ramptester, that is a fine lookin K22. The target grips look very good on that K-frame.
I picked up a K22 this afternoon, 5 screw, serial #K 2356** no box, magna diamonds, etc. I'd estimate finish at 98% as there's barely a turn ring, no wear at all (almost a match of ramptester's finish). No haggle allowed, priced at $475 in Las Vegas. I figure it was born in 1955, same as me. What did they cost NIB back then? Anyone know?
Last year I got an 18-3, serial# 5K5596** with some wear at the muzzle and cylinder front, a spot of rust about the size of a pencil eraser of the sideplate, that I estimate70-75%+ due to the rust spot (now shiny metal, no pits that I can see, but they're there I'm sure) priced at $375, no box, etc. Looking at Supica's tome, it was birthed the same year I graduated H.S. '73.
Same question... price back then?
The 18 is so accurate it's scary. I expect to find out what the K22 can do this weekend. Maybe I'll have a little competition between the two and see if the 4" kid can hold his own with the 6" old man. Do you think it would be fair to borrow my daughter's little 317 3" and take it out with the older fellows? I mean the baby holds 2 more rounds, has a shorter barrel, a stiff trigger, dayglo green front sight and is... kinda a silverish grey color. (shudder) Plus it's such a lightweight. I really don't think it'd stand a chance accuracy wise, but you never know until you try.
Anyway, it'd be nice to know their original costs and some attempt to evaluate value increase now based on wear and tear (or lack thereof) to see if Supica's numbers are close to what the market is really saying. Based on what I paid alone, he's spot on.