Let's Discuss the Famous S&W K-22 Masterpiece

[Hammer Down]

Originally Posted by Easy Goin'

My 96-year-old Mother recently gave me her Smith & Wesson handgun which she has owned since 1976. I’m close to certain it’s a K-22 Masterpiece, Model No. 17, but I’m not sure. Open the cylinder and you will find two matching serial numbers, 65xxx. On the butt you will find K 59xxx.
The gun seems to be in excellent condition except for a not-very-deep scratch/smudge (about the size of your little finger print) on the barrel right next to the “CTG.” As you might guess, I have no papers (I don’t know if she ever registered it) and no box.
My questions ...
How do I go about registering it (in either Michigan or Virginia ... take your pick)?
I would like to “do right” by this gun by having it restored to its close-to-original, mint condition, including removing the scratch. What do you advise?

Hello Easy Goin'
Your Mom's K-22 according to My reference material with serial number K59XXX appears to be in this serial sequence making it a 1948- K-18732--K-73121. This is the Third series K-22 Post-War model that should have the Four line Factory address on the right lower frame area, Just Above and in front of the Trigger Guard and it was the first Year for this new Four Line Factory address stamp since earlier one's simply were stamped "Made in the U.S.A." . The Original finish was called Soft Bluing or Matte finish. The reason they switched to this Lower Gloss Blued finish Post-War was because the consumer demand was so high for S&W revolvers after the War, when S&W resumed Civilian Production of their revolver's that this style finish was much easier and faster to produce requiring much less final Polishing. This revolver is what they call a Five screw revolver meaning Four screw's in the side plate of it and one under the trigger guard. It came with Magna or service style grips with a diamond around the screw hole and the right Grip panel if they are the original set will have the gun's serial number stamped into it.They also had the newer short cocking action, The Larger Micro patented sights and a Speed hammer sometimes called a Fish hook Hammer due to it's Upswept Fashion. The trigger will be serrated and is .0265" wide. The Barrel rib which was added to the First Third series revolvers Post-War in 1947 was a new design to make it weight the same as it's counter part cousins the K-32 & K-38 Masterpiece. The width of the barrel rib changed in or around 1950 to a little wider design on this revolver. These style revolvers were all Hand fitted and that is why there will be the guns serial number on the face of the cylinder, The back of the cylinder extractor, The Barrel cut out flat above the extractor, The bottom of the grip frame, Inside the cylinder crane assembly area on the main part of the frame, and the right grip panel. This assured assemblers that all the parts got back with the right gun after final fitting and finish before final assembly. I would Not refinish this revolver if it were mine due to the Value of the gun a refinishing Job would cut the Value of it in half of what it is now..Your Mom Gave you one of the best Era K-22's there was to have. I hope you find this information helpful... Hammerdown

[Easy Goin']

Hammer Down:

I did find your information very helpful, but you didn’t answer one of my questions ... and your comments inspired another.

First, how should I go about registering this gun (and I anticipate doing it in either Virginia or Michigan)? Think about it, I’m going to walk into my local police station (I assume) with a S&W revolver. I’m going to have no receipt, no papers of any sort ... nothing except my word that it was a “gift” from my 96-year-old mother who lives two states away. It sounds like a recipe for more hassles that I’d like to endure over a weekend. On the other hand, I want to do what’s “right.”

Second – and I know this sounds a bit weird – do you have a “personal” relationship with any of your guns? Do you have any that are so special to you that no matter what someone offers you, you’ll say, “No thanks. You can make an offer on my oldest son, but I’m going to keep this beauty in the family.”

I’m asking that because a common thread of the advice given to individuals who contemplate “restoring” a gun to its original condition is “If you do that, it’s value will be cut in half immediately.” You see, I’m thinking “What do I care if my revolver is worth $800 or $400 ... it’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, and it’s going to be ‘in the family’ for a long time ... and it will be fun to shoot whether it’s visually ‘perfect’ or has that damned scratch on it.”

In a way, it’s interesting to contrast guns (and antiques) with vintage cars ... where just as soon as someone gets hir hands on, say, a 50 Ford Custom Coupe, s/he takes it apart, gets out the sander, and warms up the paint. Why shouldn’t it be the same with guns? And especially since I’m anticipating doing nothing besides making it look like it just came out of the box.

Help!

[Hammer Down]

Originally Posted by Easy Goin'

Hammer Down:
I did find your information very helpful, but you didn’t answer one of my questions ... and your comments inspired another.
First, how should I go about registering this gun (and I anticipate doing it in either Virginia or Michigan)? Think about it, I’m going to walk into my local police station (I assume) with a S&W revolver. I’m going to have no receipt, no papers of any sort ... nothing except my word that it was a “gift” from my 96-year-old mother who lives two states away. It sounds like a recipe for more hassles that I’d like to endure over a weekend. On the other hand, I want to do what’s “right.”
Second – and I know this sounds a bit weird – do you have a “personal” relationship with any of your guns? Do you have any that are so special to you that no matter what someone offers you, you’ll say, “No thanks. You can make an offer on my oldest son, but I’m going to keep this beauty in the family.”
I’m asking that because a common thread of the advice given to individuals who contemplate “restoring” a gun to its original condition is “If you do that, it’s value will be cut in half immediately.” You see, I’m thinking “What do I care if my revolver is worth $800 or $400 ... it’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, and it’s going to be ‘in the family’ for a long time ... and it will be fun to shoot whether it’s visually ‘perfect’ or has that damned scratch on it.”
In a way, it’s interesting to contrast guns (and antiques) with vintage cars ... where just as soon as someone gets hir hands on, say, a 50 Ford Custom Coupe, s/he takes it apart, gets out the sander, and warms up the paint. Why shouldn’t it be the same with guns? And especially since I’m anticipating doing nothing besides making it look like it just came out of the box.
Help!

Hello
On the Guns registration Deal, You Need to First Here Nail down where you are going to Live and check their Local Registration laws. All states are a little different. I would think a trip to the Local sherriff's department by your Mom to have her say this Gun was in the family and Given to you, should take care of the Big Brother's Nosey issue of where it came from. She then may have to get a notorized statement if the gun is leaving the state it is on and depending on where it is Going it may have to shipped to an FFL Holder on the other end, Logged in and Transfered to you. If The states share Reciprocey allowing you to cross state line with a handgun and there are Lax laws on getting a permit where you are headed toss it under the seat and go for it, But make certain you are Not breaking any state or Federal laws by doing so as the Sheriff's Department should be able to answer your questions much better than I can. I do have guns that will never leave my hands as they are my Main Love affair and Hobby. In the Realm of refinishing that revolver, I Like them original Untouched the way they left the factory. I am More of a Purist and no Matter who refinish's it, Once it is refinished it is Just another refinished revolver worth half of what it is now. It is your gun do with it what ever you Like... Hammerdown

[EddieB]

In virginia you do not have to register your pistol\revolver, rifle, or shotguns, only thing you have to register is a short barrel rifle and automatics.

[Easy Goin']

Hammer Down and Eddie B:

Thanks to both of you. And HD, special thanks for telling me so much about the S&W K-22.

[Mr. 22]

Hey Hammer...
I couldn't help but notice the pix of your Presentation Grips too. I saw yours on the question about the nickle plated guns and I will try and post there as well. I am a big Smith fan and have been collecting Presentation Grips for as long as I can remember. Have you ever seen the Bird's Eye Maple grips before? I also have sets for the K & N frames in the Target size that I will have to post some images of also. Ohhh... here's my K22 - Masterpiece in the 8 3/8" configuration (26K6---) which is a 17-4, I also have a 17-2, identical with case all paperwork etc. All of my S&W revolvers are all 8 3/8" - that is all I collect... I just love the looks and balance of 'em. I love to shoulder rig these and with a little care and the right rig you will get no holster wear (as you can see), I love to carry my 27's and 29's this way as well.
If I get the chance, I will also post pix of my Model 53 - Jet... the ULTIMATE in .22 Magnum! 8 3/8 as new in the box with the inserts and the extra cylinder, paperwork, etc. What..., no thread on these or did I just miss it? I'm sort of a newbie on the site.
In case you didn't notice... I'm also very big into collecting books. A few on guns, hunting, etc. but primarily angling/flyfishing - dating from the 1600's to the present. Any interest out there in the books? Either Guns/Hunting or Fishing? These are some of the best out there on the subject - rare in this condition with the jackets.
Keep up the great work, Hammer!
Robert

[Hammer Down]

Hello MR. 22
I have seen Two Pairs of the Birds Eye Maple stocks. One was magna's like yours and the Other pair was a Pair of Target stocks. Very Nice indeed... Hammerdown

[safetypin]

Hammer Down et al:

Well, I'm the new kid on the block. Came across this website while researching a K-22 handgun that came to me through my father's estate last summer. This is a really nice site. The information I have found here -- particularly the stuff provided by Hammer Down -- has been really helpful in figuring out what I have.

My new toy appears to be a five-screw early model K-22 Outdoorsman without a barrel rib, with a King front sight and Target grips. It is not clear to me whether the grips are original, or were added by a previous owner. There are no serial numbers visible on the inside of the grips. Serial number on the gun is 672XXX (no K prefix). I'm guessing late 1930's. I just sent off a bunch of information Roy Jinks, Smith & Wesson's Historian, and he will likely be able to confirm the age of the gun, and provide me with a letter of authenticity.

I'm really not familiar with the scoring system for collectible guns, but, this one is in very nice condition. Don't have the box, though. It doesn't really matter, since dollar values are not important to me. I'm keeping it forever.

I'm attaching photos. I hope Hammer Down forgives me -- I took a page from his presentation technique, using my weathered deck as the backdrop for the photos -- it's got to be about as close to 18% gray as you can get, which helps the camera correctly interpret color.

Great website.

[Hammer Down]

Hello Safety pin
Welcome Aboard
It looks to be Possibly a King Conversion gun you have there and a sweet one at that. King Bought New Guns from S&W then Modifired sights, Grips and Barrels, Hammer's and triggers then sold them as Custom offerings. I hope your letter from MR Jinks shows it shipped to King to support my suspicions. I think King alsdo made Custom wood grips for hand guns and that would be the reason yours are Not serial number stamped as the Original Factory service grips have been removed for these custom ones. mean while, here is a Page out of an old King catalog which may make more sense to what I have shared here. That front sight yours has is the King Red Post Patridge as they called it. Very Nice piece... Hammerdown

[safetypin]

Hammer Down --

Thanks for the catalog pages. That is enlightening. It is my understanding that original purchaser information is usually provided in a Letters of Authenticity, assuming that there is a record available, so if my gun is one of these King custom conversions, that will probably be revealed.

Does King still exist? The reason I ask is that I have a strong suspicion that the original consumer purchaser was probably my Dad's older brother, and I'd love to be able to verify that. If Uncle Russ was the original buyer, that may show up in the Letter. If King bought it, the only way to prove that is to ask them -- if they exist. Of course, there is likely some retailer in between whether it is a King gun or not.

FYI, dear Uncle Russ had a number of nifty firearms. Late in life, he gave me an absolutely like-new Savage Model 1920 bolt action deer rifle (in .300 Savage caliber) which he bought NEW in 1928. I still have this gun and occasionally hunt with it. He also had a remarkable (and fairly rare) Model 1901 Remington Rolling Block single-shot .22 Caliber target pistol, which was manufactured somewhere between 1901 and 1909. I am lucky to own this near-new piece as well. It looks (and shoots) great!

Again thanks for the catalog pages, the additional info, and the kind words about my pretty gun. It is a treasure -- but it is one that is going to get used, however carefully. I'll let you know when I get the results back from Mr Jinks at S&W.

Safetypin

[Hammer Down]

Originally Posted by safetypin

Hammer Down --

Thanks for the catalog pages. That is enlightening. It is my understanding that original purchaser information is usually provided in a Letters of Authenticity, assuming that there is a record available, so if my gun is one of these King custom conversions, that will probably be revealed.

Does King still exist? The reason I ask is that I have a strong suspicion that the original consumer purchaser was probably my Dad's older brother, and I'd love to be able to verify that. If Uncle Russ was the original buyer, that may show up in the Letter. If King bought it, the only way to prove that is to ask them -- if they exist. Of course, there is likely some retailer in between whether it is a King gun or not.


Again thanks for the catalog pages, the additional info, and the kind words about my pretty gun. It is a treasure -- but it is one that is going to get used, however carefully. I'll let you know when I get the results back from Mr Jinks at S&W.

Safetypin

Hello Safetypin
No, King has been out of Business since the late 1950's when the owner of it died. They were located in California and there was a large Law Suite involving the Micro Corperation as Micro supposedly stole some of Kings Parts and pattent rights. All that is left is fond memories and parts scattered all over the US... Hammerdown

[Dan22]

When I win the Lottery I will finally get my long-lusted after S&W model-17 Masterpiece .22.

I'd also like a model-34 Kit Gun .22.

[countrykid]

Originally Posted by Hammer Down

Hello
It is no secret that D.B. Wesson was highly attracted to the .22 round.
<snip>

Howdy all!
I recently inherited a K-22 and I've been searching the internet trying to find out what year mine was made. My search has lead me to your fine website and thread. (Never heard of gunandgame.com before my search)

I was hoping someone here could reveal to me what year my K-22 was made.

I am also not certain of the Model number and name designation of my K-22 either, so if anyone can provide as much info about it as possible, I'd appreciate it!

The number stamped on the bottom of the grip begins with K380XXX.

Here are two pics:




Thanks in advance!

[Hammer Down]

Originally Posted by countrykid

Howdy all!
I recently inherited a K-22 and I've been searching the internet trying to find out what year mine was made. My search has lead me to your fine website and thread. (Never heard of gunandgame.com before my search)

I was hoping someone here could reveal to me what year my K-22 was made.

I am also not certain of the Model number and name designation of my K-22 either, so if anyone can provide as much info about it as possible, I'd appreciate it!

The number stamped on the bottom of the grip begins with K380XXX.


Thanks in advance!

Hello
And welcome to the forum Country Kid. Your K-22 with serial number K380XXX falls into 1959-K-350548--K--386804 time span. It should be a Four screw revolver Meaning Three side plate screws and One in front of the Trigger Guard. It has the High Polished bluing as well. I notice it has later stocks on it as the correct one's would have had a diamond center, It is super nice looking K-22 Thanks for sharing it... Hammerdown

[Dave Holl]

Your pictures of this great revolver, the K-22, bring back many memories for me. Back in the '50's and '60's Dad had one and we shot targets in the basement. He traded it for my first shot gun, a 20 ga Lefever side-by-side which I still have. Wish I still had the K-22.

Dave

[Hammer Down]

Hello
Spring has Spurng in my area as I had to Mow my Lawn Yesterday, so this warm weather Prompted me to drag out my First Model K-22 Outdoorsman from 1936 and Take a few new pictures with it's original Red Picture Box... Hammerdown

[air36]

I have a k22 serial# k310xxx in very good condition with just a little holster wear and absolutly no rust or scratches. what year is this gun made? thanx

[Hammer Down]

Originally Posted by air36

I have a k22 serial# k310xxx in very good condition with just a little holster wear and absolutly no rust or scratches. what year is this gun made? thanx

Hi
According to my Reference material the serial you provided falls into this range. 1957-K-288989--K--317822 I hope this helps. Hammerdown

[air36]

Originally Posted by Hammer Down

Hi
According to my Reference material the serial you provided falls into this range. 1957-K-288989--K--317822 I hope this helps. Hammerdown

thanxs! it was my grand fathers. i knew it was old but had a hard time finding any specifics on it. is it considered a master piece or a k-17?

[Hammer Down]

Originally Posted by air36

thanxs! it was my grand fathers. i knew it was old but had a hard time finding any specifics on it. is it considered a master piece or a k-17?

Hello
1957 was the first year that S&W started stamping Model Numbers in the Crane area. Yours should show the Number 17 in that area. It is called a Third series K-22 Target Masterpiece... Hammerdown