Pre-War K-22

[gun_newb]

Looking to identify, believe it is an early Masterpiece. I'm working on the more-pix-is-better theory.

 

[Rodan]

That looks like an I frame to me... please take a photo straight on so the proportions and grips are clear.

This is a pre-war (First Model Outdoorsman) K-22 for comparison:

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Peanut Capital of the World! It is a .22/32 Heavy Frame Target made on the small I frame and sometimes called a "Bekeart" model. Made around 1924.

 

[gun_newb]

Hopefully, this is what you meant by "straight on".

 

[gun_newb]

Welcome to the forums from the Peanut Capital of the World! It is a .22/32 Heavy Frame Target made on the small I frame and sometimes called a "Bekeart" model. Made around 1924.

Thanks!

 

[gun_newb]

That looks like an I frame to me... please take a photo straight on so the proportions and grips are clear.

This is a pre-war (First Model Outdoorsman) K-22 for comparison:

 

[wheelgun610]

Looking to identify, believe it is an early Masterpiece...

The K-22 revolvers, either the Outdoorsman or the Masterpiece version is quite a bit larger than your gun - which was correctly ID'd as being a .22/32 Heavy Frame Target. What that means is it's a .22 caliber built on a .32 caliber size frame. At the time it was introduced (in 1911), it was the largest .22 caliber revolver S&W made.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Rodan]

Hopefully, this is what you meant by "straight on".

Yes, exactly. Hard to tell proportions properly from an angle. As noted above, your gun is a .22/32 Target on the I frame, which is smaller than the K frame on which the K22 is built.

 

[red9]

"Heavy Frame" in comparison to the M frame, or "Ladysmith" .22S&W caliber revolver which preceded it.

Bob

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Your Bekeart .22/.32 HFT looks to be in VG condition, and these are very desirable revolvers. Yours has the original Bekeart-style walnut extension target stocks. I'm far from being an expert on these early revolvers, but I believe from the s/n that yours was manufactured mid- to late-1920s. It was definitely manufactured prior to 1928 because it still retains the mushroom-shaped LERK (large ejection rod knob), and the stocks have 2 screws. Also, in 1935 S&W started recessing cylinder chambers (at s/n 525600; per SCSW 5th Ed.) which your .22/32 doesn't have. I would probably give it a good cleaning (I see some minor rust spots in some areas and around the adjustable rear sight), and perhaps repair a few of the buggered screw heads (easy DIY job). You have a desirable and fairly valuable revolver, which should be a fun and accurate shooter. Enjoy!

 

[zephaniah]

Hi HR,
I noticed some of your pictures of serial numbers didn't match. I'm wondering if some of the parts have been replaced. Some of the more knowledgeable members can help clear that up.

Welcome to the forum good luck and enjoy.

Steve, NRA LIFE MEMBER

 

[Rodan]

I noticed some of your pictures of serial numbers didn't match. I'm wondering if some of the parts have been replaced. Some of the more knowledgeable members can help clear that up.

If you are referring to gun_newb's revolver, I see matching numbers. The number on the frame inside the crane (39354) is an assembly number and shouldn't match the number on the front strap, cylinder and barrel which all appear to be 427629...

 

[zephaniah]

Thanks for straitening me out, that's what I was referring to.
Appreciate the help.

Steve NRA LIFE MEMBER

 

[wheelgun610]

Thanks for straitening me out, that's what I was referring to.

I guarantee you won't learn more about S&W's anywhere on earth than right here on this forum.