What Makes a "Good" K22 Collection?
- Thread starter hardscrabble
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There's no such thing as "too many" is still not enough...My meager little accumulation will never match in number nor quality that of Richard and many others here, but I just counted 4 K-22 Masterpieces in my safe, not counting the Outdoorsman models nor the Model 17's and 18's...But I only kickstarted my little family again two years ago, so maybe I'll catch up to the tail end of the pack some day...I also need to have a photo session on a bright Texas day in the coming spring...
...BenMy first Early K-22 Combat Masterpiece
Fellows, Thank you all for the tremendous wealth of knowledge here, and wonderful photos, notes, and data. Ironically, I picked up my first K22-CM yesterday. I think based on the data above it is a 1954, Serial Number K2288XX, 5 screw, serial stamped under left grip.
Fellows, Thank you all for the tremendous wealth of knowledge here, and wonderful photos, notes, and data. Ironically, I picked up my first K22-CM yesterday. I think based on the data above it is a 1954, Serial Number K2288XX, 5 screw, serial stamped under left grip.
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Today a 17 or an 18 with a boxcar load of ammunition would quite a collection.
I love when these old threads are brought back to life. It’s important for newer members to see these. Only problem is some of you will get likes on a 6 year old post before I figure out it’s not current. But they are deserved. Thanks for sharing.
Model46
Member
All I can say is "WOW!" What an impressive thread and thanks to all who shared pics.
I have a K22 1st, 2nd and 3rd model and a M18. I thought I was done .... looks like I need to reconsider my definition of a collection.
I have a K22 1st, 2nd and 3rd model and a M18. I thought I was done .... looks like I need to reconsider my definition of a collection.
larryofcc
Member
As an admitted K-22 addict - what makes a good K-22 collection? Answer - any of the above revolvers would be a "good" start on a K-22 "collection". However, you also used the words "'THE' definitive" collection - qualified with an I'm only interested in guns through the 4-screw era. That would be a whole different answer and I would say that no one has compiled "The definitive K-22 collection", but I would have to say that in order to make a good dent in such a collection you would collect the items you mentioned (probably more than one of each)...
...other items you may want to consider:
Maybe a two-screw rear sight Outdoorsman and one-screw rear sight Outdoorsman, along with the gold bead front sight and silver bead front sight (note that most gold bead front sighted guns come with the one-screw rear sight)...
I would agree that you have to throw a few Combat Masterpieces in there as well...
And...what would any K-22 collection be without an engraved one or two...
And then of course you need to collect all of the different box styles...and the tools...
...and maybe a King modified Super Target...
...and of course a complete set of the brochures and catalogs (of each style and era)...
...and you cannot forget the period advertisements...
...maybe one with the optional grip adapter...
...or a factory installed lanyard...
...perhaps you'd add a 4-screw Model 48 in the various barrel lengths...
...maybe a Model 45 (a fixed sight M&P K-22 that I cannot remember if it came in a 4-screw version or not...)
And even after you have all of the above, there will be variations that you come across that you did not know existed (e.g. Jim Fisher's 2" snubby Outdoorsman with fixed sights, Bill Cross' Outdoorsman with the ivory bead front sight, etc...).
I am 10+ years into collecting the K-22s and look forward to many more years of searching and refining my start...
Good you should mention the relatively scarce M45, M&P 22 Post Office .22. Yes, they came in a 4 screw. The large sideplate screw was deleted early while retaining the trigger guard screw. They had both 4" and 6" bbls. Mine is a 4" with numbered to the gun, PC Magna's. Big Larry
Very kind of you John. But I will tell all of you that the real treat for me in going to the SWCA Symposiums is meeting all the very accomplished experts like turnerriver, seeing the amazing displays that members bring, participating in face to face discussions with like-minded collectors, and developing friendships with all of the genuinely great people.
For the nominal cost, there are great returns belonging to the SWCA and if you are on the fence, I would recommend that you join.
Until today, I’ve not owned a Model 17. I’ve looked at a few, but just haven’t found the right one. My friend Tim (kansasgunner) and I saw one at a LGS a week ago. I’ve been thinking about it. Target trigger and hammer. A little wear at the end of the barrel. No box. Just a clean shooter. The price was right. I’ve never owned an 8 3/8 inch barrel gun. I do now. I’ll blame it on this thread that got resurrected. It’s a 17-3 from around 1975. Thanks to all.
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8 3/8"? Nearly a rifle. Great find.
Having seen RKMESA'a (Richard's) displays, it's like seeing a Faberge display at a museum. He has the greatest engraved S&W hanguns I've ever imagined.
I have to put it in my safe sideways or I can’t close the door. Stocks were non numbered magnas. With target trigger, target hammer, and target sights I’m guessing it came with target stocks so I dug around and found a set. Enjoy.
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It feels a little heavy in the front to me. I plan on shooting it tomorrow or Tuesday. It feels a lot better to me with target grips. I think it will be a fun one to shoot. I’ve got a couple of 4 inch k-frames I’d like to shoot at the same time. So I’ll have a comparison.
Richard (RKmesa) suggested maybe a K-22 1st with the two-screw sight, and as near as I can tell, nobody seconded the motion. Let me tend to that right now: A K-22 1st with the two-screw sight is an absolutely, positively must-have in ANY collection of S&W target guns. It is an infinitely adjustable sight---the last of the eight or so examples preceding it. It is the FIRST S&W target sight which will not shoot loose. On balance, it is the finest sight S&W ever made---before or since.
Ralph Tremaine
Ralph Tremaine
Targets Guy
US Veteran
My meager K-22 collection.
1947 K-22
1957 K-22
1953 K-22CM
1959 Model 18
screen shot in windows
1974 Model 18-3
greenshot
1947 K-22
1957 K-22
1953 K-22CM
1959 Model 18
screen shot in windows1974 Model 18-3
greenshot
Is that all you got?Stainless 617s? Locks?...
Just one stainless (a 8 3/4" 10-shooter) and no locks... yet...
Don't know if it would count, but it is a K frame 22. The Model 53, 22 Magnum Jet. Did not see it listed here but I was going through the thread quickly.
Just purchased one Saturday and will post pics in the A.M.
Just purchased one Saturday and will post pics in the A.M.
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