Smith & Wesson S&W K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 22 LR 6″ Revolver 1951 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1028

LSB#: 210826DM37

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: K-22 Masterpiece, Postwar 3rd Model, Pre-Model 17

Serial Number: K 123864

Year of Manufacture: 1951

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Hand Ejector Revolver

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “*22 LONG RIFLE CTG*”. The butt of the grip frame, rear face of the cylinder, underside of the ejector star (no letter prefix), barrel flat, and the rear face of the crane (no letter prefix) are marked with the serial number. The sideplate has the Smith & Wesson monogram logo and the right side of the frame is marked with the four line marcas registradas. The crane, crane cut and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.

Barrel Length: 6”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a partridge blade on a raised serrated ramp pinned to the barrel rib, it has been painted orange. The rear sight is a flat top, square notch leaf in a micrometer-click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the rib and rear sight base are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Sanderson grips. The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with a thumbshelf on the left panel, they enclose the grip frame but leave a portion of the front strap exposed for access to the strain screw. There is a little chip loss on the front of the left panel at the top of the frontstrap cutout. There are a few little scratches on the bottom faces. There are a couple little scuffs, the most noticeable are on the left panel below the thumb shelf. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue, with Case Colored Hammer & Trigger

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the edges of the muzzle and a few light marks through the finish scattered on the barrel. There are some scuffs that have thinned the finsih on the cylinder and a few little scratches. There is some thinning on the edges. The butt of the grip frame has some small spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some standard operational marks. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action smooth. The cylinder lockup has some light side-to-side play on all six chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a non-labled blue box, black leather S&W holster, and paperwork including the manual. The paperwork is not of the same time period as the revolver.

Our Assessment: Introduced in 1931, the K-22 saw a few improvements such as the now-iconic micrometer adjustable rear sight introduced in the 2nd Model and the barrel rib introduced on this, the 3rd Model K-22 Masterpiece or Pre-Model 17. This example is in about Fine condition with about 94% of its finish remaining, a great bore in its 6″ barrel paired with sweet Sanderson target stocks. This revolver will make a great gun for training a new shooter to use a revolver, target shooting, or just recreational plinking. With its 5-screw frame, pinned barrel and classic look, they quite literally do not make them like this anymore. This is a wonderful opportunity at an old-school Smith & Wesson with all of the quality craftsmanship they were known for in the early post-war years. Please see our photos and good luck!

Smith & Wesson S&W K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 22 LR 6" Revolver 1951 C&R
Smith & Wesson S&W K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 22 LR 6″ Revolver 1951 C&R