Specialize in collecting S&W 22's ?

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

After 18 S&W handguns, 6 of them Victory models (both 38 S&W and Specials) I am thinking of specializing.

I have been collecting a bit of this a bit of that, and there is nothing wrong with that. I even took up reloading to make it cheaper to shoot .38/.357 my first love.
At first I thought of focusing on .357's and then went to .38's and Model 10's, which I still love

But then at a recent show I picked up a Model 18-2 to go along with my 22a and 622 and feel in love, both with the grown up look of the K frame 22 and the cheap and plentiful ammo (it is easy to keep 10 or 20,000 rounds on hand)

I have decided (for now ) to specialize in S&W 22's

I am sitting at work without my Standard Catalog and trying to come up with a list of all the S&W 22's and their variations

Here is what I know of so far, anyone who can add to the list would be appreaciated (and anyone who wants to give me some would also be appreaciated )

K22 Outdoorsman
K22/32 kit gun

Pre model 17
Model 17 6 inch
Model 17 4 inch
Pre Model 18
Model 18
Pre Model 34
Model 34

617
622

22A about 6 variations

 

[tripledipper]

Am waiting for a Mod. 63 to arrive (SS version of Mod.34) right now. 22's are really in demand right now so they won't come cheap.

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

That is a good point, the cost of ammo has driven them up.

A box of Winchester 333 (.22's) is $9.96 at Walmart in Mass!

But I have noticed, that in Massachusetts at least, all handguns are heading up at crazy paces, I think it is due to the fact that you can only buy guns from and FFL that were previously owned in Mass.

 

[Anton Dee]

Just found out, in another thread, about the Model 45, a 4¨ .22lr K-frame with fixed sights...
This forum can be ¨blamed¨ for making me want one...

As you seem as interested in .22lr revolvers as I am, you should include it in your list!?

 

[gunlovingirl]

I think a S&W .22 collection would be very impressive! And a good investment to boot!

 

[Tam 3]

Don't leave out the 43 and pre-43.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

yea and all the Model 41's

OMG I didn't realize how many .22's S&W has made over the years!

This will be a lifetime endevor just to get one of each major category!

Of course I am enthused right now, and even considered selling my Colt 1911's to pursue it, but lets not get too crazy!

I keep hearing rumors about Mass outlawing Centerfire Ammo, and a .22 collection being rimfire would be just the thing and if that were to happen they would skyrocket

But I love the looks of big .22 revolvers!

 

[handejector]

I did not read everyone's posts, but:

K-22/40 (K-22 2nd Mod, aka K-22 Masterpiece)
THREE Single Shots and then the Straightline
Pre-War Kit gun
Bekeart
22 Tip-Ups


Do you want to put the ONE 22 Reg Mag on the list?

 

[CDMead]

You are missing the model 317 from your list. It's a light alloy frame 8 shot revolver. They are available in "pre-lock" versions also.

Good luck with your collecting.

Charlie

 

[Andy Griffith]

Ah, the list could get very, very long.

Like collecting coins, do you want to have one of each variation to "fill the hole" in your "book?"

I don't have the SCSW in front of me and I am not a specialist on K-22 postwar (not model marked) variants, but I would suspect that it would entail at least ten to twelve revolvers to get one of each barrel length and rib configuration.

IIRC, weren't some very, very early post-war guns shipped without ribs?

Then, for model marked versions, one of each change in every barrel length that they made each change in may be desired.

Also, when you said .22's, are you going to include .22WMR's and .22 Jets? The list starts getting longer.
Ah, but more importantly- more fun!

Also, it's like eat'n tater chips...one bag isn't enough.

 

[BUFF]

The post-WWII K-22's were made with 8-3/8 inch barrels, as well as 4 and 6 inches.

 

[310Pilot]

Don't forget "color" variations. The postwar K-22s were produced in the "standard" blue until the mid-1950s, and high polished blue was available from about 1955 on. I have a K-22 my Dad bought new in the mid-50s which is one of the first high polish blue guns (actually, the s/n indicates it was produced when that finish was first available). Although it has been fired a fair amount, it still is like new, an absolutely beautiful gun.

 

[Texan]

I'm in, with several model 17's, one 617,one 63 & 651..

No model 18's..........I am sad to say.

JW

 

[Indiana George]

Ben, Ben, Ben,...............

You forgot the vernerable model 651 ! ! !

That's OK, I've got one listed in the classifieds and can fix you right up! <smile>

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

.22's RULE

I think I have now found a collecting interest that will last me a lifetime!

Of course I have to confess that I took a trip down from Mass to Rhode Island today to D&L guns, he had a S&W 38 M&P from 1952, grips number to gun
And it had the original Gold Box that numbers to the gun. The key word is HAD, he had it I now have it.
It had an issue on the barrel where it was in contact with the box over the years and I talked him down in price but I am happy since I have 6 Victory's but no Model or Pre Model 10's.

Now I can get started on .22's!

I currently have a Model 18-2 a 22A and a 622.

 

[kleinkaliber]

Maybe I missed it but did anyone mention the little M-Frame Ladysmiths?
Not .22 LR but they are .22's.

 

[Cyrano]

How many variations are there of the S&W first model in 22 short (I forget the exact nomenclature now)?

 

[aHFo3]

Don't forget the model 35 - a 6" J frame kit gun, and the newly announced 43c - the 8 shot Centennial. While you're at it, you'd better grab a 15-22 carbine.

 

[Eagle Guns]

I have a model 51 .22 mag. some came with a .22 L.R. cylinder, nice little revolver with a 3.5" barrel and on the scarce side.

 

[Anton Dee]

No, No, No. There aren't anymore so don't bother looking

bdGreen

Are you sure that there is not one (just 1) left for me?


Are they all in the hands of collectors?