Trying to date my grandfathers gun.

[Artydontknow1]

I know nothing about it other then it says 9” 3549 behind the bullet chamber any info would help and thank you k️2918

 

[weatherby]

Welcome
It is a K22 masterpiece.
It would date to right around late 1948.
When model numbers started it would be a model 17.
A great accurate gun to have.

 

[JP@AK]

It is, as Paul noted, a K-22 Masterpiece. It very likely shipped in mid-year 1948. Everything, including the stocks, appears to be original. Nice inheritance.

At serial number K2918x (five digits), it is a fairly late unit with the one-line address (Made in U.S.A.). The four-line address first appeared at about that time.

 

[DWalt]

The earliest Masterpiece revolvers had a different style extractor rod knob, unlike the knurled tip on yours, and are somewhat prized as there were relatively few of them made.

The original intent of the Masterpiece revolvers (mainly in .22 and .38 Special) was for use in competitive Bullseye target shooting which was at one time a very popular shooting sport involving guns of different calibers at 25 and 50 yard distances. While Bullseye shooting continues to be a shooting sport, it has lost much of its popularity, and revolvers are seldom seen on the Bullseye firing line. Most of today’s Bullseye shooters use only semiauto pistols.

 

[Artydontknow1]

Thank u guys for the info I couldn’t find anything on it I don’t plan on selling it but what is it worth if I might ask cause ppl I have told it about we’re offering me like 4 to 5 hundred and I just told them no thanks my grandpa died why the hell would I wanna sell it ppl are crazy…

 

[Artydontknow1]

Oh and dwelt are u saying mine is prized collected or the earlier models

 

[kscharlie]

I believe Dwalt was referring to the earlier one. The first guns that S&W produced immediately after WW II are sometimes referred by "collectors" as "transitional". What this means is that S&W used a mixture of parts to assemble these guns. Some parts were from before the war, and some parts were made after the war, with different forms and dimensions. Most notably on the K-22 Masterpiece were the hammer, the ejector rod knob and the one-line address.

Here are a few pics of mine, serial # K3434 that was shipped in September, 1947. The hammer is early and is sometimes referred to as a "fishhook" hammer. (I am not sure when the hammer was changed, but I noticed yours does not have that.) It has the barrel shaped ejector rod knob with the corresponding milling in the bottom of the barrel to accommodate the knob. This knob is also sometimes called a LERK, meaning Large Ejector Rod Knob. I prefer barrel shaped.

You still have a nice K-22 and with your family provenance, it would be priceless. I would place a monetary value of $600 - $700 on it. That is my opinion only. Enjoy it.

 

[JP@AK]

Here are a few pics of mine, serial # K3434 that was shipped in September, 1947. The hammer is early and is sometimes referred to as a "fishhook" hammer. (I am not sure when the hammer was changed, but I noticed yours does not have that.)

Charlie

The "fishhook" shaped hammer lasted into the 1950s. My .38 Combat Masterpiece that shipped in October 1952 still has it.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Value $600 but grandpa’s 22 revolver is priceless.

Everyone should have a 22 revolver and it is great to teach new shooters.

 

[Mike LaNier]

Arty, lovely inheritance, and it sounds as if you are keeping it, so good on you! Value is in the $600+ range, and I would insure it for $800. I bought one of similar vintage a few years ago for $600, and figure I got a good deal. They shoot very well.

 

[cpt-t]

YOU: Were left one of Your Granddads true, for real, Honest To God Treasures. You should be very proud of that Old K-22. They were, they are, and they still are one of the best 22 LR Revolvers ever made. ((( IMHO )))
ken