Trying to determine year and value on my S&W K-22

[CommanderPoopyduX]

I have a k-22 in pretty good shape and I am trying to determine what year and the value of the gun. The barrel is pinned and cylinder recessed. The only serial number on the gun is on the bottom of the grip (which is dark wood with diamond checks)....which reads "K 311XXX" One side of the barrel reads "Smith & Wesson" and the other side reads "22 Long Rifle CTG"

Can anyone help with me info about this gun? Anything on here or any information to [email protected] would be greatly greatly appreciated!

 

[Black_Talon]

Yours is a "Pre M-17" built in 1957.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Don't sell it.

Take my word for it, please: it took me two decades to replace the K-22 I foolishly sold for a good price.

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

Thanks for the info guys.....

Standing Wolf...I will probably keep it now that I know it is that old (thanks Black_Talon). I thought it was made in the 80s or maybe 70s.....a 50 year old gun I bought 10 years ago for $200.....wow.

What is the gun worth at this point? The wood has a small chip in the bottom and there is a small scratch on the side of the frame, but all in all in good shape and shoots perfectly.

 

[ugaarguy]

K frame prices are steadily rising. Much of the price is dependent upon market conditions where you are. In SW Idaho it would probably retail at $300 or more. Here in NE Georgia where they're harder to come by you're looking at least $400 retail easily. Wholesale will be lower, but that's a general idea.

 

[full metal]

k 22

if black talon is right and my book of gun trader is right,well here is what it read's:
MODEL 22 1950 ARMY........Nib$1802 Ex$1622 Gd$669
Post war version of the 1917 Army w/same general specifications
except redesigned hammer. made 1950-67

probely not you'r model but, you never know till you check.

 

[Majic]

A K22 is not a Model 22 of 1950. A K22 is an adjustable sighted K-frame .22lr revolver and the M22 is a fix sighted .45 ACP N-frame. The K22 is far more common and won't bring anywhere near the price of a Model 22.
S&W's model numbers are not representative of the caliber.

 

[jad0110]

Pics???

Depending on where you live, a pre-17 K-22 in 98% + condition could bring north of $475. I've seen them sell for over $500 in exellent condition.

I paid $430 for my 17-0 K-22, made in 1959 last November. Not a great deal, but fair IMO. A K-22 is always worth paying a premium for, to me anyway. Don't ever, ever sell your K-22. The K-22 is, IMO, one of S&W's crowning achievements.

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

I will try to get some pics of it posted this weekend....but first i must find somewhere to host them...

 

[full metal]

Oooop's thank's for correcting me majic I had just gotten home from work, and I was tired.when I looked up the price.

 

[22-rimfire]

Really nice Model 17 (K-22's) are selling in the neighborhood of $450 in my neck of the woods. For your Post-War K-22 Masterpiece (K-prefix) I'll just provide the curent Blue Book numbers for your reference: 98% $775; 95% $725; 90% $650. That should give you a feel for the value.

 

[jad0110]

I will try to get some pics of it posted this weekend....but first i must find somewhere to host them...

Most people like Image Shack, but I couldn't figure the darn thing out. I use http://photobucket.com/.

All you have to do is create a free account, then start uploading your photos. Once your pictures are uploaded, all you have to do is single left click the "IMG Code" link below your uploaded picture (copies the link automatically) and paste it into your THR "Reply to Thread" window.

It's a snap.

 

[aka108]

Bought my K-22 in 1950. New price was 60 bucks back then. Sounds like a deal today but at that time 60 bucks took a long time to save at the 75 cents an hour I was making part-time when I was 14. Bought it in lieu of a Colt Match Target Woodsman since the Colt cost 5 bucks more. Have no idea of the value of the old 5 screw models since no interest in ever getting rid of it.

 

[Iggy]

I talked a guy down from $485 to $435 yesterday on a 1957 vintage model 17

First one I had seen in years.

 

[CommanderPoopyduX]

sorry it took me a while to finally post a pic of mine......I have been busy lately, but here it is.....


The flash made it looked all scratched up for some reason, but it really isn't...in fact I'd say it is in good shape for being a 1957 gun....

 

[XavierBreath]

First, this looks to be a four screw gun. The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1955. Model numbers began to be stamped inside the yoke in 1957.

If you have no Model number inside the yoke, then you have a pretty close approximation of the revolver's date of production. If you have a Model number, you know it's a post 1957 gun. If there is no screw in the triggerguard, it's a post 1961 gun. The dash numbers should also help date a post 1957 gun. edited to add: Serial K 311XXX would make it a 1957 gun.......Duh........

The grips are likely originals, with a serial number stamped inside. There should also be a serial number on the flat under the barrel, and the rear of the cylinder.

It's difficult to judge finish wear by a photo, bt your revolver looks to be at least a Very Good. That places it at $425 if it's a K-22 Masterpiece (pre 1957) and at $350 if it's a Model 17 (post 1957). FWIW, the Model 17 is also recognized as a K-22 Masterpiece. These price estimates are from Supica's Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition. edited to add: Being a 1957 gun, your gun's basic value will be determined by whether it bears a model number or not. Final value determination will be made, as always, by a purchaser's willingness to pay the price.

In use, this will be a highly accurate and fun revolver. The best part about this gun is you apparently already have some muzzle wear. The worst depreciation is over. Enjoy it. Shoot the snot out of it. I love mine!




FWIW, I paid $199 for mine, a Model 17-3, last year. Yeah, I was happy!