a picture of a Model 14-2 with its box and instruction sheet. The only difference from the Model 17 in this example is this is a K-38 Masterpiece. The literature with the K-22 would have been the same except for the caliber and model number.

 

[DWalt]

You will see some people calling a 6" barrel K-22 or K-38 a "Target Masterpiece." True, it was intended as a target revolver, but S&W never put the word "Target" before "Masterpiece." However, the 4" barrel version was called a "Combat Masterpiece" by S&W.