S&W K-22

asop

What criteria makes one a "Masterpiece"?

asop

-First time on this forum.
Need Info on a S&W K-22. The serial number is 659XXX. There is a pix in the Jan. 2004, page34 of a K-22 Masterpiece but mine has few differences. The front sight ramp is squire at the back; the rear sight is flatter just in front of the blade; and there is no spur in the triggerguard behind the trigger. Made in USA is stamped in the right side, below the cylander, and there are two lines stamped on top of the barrel. The last two patent dates are Sept. 14, 09 and Dec. 29, 14. The hammer spur is high on the hammer and is not the target type. Finish is great but shows some holster wear on the muzzle and a line around the cylander, made by the cylander lock. The bore is great and it shoots well. I would like to know what it is worth and when it was made. This is a great little snake amd small game piece.[B)]

asop

back in 8th grade I bought a K-22, it came in a silver box with blue printing, & all of the factory stuff. The box has been tossed & Jenks advised me that it was mfg. 1952, and sent Blue to a company in brooklyn. Did S&W have someone else do the nickel?
I am looking for the letter, but misplaced in a move
tksgn

rufe-snow

Strictly a marketing name, used on their high quality, adjustable sight revolvers. Made specifically for target shooting.

Laredo Lefty

In addition to the adjustable sights, masterpiece revolvers usually have heavy barrels and target triggers and hammers.

CapnMidnight

Before 1957, Smith & Wesson revolvers where named, not numbered.
I have a K frame, 6" 22 caliber revolver, it was marketed as a K 22 Masterpiece. The same frame, in 38 special was marketed as the K 38 Masterpiece, the 4" version was a K 38 Combat Masterpiece. In todays world, the 6" 22 is a model 17, the 6" 38 is the model 14 and the 4" Combat Masterpiece is the model 15. The Combat Magnum became the model 19.
The -1 -2 or whatever behind the model number is the model change, or update if you like.
Hope this answers your question.
W.D.

asop

OK-So I have an 8", adj. rear site S&W, 22 long rifle marking, mfg. maybe in 1980 (Ser#76KO5--) would this be considered a Mod. 17-4 K-22 "Masterpiece"? Thanks

nmyers

Well, yes, you could call your revolver a M17-4 K-22 Masterpiece. But, most folks would call it a M17-4 & leave it at that; without research, I would guess that it came in a generic box. It's really splitting hairs, but technically it could be considered a "Target Masterpiece" because it has the squared Patridge front sight; the version with Baughman ramp front sight was the M18, or "Combat Masterpiece".

Generally, the "base" K model came with narrow hammer, narrow trigger, & small stocks. A popular option was "the 3T's": wide target trigger, target hammer, & target stocks.

Variations could drive you nuts.

Neal

asop

Neal-Yes, confusing. But I thank you for the explanation as it is now less confusing[:)]