Help with old Smith .22 revolver serial number

[ABR]

I inherited my grandfather's old .22 6-shot revolver today. Hasn't seen the light of day in many years. It has a 6 digit serial number on the butt-first 3 digits "639" followed by 3 additional numbers.

Was told by my pop it's DOB was approx 1925 but he wasn't certain.

It was stored in an old leather holster (I know...) in a safe; amazing no rust and the finish is still very respectable. Some green growth on a few areas that wipes off easily. I'm not going to clean it up just yet.

If anyone can help identifying this piece I would appreciate it! I can gladly provide pic's as well-beautiful wheel gun.

[ironhorse1]

Due to the high serial number best guess, without pictures, is a K-22 Outdoorsman.

Serial range 632124 January 3, 1931 through 682419 in 1940.

Built on the .38 Hand Ejector frame and numbered within the M&P 1905 4th change. As per the Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson.

Pictures would confirm the model and features.

A family heirloom to enjoy.

irh

[ABR]

Thank you ironhorse1. I will post a few pics later in the day.

Gramps was the master hand engraver of the family as well. He fitted this with sterling/14k inlay grip panels so this is very special to me.

[Canucky]

Looking forward to these pictures.

[ABR]

In pop's safe since 1989, unfired for estimated 40-50 years. Going to clean her up next weekend.

[RocketRider]

What a great classic 22 revolver! Assuming the barrel is in good shape, it should be really accurate and a lot of fun to shoot.

Enjoy it!

[ironhorse1]

Model K-22 Outdoorsman or K-22 1st Model.

It has the long action and the correct adjustable sight. Hammer will be flat faced with a floating firing pin.

That a beauty for sure! The stocks are amazing too!

It may need some oil after all these years if you know how to safely access the internals.

Yes clean and shoot that Smith & Wesson as it is a keeper.

irh

[ABR]

[pacrat]

I can definitely echo that you have been entrusted with a beautiful piece of family history.

If you are going to remove the side plate and clean, lube internals.

Please, please, please, don't use Home Depot type screwdrivers. Gun screw heads require hollow ground bits of proper dimension for thickness and width. The wedge shaped bits of hardware store screwdrivers have screwed up more beautiful firearms than any other cause.

Thank You for sharing your Grandpa's Work of Art with us.

[Mr. Beretta]

Now that's a gun ! ....nice...real nice.....

[ABR]

I can definitely echo that you have been entrusted with a beautiful piece of family history.

If you are going to remove the side plate and clean, lube internals.

Please, please, please, don't use Home Depot type screwdrivers. Gun screw heads require hollow ground bits of proper dimension for thickness and width. The wedge shaped bits of hardware store screwdrivers have screwed up more beautiful firearms than any other cause.

Thank You for sharing your Grandpa's Work of Art with us.

Now that's a gun ! ....nice...real nice.....

Thank you!

[TheGood]

Yes, K-frame, probably 5-screw. I'd be hesitant to take it apart yourself without knowing how to work on revolvers. If you'd like some help with it, send me a PM. I own a K-Frame .38 S&W, and have worked on them.

[ABR]

Yes, K-frame, probably 5-screw. I'd be hesitant to take it apart yourself without knowing how to work on revolvers. If you'd like some help with it, send me a PM. I own a K-Frame .38 S&W, and have worked on them.

I think I'll hold off on doing it for now. I'll get the bore cleaned and general frame/barrel areas presentable and shoot it asap. Appreciate the offer for help and will take you up on that. Although my trade involves precision and expertise, I've always taken a humble approach learning to do things right.

I'm impressed with the coating/bluing Smith did back in the day. Stored in a leather holster in a garage safe sitting on concrete for decades with no temperature/humidity assist.

Best,
ABR