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

[superdave269]

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

Mike I am afraid I don't know what you are trying to tell me. Who's website, this one, Smith & Wesson?

 

[series guy]

K188XXX would date to 1953 long before they assigned model numbers.

 

[superdave269]

Thank you for the information. I have wondered about that date for a long time.

 

[Engine49guy]

Nice to see this old post resurface,
Just reread it noticed two minor things,
First the Heritage 17-8 did not have an internal lock.
Second while there was a 4" K38 Heritage
offering there was no 4" Heritage K22 that I'm aware of.

 

[Inland7-45]

I have a Model 18 that I bought new in 1972. I cannot count the number of rounds that I have put through this gun over the years.
This has been a holster gun since new and it shows but on the inside it is like new.

The action just gets smother the more it has been used. About 15 years ago I picked up a 1950 -51 vintage K-22 in pristine condition. No box , but the gun looks new. I fire it occasionally and put it away after a good cleaning.

These are great guns and I would not mind having a few more.

 

[Green Frog]

I enjoyed seeing this thread pop up again and the memories it brought forth. My personal favorite K-22 purchase was at an auction where a shooter grade 1948 vintage K-22 was down near the end of the list. Everybody else was pretty much “spent out” or had left, so I got it for a bargain. It shoots well and doesn’t have sticky chambers like I hear so many people complain about. What more could I ask?

Froggie