S&W K22 question

[XavierBreath]

In general Tall Pine, yes, a lower dash number is generally preferred by those who collect, especially those new to S&W collecting. It does not mean it is more scarce or valuable though. It does mean it's an older gun. Some dash numbers only lasted a year or two, so a later dash number may actually be more scarce on a particular model. If a fellow is collecting numbers instead of guns, that might be important to him, I suppose.

Some of the engineering changes were actually improvements though, and for folks who shoot, those improvements may prove to be desirarable. This is especially true of the improvements to prevent flamecutting on magnums.

As for the pinned & recessed thing, back when S&W pinned barrels and recessed cylinders, the overall quality of the revolvers is generally considered to be higher. Seeing a pinned barrel is the first distinct indicator of a gun from that time period.

Likewise, pre-war Smiths are generally considered to be fitted better than post-war. They also have a different action that lends itself to a very smooth trigger pull. Thus, many of the guys who have shot them prefer a pre-war S&W Hand Ejector gun.

 

[Tall Pine]

Thanks X. I will use mine as a shooter, but would also like to pick one to optimize quality, craftsmanship, and by defualt collectibility/prestige.

Would a 17-3 or a pinned 17-4 be a good choice for what I was looking for? All opinions are appreciated.

TIA

 

[Rolando]

Tall pine.

I'd suggest a k-22, pre model 17 five screw model. Not prewar so it won't be to expensive but the 5 screw older model from early fifties would have some collectible appeal being pre 17. $350 is a steal and $500 would be easy to find depending on condition. Check gunbroker


Rolando

 

[XavierBreath]

Here is a Model 17-4 and a Model 17-3. More important than the dash number is the condition of the gun, whether you prefer that barrel length, and the grips that are on it. The difference between a -3 and a -4 is the change of the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. It's only important if you are ordering parts.

More important than anything is the condition, and since these would be used guns, don't forget about the condition. Condition means a lot more than just the finish. The K-22 cylinders are heavy, and the ammunition is cheap. This leads to a lot of rapid firing by novice users, pulling that trigger as fast as possible to blaze through cylinder after cylinder of ammunition. Check the condition. The cylinders weight combined with the rapid shooting can lead to these revolvers getting out of time more frequently than other S&W revolvers, and accelerated parts wear. Used properly, this will not happen, but you are looking at a used gun here. Use the Jim March Checkout, and check out the condition.

 

[Tall Pine]

Xavier-thank you much. I will heed your advice. That thread is awesome. I suppose buying online with no return ability would not be suggested.....there is no way to do the checkout.

One last question, do you know what year the target grips became avail? I am a big man and just from the pics it looks like the larger target grips would fit me better. FWIW I plan on getting a 6"

Thanks again to everyone for their help.

 

[XavierBreath]

I'm not certain when the target grips became available on the Model 17. They became available on K frames (and possibly K-22s) in 1950.

Try a K frame with target grips first. Most people, myself included, prefer service magnas for shooting, unless the Targets are "Cokes." The target grips seem to be a bit too wide at the bottom.

I've never bought a gun on an online auction. I suppose that's one way of managing my accumulation, but I also like to give them a check-out first. Most online sellers allow a three day inspection period.

 

[p7rene]

S&W 17-3 question

Hello all, rookie here and will ask a dumb question. I've done a lot of research but haven't found the answer yet. I'm sure it is something really simple. On the barrel of my 17-3 it says .22 long rifle CTG. Now be gentle with me, its taken a lot of courage on my part to ask but what does CTG mean? Thanks.

 

[mec]

just short form for "cartridge."

 

[p7rene]

duh... oh well, I knew it was stupid. I guess the all capital letters were throwing me off. Mucho thanks.

 

[mec]

Not really. I thought it was pretty wierd the first time I saw it written that way too.