My second K-22 (impulse buy)

[VegasND]

First, I apologize for the crappy pictures; I'll try to get some better ones tomorrow.
I've already got a Smith & Wesson K22 pre model 18. It's a great revolver, I posted about it in this thread:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=531394

I walked into New Frontier Armory today (it's near my house, it's even on my way to and from work ... I should stay out of there) and there on the shelf was a nice little K frame S&W.
It was labelled a 617 -- being the genius I am and knowing what a 617 looks like, I immediately realized it was mislabeled. I looked at it and as soon as I saw all those screws I knew I was buying it. But, being me, I looked around and saw they also had a Jennings .25 - cheap. I asked what kind of deal they would make if I bought both. I bought both, why not?

Here's the K22, serial number K 2014xx- it's nicer than the one I already had but the grips are not numbered to the revolver ( the older one's are)


Here's both K22s:


The grips are S&W grips but are not numbered to the revolver - are they original or a later addition? Can anyone tell me when this one was made? I'm assuming pretty close to 1955. I'll get it out to shoot it tomorrow. It should be a great shooter, the trigger on the two are nearly identical with the older revolver having a slightly better double action.

Does anybody want to talk about the Jennings?

[Mustang]

Very nice!

I can't help you with your questions, but share your interest in K-22's. I just won one at an on-line auction today.

[highpower]

Target stocks were not numbered to the gun because they don't require the hand fitting that the magnas did. I have a Combat Masterpiece that is close to your serial number (K222771) and mine was made in 1954. The stocks on your gun are later football targets and are not original to your gun.

The earliest target stocks did not have a cutout on the left hand grip panel and were/are a pain to load and unload, hence the addition of the football shaped cut out later on. I believe that target stocks first appeared in 1953/54. The football stocks came out a few years later.

Here is a picture of a set of very early non-relieved targets:


Since your gun has a 4" barrel it would become the Model 18 when S&W started numbering their guns in 1957.

I must admit that I have a weakness for five screw Smiths and I try to buy every one I come across if the price is reasonable. Today's shooters that are weaned on auto loaders just have no real idea how nice the old S&W's are to shoot.

I have a couple of K22 Masterpiece revolvers, both made in 1948.

[Mustang]

Target stocks were not numbered to the gun because they don't require the hand fitting that the magnas did. I have a Combat Masterpiece that is close to your serial number (K222771) and mine was made in 1954. The stocks on your gun are later football targets and are not original to your gun.

The earliest target stocks did not have a cutout on the left hand grip panel and were/are a pain to load and unload, hence the addition of the football shaped cut out later on.

Since your gun has a 4" barrel it would become the Model 18 when S&W started numbering their guns in 1957.

I must admit that I have a weakness for five screw Smiths and I try to buy every one I come across if the price is reasonable. Today's shooters that are weaned on auto loaders just have no real idea how nice the old S&W's are to shoot.

I have a couple of K22 Masterpiece revolvers, both made in 1948.

I'm with you on the 5-screw Smiths. The one I got today is my first.

Realizing that condition is everything on these, what is a good "California price" on decent condition 5-screw K frame revolver?

[VegasND]

highpower Thanks for the information, that's the kind of educatin' I need to help me know what I've got. I'm no collector but I do love shooting the old Smiths.


Thanks, Mustang, and congratulations.

[morrcarr67]

Where's the Jennings?

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[highpower]

I'm with you on the 5-screw Smiths. The one I got today is my first.

Realizing that condition is everything on these, what is a good "California price" on decent condition 5-screw K frame revolver?

Prices on these are all over the place. I bought the second of my K22's for $750 six months ago. Yesterday I saw one, also made in '48, with a fair amount of wear that the owner was asking $999, way too much IMO.

If you find one in 98% or better condition with the box, Helpful Hints brochure and the SAT, I would gladly pay a grand. Other than that, condition is everything and even in the PRC, I would expect a nice one to sell for $700-800 easily.

If the original stocks are missing I would deduct at least a $100-150 since the original magna stocks are numbered to the gun and once they are gone the gun will never be all original again

[Mustang]

Thanks, Vegas!

My second K-22 (impulse buy)

I think that your "impulse buy" is the kind of impulse purchase we can all get behind.

I don't like to photo bomb other people's threads with pics of my guns. I'll post the auction pics of mine in a separate thread.

[Mustang]

Prices on these are all over the place. I bought the second of my K22's for $750 six months ago. Yesterday I saw one, also made in '48, with a fair amount of wear that the owner was asking $999, way too much IMO.

If you find one in 98% or better condition with the box, Helpful Hints brochure and the SAT, I would gladly pay a grand. Other than that, condition is everything and even in the PRC, I would expect a nice one to sell for $700-800 easily.

If the original stocks are missing I would deduct at least a $100-150 since the original magna stocks are numbered to the gun and once they are gone the gun will never be all original again

Thanks, HP. I got this one at an on-line estate auction and had to take a chance on condition. It looks good, but auction pics can be deceiving.

[VegasND]

I love it when somebody comes along and proves I'm not the only one who is 'that guy'

Where's the Jennings?

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[sealocan]

The old mislabeled gun model tag trick..

works every time.

well at least the Jennings wasn't labeled a "baby browning Jennings"




just joking and congratulations on your score VegasND.

even though you don't have the original/numbered.grips the ones you got are very functional and at least genuine Smith & Wesson.

[morrcarr67]

I love it when somebody comes along and proves I'm not the only one who is 'that guy'

I have a thing for guns designed by George Jennings. My first gun was his first design; the Raven MP25.

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[sealocan]

a friend had a Jennings J-22 & it worked ok for a while. I know he shot a lot of ammo through it before it started giving him issues.

but I think we can all agree that he got $80 dollars worth out of enjoyment and that was how much he paid for a brand new in the 80's

[Saigon1965]

Great stuff Dean -

I blame you for my start on collecting S&Ws! But it is a good thing -

Not the Jennings thing is another thing -

[VegasND]

If I'm responsible for you collecting anything it's good; you've got some great stuff you share. I took them out and shot them. The Jennings worked well - most .25s do unless something it wrong.

The K22 was a joy to shoot. Great DA and the sights were dead on as they came. New pictures below

Great stuff Dean -

I blame you for my start on collecting S&Ws! But it is a good thing -

Not the Jennings thing is another thing -