S&W K-22

[Para Driver]

I'm thinking about getting a vintage S&W K-22, no other reason than I want one.. What is the difference between a 3-4-5 screw version.. I'm sure there is some manufacturing or collector differential between them?

Any resource for photos and descriptions?
Any pricing estimates.

[BUFF]

Basically, the Smith & Wesson revolvers lost screws as part of their evolution as the engineers at S&W made changes to reduce the cost of manufacturing.

The 5 screw had 3 that held the sideplate on, 1 that held the cylinder and yoke in place as well as the front of the sideplate, and then a fifth that put tension on the cylinder locking bolt and bolt spring, and was located in the front of the trigger guard.

In 1955, S&W eliminated the third sideplate screw at the top of the sideplate, just below the rear sight. Now they were 4 screws.

In 1961, the screw in the front of the trigger guard was eliminated and the locking bolt was redesigned. Now, 3 screw.

S&W's used names for the various models until 1957, like the K-22 Masterpiece. In 1957, the K-22 became the Model 17. By then they were 4 screw.

From 1957 on, S&W would add a "dash number" to the model number to indicate engineering or other changes. In 1957, the M-17-1 had the ejector rod changed from right- to left-hand threads so it wouldn't unscrew as the gun was shot. In 1961, M-17-2 was the elimination of the fourth screw and the bolt stop redesign, as noted above. M-17-3, in 1967 was a relocation of the rear sight assembly's front screw into the top strap. M-17-4 in 1977 moved the gas ring from the yoke to the front of the cylinder. M-17-5 in 1988 was a new yoke retention and stud radius design. M-17-6 in 1990 was the new stud and yoke changes with a heavy, full-length barrel underlug, like the Colt Python. M-17-7 in 1994 saw the frame's top strap drilled and tapped for a scope under the rear sight assembly, a change in the contour of the sight body (round at the front) and a change in the extractor. The Model 17-8 in 1996 was the addition of a 10 shot cylinder. Serious S&W fans talk about the dash number variants as much as 3,4 and 5 screw designations, which are much more broad in the guns they cover.

Best source on-line is the Smith-Wesson Forum. The S&W Collectors Association has a great web site but you have to be a member to access it. Probably the most up-to-date S&W book is the STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH & WESSON 3rd edition by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas which includes pricing guidance but S&W's vintage handguns have appreciated a lot in the last 5 years and the book, published in 2006, is already behind the curve on many models.

The K-22 is a classic, perhaps the best .22 revolver ever made. They are tremendous shooters and S&W's trigger pulls are the standard of the industry and respond even better to tuning.

If you can't tell, I am a big S&W fan!

[Indycar]

Find one of the 3 screw versions which also had a pinned barrel and recessed cylinders (so the face of the cartridge head was flush with the ejector star). Those seem to command the best resale and have good collector value.

If you clean it after every use, it will last you forever. It will also make off the shelf .22 autos work up a sweat to keep up with the K22

[richbug]

Originally posted by Indycar
Find one of the 3 screw versions which also had a pinned barrel and recessed cylinders (so the face of the cartridge head was flush with the ejector star). Those seem to command the best resale and have good collector value.


All the 22's have recessed chambers, keeps you safe from the balloon head cases.

[firewalker]

If you can get one, anyone of the variations you'll be happy. Thats the first .22 I shot and I remember it like it was this morning. That gun was my Dads and I don't know what came of it over the years. I don't remember seeing it after his wife number 2 or 3. Can't remember now. He should of stuck to guns and fishing instead of chasing whores.

[Para Driver]

Originally posted by firewalker
He should of stuck to guns and fishing instead of chasing whores.

My dad offered me $10k to dump wife #1 before we got married.. I should have taken the cash, I'd have come out far ahead on that one. But that's a thread for DB.

[Para Driver]

the range seems to be $600-800

[gp35fn]

Picked up a K-22 last year, a 5 screw 1953 manufactured one in near mint condition for $400.00. Fantastic shooter it is now a permanent part of my range kit.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h252/gp35fn/P4010002.jpg

[gcrookston]

My model 17-2 "K22 masterpiece" shipped from the factory the day I was born, strange coincedence...

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj19/gcrookston/DSC00040.jpg

[URBAN ASSAULT]

My mother sold a pristine K-22 on a whim at our garage sale a couple of years ago while I was at the store getting something cold to drink.

An older guy had asked if mom had any guns she wanted to sell.

I think she got $70 for it. To seal the deal she threw in the vintage hand-tooled leather western holster.

Oddly enough, the old guy who bought it left rather quickly after handing over the cash.

When I found out after I came back I wanted to cry like a baby. :cry:

She had no idea of its worth, but based on the beautiful bluing and overall lack of use it EASILY had to be in 95% condition.

-urban

[Bawana jim]

Love them K 22s. I am going to take mine out this weekend and see which one shoots the best for me. I expect the one with the six inch barrel won't do well as my vision is changeing. I will sell what ever I can't shoot with. Keep in touch after this weekend if you want a K22.

jim