Anybody got a S&W bible showing serial numbers and date of production??? Firmly in the category of "even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and again": as I mentioned elsewhere I spotted and purchased a very nice looking used S&W k22 today. Looking over the history ( interweb) if the serial number on the receipt is accurate #(k729XXX) from what I could find (THR) and a few other references, it maybe a 1948 ( third series)I don't have it at home yet..( monday after 2P.M) Itcould posibly be a very desirable(collectible) postwar handfitted smith... The "Problem": I wanted a shooter to toss in a holster and get sweat,rain and bug reppellant all over.can a gun be too valuable to use? Can Anybody verify what year the k729XXX's were produced?
It may not be a collectable, but I would not use it as a heavy use field gun. As you stated above, most, if not all S&W revolvers were hand fitted during that time period(don't make'em like they used too) and I would not want to take the risk of putting such a fine revolver to such use. The K-22 was developed as a cheaper method to practice with since it was the same frame as the 38/357 K-frame. I would dearly love to find a nickel plated M17 to go with my M19. I have a Heratidge Arms SSA for my field gun. Has an aditional 22WMR cylinder for a bit more flexibility and can be had for around $200.00 NIB.
Also, while trying to find a production date for yours, I learned that the K-22 line was discontinued after 1952. So you may very well have a collector if it is in immaculate shape. I just visited S&W main web site, and the price of a M17 Classic .22 is $1,050.00 a piece.
Did a little more research with what references I could find, You definitly have a post war model that I would guess at being produced around 48',49', or 50'. You should also have four screws on your left side plate. I would definitly take good care of her.
I have two .22 pistols that get carried a lot. One is a 1956 Colt Woodsman and the other is a S&W K-22 around the same age. Both were built to last several life-times and I will use them through-out mine and pass them on to my grand children. I am done with "Safe-Queens". Quality is meant to be used.
realistic as always Seacowboys... Unfortunately(?) this has got me interested in the 686 I never bought and to replace the n frame from the 80's...(I foolishly sold)..IMHO: nothing prettier than a 4" N frame just edging out the blued 6" python.
in the cold light of the home office with out all the adrenaline: what we have here is a very useable model 17-2 though the grips do'nt have the diamonds over the screw hole (17-3 grips?)there is a 4 line address and two screws visible on the (shooters') right side plate and one forthe rear sight windage( making this a "three screw"; no screws under trigger guard the ser.?# stamped on the frame under the crane is indeed k729xxx above the mod 17-2 mark. Barrel and front sight are pinned.Partridge front. I'll swear the hand lettered tag said "k-22 masterpiece" I'm happy,even though it is not a pampered, collectible, safe queen ;and it will see use. Date of manufacture looks to be 1961-67. So I think its almost as old as I am; which I think is an endearing quality. ...and bigger pics when I get more hosting space.
