My First Revolver - 1947 S&W K-22 Masterpiece "One-Liner"

[Cpo1944]

My 1935 Outdoorsman with standard stocks took just a little getting used to- most of my other guns have targets-, but now I like the small stocks so much I put a similar set on my m-18.
I guess I`m lucky and I adapt to new things easily- all except for Glock !!!

 

[BigBill]

Grip position is a funny thing. Once you get used to shooting a particular class or brand of gun, others can feel incorrect or at least peculiar. The first double-action Colt I bought I couldn't figure out what to do with my passive fingers. They didn't seem to fall to rest in a reasonable position.

The colt police positive revolver in 22lr just doesn't feel right in my hand too. The colt officers target model is built on the 41 frame feels much better. But nothing comes close to the fit and balance of my s&w k22 it feels like God made it for my hand. Or maybe God made me for it.

I have to hit the range soon with all my 22cal handguns.

 

[shouldazagged]

It is a little-known law that every handgun owner must acquire a standard-barrel Model 10 and a Model 15. You have been warned.

Then come the 19, the 36, the 640...

You're in deep guacamole.

 

[DRYHEAT]

I'd look for some early 50's K diamond Target Stocks for your new prize. Much better than the "rubbers". These I had redone by one of the best: DWFAN!

These are going on my 98% November '47 K22… when I finally get it.

 

[alex85]

Grip position is a funny thing. Once you get used to shooting a particular class or brand of gun, others can feel incorrect or at least peculiar. The first double-action Colt I bought I couldn't figure out what to do with my passive fingers. They didn't seem to fall to rest in a reasonable position.

One of the things you might try on your gun would be a T-grip adapter. These push the three gripping fingers of your hand further forward and give your forefinger a better position on the trigger. Pachmayrs have some extra rubber in front of the forestrap, so they do pretty much the same thing. If you have a chance, look for some K-frame diamond target stocks. These became available in 1950, and a lot of Masterpiece owners bought some to improve (or at least change) the way they held their guns.

After my Pachmayr Grippers arrived I quickly realized the benefit of having extra material in front of and behind the grip strap. When I first started searching for K-22s (and not knowing what T-grips were) I saw a few with T-grips that looked dated and funny. Now it all makes a lot more sense. I'm going to start researching wood target stocks; it looks like there's a ton of options.

Yes! What David said.

Target guns need target stocks.

Wow, that is just beautiful.

Beautiful K-22 - congratulations! A 27-2 was my "gateway drug" into S&W P&R revolvers but my all-around favorite is the K-22. Careful- they are addicting as you have already been warned! I have an older brother to yours from 1946 that I rescued from a pawn shop for a song. It's cosmetically challenged but a fantastic shooter.



I have the diamond magnas that serial to the gun (they look pretty rough too) but found the Herrett's Shooting Star K frame grips in a bin of used grips at a LGS and refinished them. I have $5 invested in these and find they are very comfortable for shooting.

My other K-22 is a four-liner from around 1956 (if I remember correctly). This one is on the opposite end of the condition scale and very mint. These target stocks are supremely comfortable and while they are not "correct" for your one-liner they would look and feel great nonetheless.



The Pachmayr grips are a form follows function decision but if you can find a nice set of wood stocks you might get the best of both. If any LGS in your area have bins of old grips it can be worth the trouble to rummage around in them and see what you can find. You never know what bargains might be lying there.

Wave

I really like the look of those target stocks. With the original stocks safely in the box, I'm not too worried about keeping it period correct. Are there any stocks that fit better than others? Or is it really up to personal preference? For now, I really enjoy the Pachmayr Grippers. They point perfectly and put my finger just where it needs to be.

My 1935 Outdoorsman with standard stocks took just a little getting used to- most of my other guns have targets-, but now I like the small stocks so much I put a similar set on my m-18.
I guess I`m lucky and I adapt to new things easily- all except for Glock !!!

I'm jealous. It might be a hand condition, but I can't believe how contorted my hands felt when I got up high on the grip. After loving the Pachmayr Grippers, I'm guessing the S&W target stocks will accomplish the same thing.

I'd look for some early 50's K diamond Target Stocks for your new prize. Much better than the "rubbers". These I had redone by one of the best: DWFAN!

These are going on my 98% November '47 K22… when I finally get it.

These are really growing on me. What direction would I go in for something similar but with finger grooves / more ergonomically shaped? I'd like the front and back strap covered i.e. like the Pachmayrs.

I know these Pachmayr Gripper "rubbers" are quite atrocious compared to some nice target stocks, but for now they make me want to shoot the K-22 again ASAP. When I left the range on Thursday I was quite worried that revolvers weren't going to be my thing. Luckily it was just the Magna grips.

 

[sunnyd]

My outdoorsman has the original grips and they feel a little small in my hand. However I can't bear to take them off because the checkering is so beautiful and I think it would loose some of its character. Have recently purchased a k38 target that I am waiting to receive. It should make a great companion gun. Oh, did I mention that I also have a 17-3 on the way and am looking at another k22? What is happening to me??????????

 

[Waveform]

You might like one of the finger grooved wood grips made by Eagle Grips. They will install S&W medallions if you want. Just remember when you are looking at grips you have a square butt K frame. Lots of options beyond OEM without resorting to black rubber. Also consider older target stocks made by Herrett's or Jay Scott. eBay has a lot of grips to look at as well as GunBroker. Have fun!

K/L Frame Square Butt G |K/L Frame Square Butt Grips Hand Gun Grips, Gun Handles, Pistol Grip from Eagle Grips - Eagle Grips Inc. - Gun Grips

 

[Green Frog]

After my Pachmayr Grippers arrived I quickly realized the benefit of having extra material in front of and behind the grip strap. When I first started searching for K-22s (and not knowing what T-grips were) I saw a few with T-grips that looked dated and funny. Now it all makes a lot more sense. I'm going to start researching wood target stocks; it looks like there's a ton of options.

Now there's an understatement! Since the basic design of the K-frame has been around over 100 years and literally millions of them have been made in various iterations, there have been so many grips made for this frame type that you could spend your life and fortune just on collecting K-frame grips! I would suggest that you carefully preserve the originals for their contribution to the overall collectibility of the gun, then shoot the gun with whatever variety of grip style (old or new, mild or wild) fits your hand and shooting style best. This is not a test and there is no wrong answer!

Welcome to the Madness,
Froggie

 

[douk]

Nice looking K22......I guess......I'm no expert, but I did do some research. When I joined the forum the banner at the top of the page featured a K22. The banner is long gone, but the K22 keeps coming back like all classics that withstand the test of time.
I had a couple of topics about it. Here is one.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-can-anything-done-about-minor-scratches.html
It's fun when you can relate to a post. I just renewed my CWP that got me thinking it's time to price the K22 again so a Bing search led me to your post and here I am again just rambling on and on.
It's a good thing I don't shoot it anymore because I heard 22L is hard to come by and expensive.

 

[iskra]

First, maybe 'old man' blindness, but I see nothing at all wrong with your hammer and I do wonder if a replacement will look better. If you're picturing something of those wild looking Thunder Ranch color case hardened frames or the like, none of the early Pre 14 vintage guns were like that from what Ive seen or for that matter my own small stock of them.
Then too, I suppose I'm something of a romantic in that absent some real tilt, I do like originality. While likely if you do a proper job of substituting the same hammer design, no one will know. You will know and it will no longer be "original". Really I suppose more than the gun itself, it's all about where you're coming from.
Guilding the Lily has never been my 'thing'.

And all here simply ...
My take

 

[BigBill]

Need help here??

Exactly what's a one liner??? Pics??

Go to cdnn investments they offer s&w k frame target grips. The k22 doesn't fit in the original box with these grips but there perfect.

 

[arjay]

On prewar and early post war guns,on the right side of the frame below the cylinder was a one line stamping that said made in the USA.Around 1950? it became 4 lines.

 

[BigBill]

Thanks ill look at my '48 k22.

I don't like to assume and not be sure I'd rather ask and look dumb.

 

[Engine49guy]

Nice K22, be warned it is highly addictive and there are more subtle changes in design than you can imagine if you are brave enough to embark on that long journey....I would leave your gun in original condition as making changes will devalue it and thats a collector grade gun,

BTW...Waveform you might wanna double check your K22 serial, definately not a 1946 gun, may not even be a 1947 but hard to tell from the left view, and DryHeat IMO your diamond targets are 1964 to 1966 production not 50's.
Lastly BigBill, with well over 6000 posts your seriously asking what a One Liner is ?
Surely thou dost jest...next thing you will asking what a LERK is ? JK

Thanks for sharing and the guys know Im just having fun with them.

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks ill look at my '48 k22.

I don't like to assume and not be sure I'd rather ask and look dumb.

BigBill,

You don't look dumb here! You're among friends. Especially Engind49guy. If we 'rib' you a bit, it's just because we've all been there, done that, and even got the free T shirt!

We never know enough to know everything. And we have all learned a new little factoid only to find out that everyone and their dog already knew that!

So there are no dumb questions, (unless maybe if one asks the same question 4 times!)

By the way, the one line "MADE IN USA" was ordered in May 1922 and used until the order was issued in April of 1948 to replace it with the 4 line stamp including the address.

 

[S42N8]

Welcome! Nice entrance with that one, 'specially in CA. By now, you've started to see the Way ahead: Lots of possibilities, lots of intriguing S&Ws. Don't worry 'bout that "dark side" stuff... It's a long way before you get there. At least 2-3 more, and by then, you're hooked
Might I recommend a Model 60? It's light and sits nicely in a pocket...almost like it was supposed to. Then there's my favorites: N frames. Everybody needs at least one!

 

[hkcavalier]

It's funny, now that I own one (a 1931-ish K-22) I really want to check out these threads! I passed them up before mainly to check out N frame stuff.

I saw the comment about aged ivory target stocks and can't stop thinking about how they would look on my gun. It has matching service stocks which naturally would get stored if I went this route. They are just too small for me. I don't notice in SA but in DA it's not comfortable.

 

[degmon]

K22 one liner

Really nice start. I second the sentiments of the contagion you are now experiencing. If RMs are out of reach, a good 38/44 Outdoorsman might just ring your bell.
Here is K1910 one line with non-original target grips. Also, note large knob on extracter rod. Apology, my first attempt at posting a picture.

Dennis

 

[SFT B2]

My First Revolver 1947 S&W K-22 Masterpiece "one-liner"

You'll love it! I picked one in the early '70's. It was my first gun purchase of a non-duty gun as a young PO. Enjoy!

 

[THEMULE]

I'd look for some early 50's K diamond Target Stocks for your new prize. Much better than the "rubbers". These I had redone by one of the best: DWFAN!

These are going on my 98% November '47 K22… when I finally get it.

WOW! What else can be said?

 

[Engine49guy]

Here is K1910 one line with non-original target grips. Also, note large knob on extracter rod.
Dennis

Dennis, thats what we refer to as a 1947 K-22 " L.E.R.K. " which is an abbreviation for Larger Ejector Rod Knob .

The diamond targets on your gun are from the mid 60's , Also the .500 wide target hammer did not appear until sometime after 1950 so is also not original to your gun.

The K-22 Lerk would have shipped with a S&W "High Speed" hammer and high shoulder diamond Magnas.

These are going up in value so is worth while to put back to original configuration IMO.

 

[thelagoonloon]

I am just an ole country boy, but what is a "one liner". BTW mine is K17XX

 

[hkcavalier]

I am just an ole country boy, but what is a "one liner". BTW mine is K17XX

I believe this refers to "Made in the USA" on the side of the frame vs. the current bilingual markings. Change made not long after WWII. I'm sure someone will be along with more specific info.

 

[daddy bear]

Through good fortune ( way past your wildest imagination ) have the following:

An extremely nice .32-20 nickel Hand Ejector 5" from 1919, courtesy wife's Grandfather.

An extremely nice pre war unregistered ( rarer than registered) from 1940 with provenince that it was issued to the Texas Rangers, and lastly to me, as a Regional Commander.

A '50 (+/-) 2" .38 pre 10' in used very little condition. A pawn shop rescue.

A model 28 Highway Patrol issue revolver from '64. This and the above Ranger gun were issued to me when the agency retired the revolvers. Therefore I got first choice to buy them at surplus prices.

A Model 60 no dash in great condition . A pawn shop rescue.

A Model 42 that I picked up about fifteen years ago to replace a no model number Centinnial that I had lost.

A pristine nickel Model 37. A pawn shop rescue.

In the seventies, I tamed the four inch .44 Magnum, but the six inch K-22 treated me ugly. I finally sold it, never giving any thought that larger grips would solve the problem. Using a friend's target stocked version a few years later, I discovered the difference. I never bought another because by this time ,I had two Ruger MK I's, a Bearcat, and a Single-Six that had my .22 handgun needs covered. Lately I have been looking for another K-22.

Your's is a really nice example. Enjoy!!

Jack

 

[sparkchase1]

I traded my Kel Tec 9mm pistol straight across for my 1948 5 screw. At the time I had no idea what I was getting. After I looked it up in the Smith & Wesson Bible I almost pooped my pants . It also came with one of the very original Melvin Tyler Grip extender.
Now there is the trade of a lifetime !!!
SN K34812