Model 17 or 18?

[markeb]

Went to the range yesterday, and my shooting buddy pulls out this S&W 22lr, blue with a 6 inch barrel that was his Dad's gun. Beautiful gun. I told him I would try to get some info about his gun. Looked in my S&W book and it dates to 1951, but I could use some help with the model. No model #, just serial #, K128XXX. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[dant]

sounds like a 'pre model' number gun, so would be a "K-22 Masterpiece" and have come in a gold,blue lettered box during that time...sounds like a nice gun, and they are GREAT shooters........
Have a safe holiday weekend............

 

[P&R Fan]

A 6" barreled .22 revolver from '51 would be a Pre M17 K-22. The M18 only came with a 4" barrel. It is actually the .22 version of the Combat Masterpiece.
Jim

 

[Art Doc]

Sounds like a K22 Masterpiece. Becomes the Model 17 in 1957. The 4" version with a ramp sight is the K22 Combat Masterpiece or later the Model 18.

It probably looks like this, no?

 

[model17]

a later version 17-4. Great balance and accuracy!!

 

[markeb]

Thanks. It has the raised ramp black sight. It also has diamond magna grips. Wish he would sell it to me. I know, if it was my Dad's, I would not sell. I can shoot it anytime I want. Great Buddy.

 

[OIF2]

Here's one from, I think, '52.
Bob

 

[DCWilson]

Thanks. It has the raised ramp black sight. It also has diamond magna grips. Wish he would sell it to me. I know, if it was my Dad's, I would not sell. I can shoot it anytime I want. Great Buddy.

Not quite clear about one thing: Both the K-22 Masterpiece and Combat Masterpiece have a front sight base with a ramp to the rear, but the CM has a ramped blade on top of the base, while the longer barrel version has a Patridge sight with a vertical rear surface. Check out the revolvers in prior posts.

Encourage your friend to take the diamond magnas off the gun and look for a stamped number inside the right panel. If the number matches the serial number (without the K), then the stocks were fitted to this frame at the factory some 60 years ago. Sometimes stocks wander from gun to gun, and as long as the fit is good it's not a big deal if they don't number to the frame. But there's a little extra coolness if you have matching numbers.

Keep your eyes open for your own K-22, and let your buddy keep his. A lot of people think they are the best .22 Revolver ever made by any company.

 

[markeb]

OIF2, That is the one. My buddy will appreciate, as well as I, all this information. I cannot learn enough. I will suggest to look under the grips for matching numbers. I have been looking for a good shooter K-22 for several months, but none have turned up at the local shops. If anyone has info about one for sale, that I can afford, also would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[What the]

Try Gunbroker.com.....there are usually 2-3 pages of the K and K dash numbers for sale. Ask good questions and make sure they answer all of your concerns. Some sellers even offer a 3 day no shoot inspection period. Buy the gun you want it will eventually turn up,patience is the key when buying any gun.

Good luck to you as the K-22's may be the best target revolver made in our fine country ever.

PS.....try the for sale section of this great site,they turn up frequently in fact there is a very nice one right now for sale @ $600.00

 

[Cory10/22]

OK, not to be too much of a noob, but what changed from 17 to 18? I have an 18 (borrowing dad's a friend found for him in '73-75).

 

[DCWilson]

OK, not to be too much of a noob, but what changed from 17 to 18? I have an 18 (borrowing dad's a friend found for him in '73-75).

Welcome to the forum. The distinction between the Model 17 and the Model 18 amounts to a shorter barrel and a different front sight. The 18 has the four inch barrel and ramp front sight; these features allow it to be designated the "22 Combat Masterpiece," as they allow the gun to clear leather more quickly and without a snag.

Not that anyone considered a .22 revolver a true "combat" arm; the 22 CMs were often used to train officers in the use of the Combat Masterpiece in .38 Special.

 

[Engine49guy]

OK, not to be too much of a noob, but what changed from 17 to 18? I have an 18 (borrowing dad's a friend found for him in '73-75).

I think you might have misunderstood,
The Model 17 and Model 18 while similar are two different models that existed together at the same time.

The 6" barrel K frame .22 came into existince before WWII.
The shorter barrel version entered the picture about 1951.

There was a brief period where they first stopped making the Model 18 then stopped making the Model 17.

Both reappeared a few years ago and are now called the "Classic" series but have the new internal lock and MIM cast hammer trigger.

Hope this clears it up a bit.

 

[fyimo]

The K22 and the later Model 17 are excellent revolvers and the hunt for one can be long but they are well worth the wait when you finally get one. The S&W 22LR revolvers are all great shooters and have really moved up in price the past few years but you just need one of your own.

 

[Cory10/22]

I did misunderstand, thanks for clearing that up. I need to buy the book...

 

[weldernewt53]

What a beautiful set of grips. Where did you get them. I have a 17-2 and I would like to find a pair like that. Any info would be helpful.