[Mastrogiacomo]

At some point I might get another .22 - I've already got the New Single Six and plan to get the Mark III 6" thin barrel. The K-22 seems to be very much like my 686 right down to the weight. Is it worth it or are there significant differences (aside of caliber ;) )

[Shear_stress]

The term "K22" covers a pretty wide swath, from the Outdoorsman, K22 Masterpiece and Combat Masterpiece (with numbered equivalents M17 and M18, respectively), to the current 617. Barrel lengths ranged from 4" (Combat Masterpiece, 18, 617, and an occasional 17), 5" (rare 17), 6" (Masterpiece, 17 and 617) and even 8 3/8 (17 only, I believe). Barrels were only half-lugged until the introduction of the full-lug 617 and reintroduction of a full-lug 17 (which was fairly shortlived). Front sights were Baughman quick draw on the M18 and Patridge on the others. Capacity ranges from a traditional six to ten on some current 617 models (as well as a re-reintroduced 17-8). A few full-lug 17s and 617s sported aluminum cylinders, and sold like cold cakes. All had adjustable rear sights, with the exception of the fixed sight M45, which I have never actually seen. Some had target triggers and target hammers, some narrow versions of the same. All were blued or nickled, exception for the stainless 617.

As you can tell, there are a lot of variations. One thing that is true about K22s is that they are wonderful guns to shoot, with smooth actions and lovely k-frame balance. Even the modern 617, with its full-lug barrel, stainless construction, and much-maligned MIM parts, is said to be a hell of a shooter. If you wanted to buy any of these guns, I would not be the person to talk you out of it.

[owen]

it's my understanding that the shot cylinders tend to be more accuarate than the 10 shot cylinders

[FPrice]

Laura,

The K-22 is an outstanding .22 revolver with tremendous accuracy potential. I would suggest trying to get an older one (although the new SS version I saw was very nice). The 6" barrel version is about 39 oz. A 6" 686 is around 46 oz. Whether or not it will help you directly with your 686 is debatable but they [B]are[B] good revolvers and should help your shooting skills. Plus, they are fun.

Here is a pic of the two I was lucky enough to find. Coincidentally they both date to the same year, 1955

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=19703

[jobu07]

Here's mine. Nevermind the terrible photo... Just me trying to be creative. Anyway, mine's a masterpiece. :) One of the nicest pistols I have ever shot.

[Hammerdown]

Hello
Early on, when they came out with the newer larger K-style frame they called it a K-22 masterpiece. It's development was to stimulate growth from Sillohette shooter's that shot larger calibers such as the .357.& The .38 Special. The idea was to supply the shooter with a revolver that weighed in about the same as the Larger caliber K-frame hand guns. A.K. A. Model 10, and later the Model 19 and so on. This model shares the same design is a very durable revolver. I have had several K-22's and favor the Dash-2 series. This One I have now has the target trigger, hammer, and I had it refinished in Nickel. I also installed a Mcgivern Gold bead front sight along with a white outline rear target sight. This is my favorite .22 on the market and to me there is not another that would hold a candle to it. For the record the revolver you mention is a L frame revolver with a under lugged barrel and they typically weigh a little more than a older K-22 but should compare well to the newer model 617's with this lug. Regards, Hammerdown.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/hammerdown-7/DSCF5349.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/hammerdown-7/61b415e2.jpg

[Standing Wolf]

It took me two decades to find a replacement for the K-22 I was foolish enough to sell for a good price.

[bpisler]

I bought my wife a 18-3 with a 4"
barrel today.It's a old Az DPS
training gun,where i got it at
has 2 storage cases's of them for
sale for $249.00.They have quite
a bit of blueing wear but seem to
be in very good mechanical shape.

[Hammerdown]

(QUOTE ) It took me two decades to find a replacement for the K-22 I was foolish enough to sell for a good price (QUOTE)
Hello
AMEN to that... and the one pictured above will NEVER be sold due to that very same reason..;) Hammerdown

[P95Carry]

I have a ''pre K-22" and think these are guns well worth finding. I don't shoot a lot of revo 22 because of reloading laziness but - when I do - it is a pleasure always :)

http://www.acbsystems.com/boards/thr/cb_gun2/pre_k22_02_s.jpg

[Moonclip]

I have also heard that 10 shot S&W's have an inferior trigger pul as opposed to the 6 shot ones. I actually find 22 revolvers easier to load than 22 autos as it requires no thumb pressure and less fatigue to keep loading them.

[slick6]

Here is my 17-3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/214349ee.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/3de0e1d3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v631/shootit/ec2769a1.jpg

[nitesite]

Here are some pics of mine which I just recently sold. The money went to a very good cause, but I sure do miss it already. Model 18's are wonderful.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/M18web6.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/M18web5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/M18web8.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/M18web2.jpg

[BBBS]

Here's mine a Pre-18

[Dave Markowitz]

K-22s are SWEET. I have a Model 18 and need to pick up a Model 17 (or pre-17). You'll not find a nicer shooting wheelgun, IMNSHO.