S&W K22 new to me

[4D5]

S&W K22
5 Screw
DOB 1948
6 in BBL
No box/papers/tools

I hadn’t made my usual rounds in a couple weeks, so last week I went to my favorite LGS.
I asked if there were any S&W orphans in need of adoption. He said no, but then he says oh, I do have something you’d probably like. Then he pulls out this K22 in most likely, the original owner’s soft case.

It’s in almost pristine condition, no crud on the top strap and the cylinder face has no lead buildup.
The recoil shield has no brass marks either. It looks like it has been fired as the blueing on the ejector rod is worn some.

So he says; I could let you have it for $650. I hesitated for just a moment, then, said get out the 4473.
This is my first 5 screw and diamond stocks; everything else I own is 3 screw.

I gave it a good cleaning and cleaned the stocks just a little.
I don’t know if it will get shot or not, at least for the time being…
I’ve got a 17-3 that I shoot a lot so that will ease the need to shoot this one.

 

[murf]

beautiful revolver. you won't regret buying it. everyone should own a 5-screw k22. it don't get no better!

murf

 

[BullRunBear]

I have one with the 8 3/8th barrel. You'll love it. Accurate, smoooooth and well balanced. I imagine the 6" version is more comfortable to carry.

Jeff

 

[Radagast]

Lovely. That was a lucky find.

 

[Shear_stress]

Nicely done!

 

[usp9]

Beautiful revolver. Please enlighten me. I am not a revolver guy and don't know the difference between the 3 and 5 screw revolver. How is the date determined? I have a K-22 I inherited from my father, but know very little about it.

 

[Reloadron]

One sweet little revolver. Enjoy it. I have a Model 17 also and love that little revolver but would love to find a K22 out there.

Ron

 

[red rick]

Nice find , a 17 or 22 is high on my want list .

 

[bikemutt]

Very nice revolver, they don't make 'em like that any longer.

I had a 5 screw (pre?) K38 which I, 1) foolishly had refinished, 2) more foolishly sold.

 

[murf]

usp9,

the 5-screw has four screws holding the side plate onto the frame (one is under the grip), and one in front of the trigger guard keeping the crane from falling out.

post the serial no. of the gun in the thread at the top of this forum and radagast should be along shortly to give the mfg. date.

murf

 

[pittspilot]

Very nice. They sure keeping going up in value. I love my 17 no dash.

 

[tallpaul]

I waited for too many years to get my first k frame .22lr I started Bullseye when auto's were well into their rule in the game but I always wanted a good .22 revolver- or 20 started with a stainless single six yaers back but about 5 years back I bought a clean model 17 and it shoots sooo nice- traded into a 617 and I like it too but it was bubba'd for a rib when I got her- replace the front sight with an interchangeable blade model and I like it too now. If ya like revolvers and .22 everyone owes it to themselves to own a k frame .22 before they leave this planet- at least for a while

 

[bannockburn]

4D5

Definitely one of the all time classics! Congrats on your new K22.

 

[usp9]

Murf, thanks.

 

[BCRider]

Given the situation on used gun prices down south I'd say you actually got a bargain on that gun. Even up here that would be an excellent but not quite bargain price. Especially given the condition.

As for shooting it? Well, it IS a rimfire. It's not like you're going to wear it out in any two lifetimes of use. I say treat it like the fine piece it is and even coddle it with a nice lace border blankey to lay it on at the range. But I'd say shoot it often and shoot it a lot and enjoy it.

Out of deference to it's lovely condition I'd likely not holster carry it much. Or get one of the fabric/cordura soft inside Uncle Mike's holsters for it and make sure you keep the holster scrupulously clean so it doesn't wear at the blueing.

But however you do it I'd suggest that this poor creature has been ignored for enough of its life. Now it's time to show it the sun on a frequent basis. Do it out of respect for it's age if nothing else.....

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Slight correction. The screw in front of the trigger guard is plugging a hole containing a spring and plunger that push the cylinder stop up. The screw that keeps the cylinder crane from falling out is the side plate screw near the trigger just like any three screw Smith. The screw in front of the trigger guard was eliminated with the 4 screw Smiths, the spring can only be accessed when the side plate is removed.

Nice K22, by the way.

 

[murf]

thx for the correction, driftwood.

murf

 

[eastbank]

this 1950 k-22 had given years of faithful service before i got it and i,m sure it will give years more. i like it a little more than my 617ss as its lighter for field work. eastbank.

 

[eastbank]

the pictures of the k-22 came up this time, eastbank.