The K-22 Masterpiece (Model 17): a brief history

[Allen in MT]

I just looked at 2 smiths, both 8 3/8 bbl, one is a 17-4 22LR SN 89K92xx and the other a 48-4 22MRF 86K61XX.
Reading top post it talks up to a 17-3 and then in next paragraph goes to 17-7.
Where do the 17-4 and 48-4 come into play

 

[PALADIN85020]

I just looked at 2 smiths, both 8 3/8 bbl, one is a 17-4 22LR SN 89K92xx and the other a 48-4 22MRF 86K61XX.
Reading top post it talks up to a 17-3 and then in next paragraph goes to 17-7.
Where do the 17-4 and 48-4 come into play

The 17-4 moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. In 1982, with no dash change, the pinned barrel was eliminated.

Ditto with the Model 48-4.

John

 

[j38]

Fine job, John. Your efforts are appreciated!

Best Regards,

Jerry

 

[Allen in MT]

Thanks for the response.
Just got home from going back to look again at the 2 smiths again. Needless to say I shot an offer and he accepted
Both of the guns are P&R 8 3/8. Now need to find DO
B. Had the pachmayr grips on both but also had the origional grips. Will get them situated to get a pic to post later.

 

[ibewbull]

K 416xxx I believe it is a DOB of 1960
If you can verify this I would appreciate it.
I hope the kids get me the book this Christmas
Some turn line no holster wear.
I hope I didn't pay too much.
$725 yesterday.
I was happy to find it and the old owner finds the box.

 

[gubowner]

K22 Masterpiece

Recent and proud owner of near new 17-3, can't wait to shoot it! Thanks for the history lesson, now I like it more.

 

[in8kaos]

I have a question, hypothetically, an early 50's k22 combat masterpiece, the unicorn nickel guns. Wouldn't they have a blued front sight, along with the rear, and were any of these nickel hammer and trigger? I have located one, and suspect a refinish because of these oddities. Were any of this model done all nickel besides rear sight? It was done extremely perfect if done aftermarket, I see no signs of work done to it.

 

[varmint243]

I'm not sure I saw mention of the 17-9
I have a six inch, six shot, target trigger, target hammer no underlug, beautiful firearm.
Somewhere I seem to recall it being referred to as a modern classic ?

 

[firemanhank]

Went to my LGS yesterday and found out they had just sold a K-22 masterpiece. I was told it was in very good shape (they describeD 95%) and it went for a paltry $600 dollars. I missed it by one day. Just my luck. Maybe next time.

 

[Retired W4]

I have a question, hypothetically, an early 50's k22 combat masterpiece, the unicorn nickel guns. Wouldn't they have a blued front sight, along with the rear, and were any of these nickel hammer and trigger? I have located one, and suspect a refinish because of these oddities. Were any of this model done all nickel besides rear sight? It was done extremely perfect if done aftermarket, I see no signs of work done to it.

Thanks for reviving this thread. It's a great read. The nickel hammer and trigger would be incorrect as S&W never did that.

Sorry, it was Bull that revived it. Thanks.

 

[in8kaos]

Thank you Retired W4. Just verifying what I "thought" I knew! Lol

 

[Mike McLellan]

Great article. How do you shoot these darn things and hit the target?

 

[hogrider47]

I have a (Model 17)? I think. Is there a list of when the gun was manufactured according to the S/N? On the butt of the gun I have is a K 468**. I noticed in the forum, most of the guns have six numbers following the K. Mine has only five. I also noticed that people don't list the entire S/N, so I didn't either. Other than that, it looks just like the Model 17. It is a 22 cal. with a 6 inch barrel. I'd just like to know more about it. It belonged to my Grandfather. Thanks for any help.

 

[DWalt]

"Is there a list of when the gun was manufactured according to the S/N? On the butt of the gun I have is a K 468**"

K18,732 – K73,121…...1948 (manufacture). The closest SN on my list to yours is K504xx which shipped in 10/48. Yours is a K-22 Masterpiece. Model numbering did not begin until about 10 years after yours was made.

 

[dogngun]

Great thread, and I'm now involved in it...

I feel very fortunate to recently have found and bought a Model 18 4" .22LR
5 screw, which the SN indicates was shipped in 1955...Look like it was carried in a holster maybe shortly, then put away...VERY little wear or use, and amazingly tight and solid...A real gem, IMO.

 

[skeath]

K22, uncertain date, rechambered

I recently acquired a K22, 6 inch, serial number K212480. It has been rechambered in .22 Magnum. "Mag" is marked inside the crane, but not on the barrel. It says only K22 on the barrel, not Model 17. I'm guessing it is a pre-17 from around 1954-55? It has 3 screws on the sideplate, one at the front of the trigger guard. It does not appear to have a ribbed barrel, but not sure I would know what one looks like.

If anyone could date this for me, or offer any input, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

SK

 

[PALADIN85020]

I recently acquired a K22, 6 inch, serial number K212480. It has been rechambered in .22 Magnum. "Mag" is marked inside the crane, but not on the barrel. It says only K22 on the barrel, not Model 17. I'm guessing it is a pre-17 from around 1954-55? It has 3 screws on the sideplate, one at the front of the trigger guard. It does not appear to have a ribbed barrel, but not sure I would know what one looks like.

If anyone could date this for me, or offer any input, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

SK

You do have a pre-17. Since the upper sideplate screw was eliminated in 1955 in favor of a tongue that could be inserted under the frame, and the "Model 17" markings began in 1957, I'd say your revolver was made circa 1956. After the .22 mag Model 58 became available in 1959, .22 mag cylinder kits (including the crane) were available. I'm betting one of these kits was obtained, probably in the 1960s, and installed by an enterprising gunsmith to fit your gun. If so, the original .22 LR cylinder would be nice to have, but is now missing from your gun. If the back of the cylinder is missing the gun's serial number (found on the butt), this approach would appear to have been the case. If the matching serial number IS there, the original .22 LR cylinder was re-chambered for the larger and lengthier round.

Hope this helps.

John

 

[skeath]

You do have a pre-17. Since the upper sideplate screw was eliminated in 1955 in favor of a tongue that could be inserted under the frame, and the "Model 17" markings began in 1957, I'd say your revolver was made circa 1956. After the .22 mag Model 58 became available in 1959, .22 mag cylinder kits (including the crane) were available. I'm betting one of these kits was obtained, probably in the 1960s, and installed by an enterprising gunsmith to fit your gun. If so, the original .22 LR cylinder would be nice to have, but is now missing from your gun. If the back of the cylinder is missing the gun's serial number (found on the butt), this approach would appear to have been the case. If the matching serial number IS there, the original .22 LR cylinder was re-chambered for the larger and lengthier round.

The serial number is on the cylinder, and the seller specified that it had been re-chambered. Some gunsmith had reamed out the chambers and inserted sleeves. The fit is very good, and the gun locks up and shoots very well.

I found a chart of serial numbers on the Internet, and it shows my serial as coming from 1954.

Thanks,

SK

 

[superdave269]

Help me date my K-22. I have a nice S&W 22LR. The serial number is K 188xxx. I always assumed it's a K-17 but the model number is not stamped in the yoke. As a side note someone took an electric pencil to the trigger guard and scribed S.C.Co. 40051 CD in a triangle. I know the CD stands for civil defense. I am sure it was for training/range time. I would love more info on this revolver. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The model 17 and the model 48 are listed on the current website.