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

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 220204JB006

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: K-22 Masterpiece, Postwar 3rd Model, Pre-Model 17, 5-Screw

Serial Number: K147755

Year of Manufacture: 1952

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, barrel flat, rear face of the yoke (no letter prefix), and underside of the ejector star (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. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “147 / 755”.

Barrel Length: 6”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a partridge blade on a raised serrated ramp pinned to the barrel rib. 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 two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W monogram medallions and smooth diamonds. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a few little compressions and light marks through the finish. There are some little dings, the most noticeable is on the left panel along the back edge. There is some wear on the bottom edges, mainly on the left panel. The checkering is mostly strong with some light wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

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 97% of its metal finish. Some of the edges display light finish wear. The grip frame has a few spots of light oxidation. There are a couple of infrequent spots of minor frost, hardly noticeable. There are light handling marks. The cylinder has a thin turn line through the finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent 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 gold Smith & Wesson box with a matching configuration and a Smith & Wesson letter.

Our Assessment: The Model 17 was first produced as the K-22 Masterpiece in the Pre-War days before Smith & Wesson implemented the number system to their guns. It is a fun rimfire revolver built on a full-size K-Frame. The design was massively popular as its .22 chambering was perfect for use as an outdoorsman’s kit gun, and with its K-Frame also dominated target shooting and training for centerfire K-Frame revolvers. The revolver would go on to be named the Model 17 in 1957. 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 1952 example is in about Excellent condition with about 97% of its finish remaining, a great bore in its 6″ barrel paired with nice magna stocks. This revolver will make a great gun for what originally made the design so popular, target shooting, recreational plinking, or use as a training revolver to save some money on centerfire ammo. 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 C&R
Smith & Wesson S&W K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 .22 LR 6″ Revolver C&R