Smith & Wesson S&W K-22 Combat Masterpiece Pre-18 .22 LR Revolver, 1951 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1145
LSB#: 220408DB003
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: K-22 Combat Masterpiece, Pre-Model 18
Serial Number: K114889
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, barrel flat, rear face of the cylinder, underside of the ejector star (no letter prefix), 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 address. The crane, crane cut and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped with a number that does not correlate to the serial number.
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade on a raised serrated ramp pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, white outlined square notch leaf in a micrometer-click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut stocks with S&W monogram medallions and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There is some wear on the edges that border the checkering, mostly on the right panel. There is a small loss along the rear edge of the left panel at the very top. There are some scattered little dings into the wood and there are some compressions, some of the most noticeable of these marks are on the bottom faces of the grips. There are areas of light thinning and handling wear. The checkering is mostly strong. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Fine condition.
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 93% of its metal finish. There are a few little marks through the finish, some of the most noticeable are on the bottom of the barrel at the muzzle and on the trigger guard. There is some thinning on some of the edges, most noticeable at the muzzle. There are some spots of surface oxidation, most noticeable on the sideplate at the rear. There are a couple of light hairline scratches, the most noticeable are on the right side of the frame at the markings and on the sideplate at the front. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder that has not gone through the finish. 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 little side-to-side play. 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 two-piece box and paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: The K-22 has been around since the Pre-War days and 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 outdoorsmans kit gun, and with its K-Frame also dominated target shooting and training for centerfire K-Frame revolvers. Originally there was just the Masterpiece model with Patridge sights, then they introduced the Combat Masterpiece with a Baughman Quick Draw sight and 4″ barrel as the main differences. The revolver would go on to be named the Model 18 in 1957. This revolver will make a great gun for what originally made the K-22 design so popular, target shooting, recreational plinking, or use as a training revolver to save some money on centerfire ammo. With its pinned barrel and classic craftsmanship, they quite literally do not make them like this anymore. This Model 18 is the perfect understudy for your Model 19 Combat Magnum. This is a wonderful opportunity at an old-school Smith & Wesson with all of the quality craftsmanship that we don’t see much of these days. Please see our photos and good luck!