New Member With A Few Questions

[Bluemoss]

Hi Guys,

A few years ago I inherited what I believe to be a Smith & Wesson
Model 17 K22 Pistol from my Grandfather-in-Law. I took the grips off, it has a serial number of K22397 on the base of the grip and cylinder. It just says "Made in the USA" on the barrel and nothing else. Is this an early model?

I can add photos if needed. Thank you so much.

 

[zwartepiet]

Welcome to the forum!

Pictures are the best!

That is an early number(1948), but someone with more experience can verify that.

 

[Bluemoss]

Here are some pictures. Thank you!

 

[smithra_66]

Here are some pictures. Thank you!

This gun would not be a "model 17" as S&W didn't start using the model number nomenclature until about 1957. It would simply be a "K-22 Masterpiece"

The grips are not original to the gun. This is a really nice shooter-level piece that you should be able to enjoy.

If you're looking for values, search on Gunbroker for ended auctions with the model and timeframe of manufacture and you'll get a relatively good idea of what they are going for today.

Yes, it's early for a K-22 as I believe the initial year for it was 1947. This looks like a second year gun that was built just before S&W started putting the 4 line registration mark (yours is the one line "made in the usa") that started some time in 1948 if I remember correctly.

 

[Rustyt1953]

 

[Bluemoss]

Some great information, thank you!

 

[Bluemoss]

I kept it hidden away with no thought to actually use it but I am starting to see its beauty and think it should be used. I have never shot a revolver before.

 

[snubbyfan]

 

[URIT]

Welcome aboard from coastal North Carolina. It looks like you're getting some good responses.

 

[husker51]

Welcome from the Great Plains of Nebraska!

 

[Bluemoss]

Thank you guys for all your welcomes!

 

[stanmerrell]

Lucky

You are very fortunate to have that family heirloom. You should indeed shoot it. They are a lot of fun, and in my mind the best handling revolver made.

 

[pmanton]

Hi from Salome, AZ.

 

[OLDSTER]

Hi from North Dakota

 

[John Patrick]

Welcome from Maryland.

Shoot that revolver! I will be a joy to shoot!

 

[mrsig]

Welcome from Tampa.

 

[LostintheOzone]

 

[Babysitr]

Welcome from Illinois. that's a nice revolver, very nice...what a shame to not shoot it! have fun with it,that's what they are made for!

 

[pasound]

Another welcome from West Virginia. I have a 6" 1947 pre-K Target. It's one of the best shooters I have. Enjoy it.

 

[coachray]

Welcome to the forum