Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 17 K22 Masterpiece Revolver In .22LR, 1946 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,740.00
LSB#: LSB250708MS084
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: The K-22 Masterpiece
Serial Number: K229
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Caliber: .22LR
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “22 LONG RIFLE CTG”. The right side of the frame has “MADE IN U.S.A.” The side-plate has the Smith & Wesson logo. The yoke cut is marked “E 1875”. The yoke has inspection marks. The butt of the grip frame, cylinder,star ejector, and barrel flat are all marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 1/10” Partridge blade on a ramped base pinned to the serrated rib. The rear sight is a standard square notch S&W micrometer sight, adjustable for windage and elevation and is screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut stocks with silver S&W monograms and diamond around the screw escutcheon. There is a tiny crack extending from the backstrap to the butt. There are a few scratches visible along the backstrap. The checkering is sharp and strong. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel.
Finish Originality: Factory refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, though there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are just a couple of rust freckles on the grip frame under the grips. There is some light wear on the forward edges. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is a pronounced turn line on the cylinder. The 5 screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in a Fine to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has hardly any play in lockup on each of the six chambers. The single-action is crisp and the double-action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: none
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 17 K22 Masterpiece is a classic and highly regarded revolver, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and reliability. Introduced in the early 1950s, this revolver was part of the Smith & Wesson K-frame series and was designed to be a versatile firearm suitable for target shooting, training, and general use. One of the standout features of the K22 Combat Masterpiece is its exceptional build quality. The revolver is constructed from high-quality materials, with a robust carbon steel frame and barrel. The finish on the revolver is typically a deep blue, giving it a classic and elegant appearance. The fit and finish of the Pre-Model 17 are exemplary, with tight tolerances and a smooth action that are hallmarks of Smith & Wesson’s craftsmanship during this era. The revolver’s sights are designed for precision shooting. It comes equipped with a Patridge front sight and an adjustable rear sight, allowing the shooter to fine tune their aim for maximum accuracy. The adjustable sights are particularly beneficial for target shooting, as they enable the shooter to make precise adjustments to account for different ammunition types and shooting conditions.
The astute collector of Smith & Wessons may be, at this point saying “Wait a minute! Model 17s did not come in nickel…” He would be correct, and they did not. This firearm has the star of a gun sent back into S&W for refurbishment, in this case in March of 1975. Almost certainly, that was where and when its very professional job of nickeling was accomplished. This is a nice gun, a rare 1946 postwar (apparently only about 500 made that year) gun that has “Made in USA” where the Marcas Registradas will be put in 1948.
