S&W K22 Masterpice 1940

[Alansfirearms]

I just got a S&W K22 SN# 684330 called Smith and was told it was a K22 Masterpiece made in 1940. Can anyone tell me if I have a $1900 gun or one of the $ 500 ones. No Box (darn) see pictures

 

[CJS57]

That is the $1900 (or more!) version. Large windage screw on the rear sight is the clue. Way to go!

 

[bigmoose]

Beautiful K22. Congrats. That is on a lot of collectors' short list.

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. What a splashy way to introduce yourself! Lots of seasoned collectors here are going be green with envy. After years of looking I finally managed to acquire one of these K-22/40 models (as the company referred to them when they were in production) just a few months ago, and I love it.

That gun looks to be in spectacular condition. Congratulations!

 

[Masterpiece]

That is the $1900 (or more!) version.

Hi Alan,

Yes, your Revolver is what's referred to as a 2nd Model K-22 Masterpiece & is worth every penny of $1900 plus some given the Finish, Grips ,Etc. we're seeing are Original!!

These were produced in several batches in 1940 & yours was the last one built in the 4th Production Run which makes it a fairly Early Production Revolver!! Just out of curiosity, is your Rear Sight stamped with a Patent Date or is it stamped "Patent Pending"?? Also, is the Bead in the Frt. Sight Blade Gold or Stainless??

By the way, Excellent First Post & Welcome to the Forum!!

 

[BigBill]

I just purchased one of these for $695 I guess I did ok. Its in the orginal box too.

 

[Sprefix]

It is definitely a $500 gun and I'll prove it by offering you $500 for it.......... That is a beauty at even the higher scale of money. Congratulations!!

 

[BigBill]

These older S&W and Colt 22 revolvers are going nuts price wise??

I been collecting these using my C&RFFL03 license and i been into grabbing the older H&R 22 revolvers too when there in new condition and priced lower. I hate to take the S&W and COLT shooting.

 

[boykinlp]

I just purchased one of these for $695 I guess I did ok. Its in the orginal box too.

Are you sure it was a 1940 model?

 

[BigBill]

I need to check the number again.

 

[DCWilson]

I need to check the number again.

As noted above, the K-22 Second Model (Prewar K-22 Masterpiece) will have the large windage screw because it was the first gun to incorporate S&W's micro-click adjustable rear sight. Also, the K-22 Second will also have a notchback hammer -- look closely at the photos of the gun in the first post.

The K-22 First models have the smaller rear sight. The postwar K-22 Masterpiece (K-22 Third Model) has a ribbed barrel and a different hammer profile. Also the postwar K-22 will have a K prefix to the serial number.

The K-22 Second model is expensive because only 1067 were manufactured; they are much sought after. There were 20 times as many K-22 first models, and the postwar K-22 Masterpiece exists in the hundreds of thousands if you include the model-marked guns from 1957 and later.

 

[Donald Paul]

Boy, -a person can really learn some stuff, and all we have to do is listen to the pros.
Here's my early model {about 1933, I think} with the small windage screw:

 

[DCWilson]

Boy, -a person can really learn some stuff, and all we have to do is listen to the pros.
Here's my early model {about 1933, I think} with the small windage screw:

That is a beautiful specimen. Congratulations on having it in your safe!

 

[doc540]

Definitely a $500 model.

And being the generous type, I'll give you $505 for it and even pay shipping.

You just meet the nicest people on the Forum.

 

[Jebus35745]

Are you a gun shop? I'll give you 1900 for it. Very nice gun and I have a set of grips for it. Larry

 

[Sebago Son]

Nice.....

Yep... that's one of the VERY good ones. "Pre-war Masterpiece Short Action", AKA: "K-22/40"

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two pre-war models... K-22/40 on top.

And a close up of the sights.... again, the K-22/40 with the click adjustable back sight is on the top...

If the finish is original on your example and the stocks are numbered to the frame you could probably close to double your money...

Drew

 

[Sprefix]

PLEASE????

Yep... that's one of the VERY good ones. "Pre-war Masterpiece Short Action", AKA: "K-22/40"

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two pre-war models... K-22/40 on top.

And a close up of the sights.... again, the K-22/40 with the click adjustable back sight is on the top...

If the finish is original on your example and the stocks are numbered to the frame you could probably close to double your money...

Drew

If I promise to play nice, can I play in your safe for awhile??

 

[Sebago Son]

Glad to have you!

If I promise to play nice, can I play in your safe for awhile??

Sure! But maybe I should just bring up a few and we can play in your back yard!

I'll be up in January. My daughter will be having her baby in Anchorage...

 

[chud333]

Very nice k-22/40 and you should be very proud to own it.
Looks to be in tremendous condition as well.
Drew, Going to Anchorage in January sounds like fun...
Very nice weapons you guys.

Chuck

 

[RKmesa]

Alans:

Here are a couple of links to great Threads on the 22/40 (pre-war K-22 Masterpieces):

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...234293-couple-pre-war-22-40-masterpieces.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/205251-pre-war-k-22-masterpiece-value.html

Congrats on a great gun!