1948 S&W Model K-22

[BigWoolyBanjo]

Hey there,

I just picked one of these up today. It's a sweet gun & really feels nice to hold. I can't wait to get out and shoot it.

I'd like to get a bit more info on it. Anybody know where to get/download a scan of an owner's manual?

If it's in pretty nice condition, what might be the value? (I paid $375)

Lastly, I plan on using this gun, not putting it away and worrying about it being an antique, holding it's value, all that. Is that a bad idea with an old revolver like this?

Thanks in advance for any input.

-BigWoolyBanjo

 

[SaxonPig]

BigWooleyBanjo? There must be a story behind that one.

Of course you should shoot your K22. That's what they were made to do.

Not sure where to find an owners manual. Try posting a request at www.smith-wessonforum.com as those guys ARE S&W and somebody will have what you need or know where to find it.

I bagged one about a year or so back at a local show. I paid $325 which I thought was a fair price for the 85% gun. Your $375 depends on condition to determine real value but it sounds like you did well.

Mine is a bit newer but probably looks similar to yours.

 

[Colt Smith]

Jeez! I picked one up about 6 months ago for a tad over $500. It had about 6 rounds through it. At the time I thought that was a decent price. Where are you guys getting these for $325-$375? I'd love to find one in nice shape at those prices. It would be a no-brainer for me.

BigWoolyBanjo, shoot it and enjoy it. The K22 is one of the all time tack-driving classics.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

I have a 1947 one that I would not part with for anything close to that. But it does not have a mark on it and does not even have any type of rotation mark on the clynder. I believe it to be unfired condition.

I have had several others from the early years I have shot many times.
If yours is in collector value condition I would not want to use it much as the fine ones from that age are hard to come by. On the other side if it has been used somewhat why not as they are fine pistols.

 

[BCRider]

The good thing about shooting .22's from a K frame size gun is that you won't be able to ever wear it out unless you bath it in grinding compound and keep using it.

Use it but don't ABuse it and it'll still be shooting well enough to hand down to your grandkids and for them to hand over to THEIR grandkids.

 

[2RCO]

No! no! you should not shoot it but rather wrap it up and send it to my FFL as soon as I send you a check for what you gave for it plus shipping.

This way you don't have to worry about risking the condition of the gun since I'll be the one shooting it

 

[CajunBass]

Jeez! I picked one up about 6 months ago for a tad over $500.

I paid just under $500.00 for mine (Model 17-3, made in 1971). I'm another one who never seems to find them for $300.00, or shoot, even $500.00 now.



Nice gun you got there SP. And Banjo....we need pictures of your find too. Sounds like a good one.

 

[SaxonPig]

CB- I guess I shouldn't show you this 14-3 I got off Gunbroker a couple years ago. Think it was a cop gun because it shows mucho holster wear, been carried a lot but functions just fine. Paid the starting price of $100 for it. Nobody else bid on it.

 

[AULefty]

Try www.again.net for a printable copy of the Owner's manual.

 

[AULefty]

Scratch the web address previously posted. I had not been on it in a year or so, but the owner's manuals doesn't seem to be on it anymore. Sorry.

 

[Colt Smith]

http://www.firearmsid.com/FAManuals/

I took a look here but didn't find it. Lots of other manuals for anyone interested. Did a search on the web but precious little comes up. Sorry.

 

[vanagon40]

Hey you guys who spent $500,

Three months ago I paid $560 (including shipping and the fees charged by the FFL holders) for a 1971 17-3.

I also wonder where to find all these guns for under $400.

Maybe someone can steer me to a 19-4 or earlier for under $400 (short barrel and round butt).

 

[BigWoolyBanjo]

Hey All,
Thanks for the replies. I found mine sitting in a display case at my local gun shop. I know it had only been there for less than 2 weeks. Glad to hear I got a decent price on it. Looking forward to trying it out, probably next weekend.
I'll get to work on some pics & put them up soon.
-BigWoolyBanjo

 

[KyJim]

The SW K-22 is a great revolver. Below is a picture of mine which was also made in 1948. I don't believe the stocks to be original. Either the finish is original or a very good re-blue. I also own a SW 17-3 which has a more "polished" looking blue finish than the 1948 gun. I take the older gun to the range more.

 

[BigWoolyBanjo]

Here are a few pics.
-BigWoolyBanjo

 

[krs]

I've like the K22's and M17's for quite while and have a few.

I had one photo that had the bunch all together but I don't know where it went now. Must be in my disc somewhere, but since I got Photoshop 'Elements' I can't find a lot of my images.

There's also a full lugged late model blued ten shot.

KyJim, your stocks are later than the gun. The blue wasn't as high gloss on the early post war pistols like it is on later versions. That's normal.

 

[KyJim]

KRS - Thanks. I pretty much knew the stocks were not original. I did think the finish was original but it was in such good shape for a 60 year old gun, I just wasn't sure. You're right about the differences in the finishes. My Model 17-3 shines next to my 1948 K-22.