smith&wesson 22

[skeeter15]

I found a 22 revolver in a pawn shop in my town and i put a deposit down on it.. after researching it i think it might be on old K22 pistol. I was wondering if anyone had any info that might help. It has a six inch BBL and all the looks of the K22 from what i have seen on the net. its a P&R gun.
the number on the crane is 7 and the pawn keeper had it labeled smith model 7.. smith never made a model 7
but checking it out i learned that the old K22 guns early on didnt have markings under the crane.. not sure what the 7 is.
i didnt learn about the butt stock serial number till after i got home so i may not get to see it till i pick it up. i am thinking the shop keeper doesnt know much and does not know what it is.. anyway my name is on it so i am taking it, i have the partial serial if anyone might be able to give a time line or idea about it? that would be great... thanks
also just looking for thoughts on what you may think it will be.
might have to have it looked at by a good gun guy to know...
but i am thinking its worth double what i paid at least..

SN#1664 XX

 

[Goony]

First off, welcome to the forum.

That serial number you've given would be right for a Heavy Frame Target circa 1912 (which wouldn't have recessed chambers, though), or for a post-WWII K22 if those digits are preceded by a "K" - I think we'll have to have some photos posted to properly identify what you're getting.

 

[skeeter15]

yes i am just going to have to get it and post pics..
i do believe it is a target model that is what i read.
I dont think it is as old as 1912. i have seen some pics of the super older ones and its not the same.. i am sure it is a model from the late 50's though maybe early 60's but not sure. i am excited to get it and know.. might be worth paying smith to do the history on it.. anyone know the process for that? fees and what not

 

[murphydog]

The SN of a .22/32 Target would be on the front of the grip frame. If the number you quoted is from the bottom of the grip frame and has the K in front, it is likely a K-22 Masterpiece and shipped in 1952.

Here is the link from the S & W website about the factory historical letters:

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

Hope this is helpful.

 

[skeeter15]

Picked it up today
It's a four screw I believe
K 166xxx

Any ideas

 

[RKmesa]

Skeeter:

That would be a K-22 Masterpiece (sometimes known as a "pre-17"). With that serial number it should be a "5 screw (4 screws on the side plate (one under the grip) and one in front of the trigger guard). My guess is that it shipped in 1949. Congrats on owning one of S&W's finest guns.

It should look something like this:

Let's see some photos of your new acquisition

 

[PMRet]

As others have said, looks like a 5 screw K-22 that dates to 1952. The serial number should be located on the butt, the flat underside of the barrel, the rear of the cylinder, and possibly on the underside of the ejector star. You didn't mention anything about the grips, but if it has the original diamond magnas, the serial number (without the K) will be stamped on the inside of the right grip panel. Diamond target grips were available as an option by the time your gun shipped, and they would most likely not have the serial number, as target grips generally were not numbered.

Sounds like you're probably correct that the pawn broker didn't know what he had. Value would depend mostly on condition, with original grips, box and papers adding to that. Be sure to post pictures when you get it home.

 

[mag318]

Great find, and if it is not absolutely pristine take it out and shoot it. I just acquired one made in 1953 and love how it shoots. They sure don't make them like this anymore, talk about quality.