I don't have the latest copy of the Standard Catalog of S&W but my 4th edition copy on pg. 137 refers the Pre-Model 17 as K-22 Masterpiece and the Pre-Model 18 as K-22 Combat Masterpiece.
S&W Model 18-3
- Thread starter grouser63
- Start date
You are correct, Crookedcreek. S&W advertising (All Model Circular, catalogs and box labels) called it the Combat Masterpiece (whether .38 or .22 caliber). Back in the day, Gun Digest and Shooter's Bible followed the S&W lead on this. Unfortunately, nearly all "collector" books refer to it as a K-22 (or K-38) Combat Masterpiece. We're kind of stuck with that.
Note: after model numbers started, the spec sheet included in the box did say K-22 (or K-38) Combat Masterpiece for some reason. That is the only place it ever occurred in S&W literature, and it may be that is where the inaccurate name came from.
On the 6" units (and later 8 3/8"), the nomenclature was K-22 Masterpiece. Never the K-22 Target Masterpiece (or K-38 or K-32). "Target" was never a part of the name.
Note: after model numbers started, the spec sheet included in the box did say K-22 (or K-38) Combat Masterpiece for some reason. That is the only place it ever occurred in S&W literature, and it may be that is where the inaccurate name came from.
On the 6" units (and later 8 3/8"), the nomenclature was K-22 Masterpiece. Never the K-22 Target Masterpiece (or K-38 or K-32). "Target" was never a part of the name.
Crookedcreek
Member
@JP@AK, Thanks for the clarification/education. Looks like one can't be called 'wrong' by using either name....as long as 'Target' is dropped fron the vocabulary! To be on the safe side, I might just start reffering to hammers, triggers, and grips as 'wide, wide, and big'...WWB in place of TTT. To add to the confusion, I've seen where some use the third 'T' to describe 'Target Sights' and others 'Target Grips'. And, how about 'A' for "Adjustable Sights'! I guess the old adage of 'Call me anything...but late for dinner' might be acceptable.
The third T is for the stocks.
Chuckdaman24d
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Did that gun come with Target trigger and hammer from the factory?
I do not have a letter for it but I have no doubt it was a special order gun.
Crookedcreek
Member
Do you have the original box, I'm assuming not?
No box. It's for sale. You could buy it and request a letter for it. There is no indication that the features are anything but factory.
Crookedcreek
Member
I'm not doubting that it's all factory, box label would have shed some light, but I'm sure you knew that.
It's a good looker, but I don't 'need' a second one....at this time!
My own curiosity got the best of me so I just requested a letter. Will report. It will be off my tables this weekend and until the letter arrives.
Crookedcreek
Member
Having the letter can only add value should you decide to sell later.
