Identify my S&W 22 revolver please.

[ACfixer]

Can someone help me out with this older 22 LR revolver? Gun looks even better in person than the pics, the pic seems to have exaggerated stuff but beside the point. The bluing is remarkable with a couple thin spots where you'd expect but really minor. Picked up this thing in exchange for a little HVAC work this morning, I'm guess pretty old by the flat latch, mid 50's 22/32 perhaps?

Serial number 160xx
Under the cylinder another number, 16527



Thank you.

[ojisan]

I think those are the assembly numbers and don't help with ID.
Is there a number on the butt?
Pics of the barrel markings?
How many screws (3 or 4 on side plate, is there one above the front of the trigger guard?).
It is a 6 shot frame so either a Hand Ejector or "K" frame.
It looks like has the high hammer spur of the "long action", so it is probably an earlier gun.
So far: possible K17, K18, K-22, Outdoorsman or Masterpiece.

[ACfixer]

The serial number is 16060 and that is present on the frame, cylinder, and barrel.

Yeah the other number is an assembly code I agree, there is no model number anywhere on the gun, I don't think the grips have ever been off or a screw turned anywhere, if so it was done with a perfect screwdriver (as should always be the case). Locks up perfect. 3" Barrel. I just cleaned it up with a gun cloth and the bluing is incredible for it's age save for the holster spots.

I don't think it's a 17 or any other K frame, feels much more like a J frame and in fact I have a 17 no-dash and that's a bigger gun for sure.

[ironhorse1]

A picture of the right side would help so we can see the screws.

Looks to be a Model of 1953 .22/.32 Kit gun built on the improved I frame.

Should be pre 1957 after 1957 it became the Model 34. Get the right side picture posted if you have the gun. We need to see the side plate screws.

irh

[ACfixer]

A picture of the right side would help so we can see the screws.

Looks to be a Model of 1953 .22/.32 Kit gun built on the improved I frame.

Should be pre 1957 after 1957 it became the Model 34. Get the right side picture posted if you have the gun. We need to see the side plate screws.

irh

Thanks guys yeah, I'll get a pic of the right side in about 15 minutes.

[ojisan]

My bad, I agree with IH, a 22/32.
I forgot that the .22 versions have six shot cylinders. D'oh!

Catalog of S&W shows 16060 serial number as a .22 Hand Ejector Ladysmith 1910-1921 3rd version, serial number range 13951 - 26154

Standard 22/32 Hand Ejectors start at 160000...one more digit than yours.

[ACfixer]

Ok... right side. Indeed a .22 LR 6 shot.

[ironhorse1]

The flat latch is the give away along with the target sights, no strain screw and the logo on the left side.


Top plate screw dropped in 1955 at 11000 but some still had it after that time.

Serials run from 101-135465 1953-1969

[ACfixer]

It's a 5 digit gun. Everywhere on it. 1606X in at least three places.

[Tank 57]

Looks like a nice piece. Isn't awesome to live where you can readily get stuff like that and it's perfectly normal.

[ironhorse1]

My bad, I agree with IH, a 22/32.
I forgot that the .22 versions have six shot cylinders. D'oh!

Catalog of S&W shows 16060 serial number as a .22 Hand Ejector Ladysmith 1910-1921 3rd version, serial number range 13951 - 26154

Standard 22/32 Hand Ejectors start at 160000...one more digit than yours.

Why were you looking at the Ladysmith? A completely different gun. Serial number ranges can repeat through many different models and changes.

It's ok somethings I put things in writing and realize I looked at the wrong page or model. Getting old is my only excuse.

[ACfixer]

Pics I can find, looks like a pre model 43. Otherwise known as the ".22/32 Kit Gun Airweight Revolver."

Here's an example.

[ironhorse1]

Is your frame and cylinder aluminum?

Here's how to tell if it is a pre 43.

Cylinder 1.44" Built on a J frame.

Model 34 cylinder 1.25" Improved I frame.

I hope that information helps.

[ACfixer]

Is your frame and cylinder aluminum?

Here's how to tell if it is a pre 43.

Cylinder 1.44" Built on a J frame.

Model 34 cylinder 1.25" Improved I frame.

I hope that information helps.

Wellllll..... let's just find out sir! Stay tuned, let's get a magnet on this bad boy. (thanks for your input)

[ACfixer]

Okay ironhorse1, the frame and cylinder are definitely non magnetic. But I measure the cylinder and it is 1.30 inches verified by my digital micrometer.