S&W K22 Masterpiece: Review & Range Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
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On accuracy, I'm able to consistently hit a 1/3 torso target at 75 yds one-handed offhand. These guns are laser beams!
The K22 Masterpiece may very well be my favorite handgun; the K38s a close second! Keep up the great videos sir
Will do Jared. Thanks for watching!
I have had a k22 masterpiece for decades and I have found it to be an excellent handgun. When I was a police firearms instructor I put 50 rounds in a 3 inch group at 50 yards. I have always had soft spot for the masterpiece series of Smith and Wesson revolvers.
Oh yeah, well I put 3 rounds in a 50 inch group at 3 yards.
I know. I know. You may pick your jaw up off the floor now. I was pretty impressed with myself too
I have a 6'' S&W model 17 (The gun that replaced the old K22 Masterpiece) from the mid 60's. My Mom & Dad bought it for me for Christmas when I was 16. Dad found one used in near perfect condition for a great price and figured it would be the perfect 1st handgun for me. It was, and 42 yrs later I still have it and still shoot it often. With target ammo it will still group 6 shots in a group you can cover with a nickel at 25 yards when used with the old Bushnell Phantom scope I mounted on it in 1984. Nobody knew back then that these guns would command so much collector value so we used them with mods for target shooting or hunting without regard for keeping them original. While at gunsmithing school in 1984, I polished & reblued mine, drilled & tapped the topstrap for the Bushnel Phantom scope mount, tossed the stocks & replaced them with a set of Herrett Shooting Star grips, polished the lockwork, and replaced the main spring and rebound spring with aftermarket springs (May have been Wolff) and while it lost all collectibility it's been a great hunting and target pistol for 42yrs. Its killed tons of small game and targets. I've used it to teach handgun shooting diciplines to countless people over the years.
You are so right about us not knowing what these revolvers were going to be worth. My best friend had one when we were about 16. We shot the heck out of that thing while walking in the woods. Those were good times. I don't know if he still has it or not. I hope so.
Collectors value is one thing, but it sounds like it's been a much appreciated companion. And that's worth way more than being left in a safe. :)
@@djYuz Absolutely. I'd rather have the memories than the cash
What the camera doesn't convey is just how LIGHT these target guns feel. Picked up a 1948 manufactured K38 Target Masterpiece at my LGS, and was blown away at how well balanced a 5 3/8" barreled .38 could be.
Other than the grips (no factory grips fit my hand) S&W had the geometry of that K-frame all worked out to perfection, like a "Masterpiece."
I have a 4" K-38 Combat Masterpiece... Target Hammer & Trigger... It is amazing how accurate a Short Barreled S&W can be!....
I bought a well used and worn S+W 22 that looks just like this and it came in Grandpas cigar box. I have not fired it yet either. Then again I have to rejoin the local range. I could shoot in the backyard but have not done so in years since the houses have been built up in all directions but one. I would generally use a suppressor for that but that wont fit here. Anyway tell us about it. Its my only .22 wheel gun. I was looking for a new smith when this popped up.
Great idea for a video. I own this K22’s stablemate, a 1947ish, six-inch barrel, K14 Target Masterpiece (chambered in .38 Special). Although I rarely shoot it, this revolver is clear proof that S&W’s “ancient” artisanship and devotion to quality yielded superb results. The K14’s accuracy is phenomenal (not that I have ever been able to capitalize on its potential fully) and I don’t have adequate words of praise to describe its hand fitting and workmanship (for example, the trigger’s unbelievably smooth and short pull breaks at about three pounds). The fellows in Springfield a generation or three ago didn’t produce firearms, they actually produced works of art.
I agree.
I also have a K14, it was my first S&W purchase I think in 1974.
The factory grips are too tiny and no good at all for a adult hand , I put a Houge on mine , so nice and looks better, wood Sw grips do not appeal to me at all on and frame size, the Pacmayr Presentation grip is the best but no longer made.
Fortunately, swapping grips to something you like is quite easy.
WONDERFUL video, for which I’m especially thankful. I’m now motivated to take my K14 .38 Target Masterpiece to the range, but I have treated it as a “safe queen” for many years (for reasons I strongly suspect you’ll understand). These Smith revolvers really are works of art.
The Target Masterpiece is wonderful, isn't it? I put the bulk of my practice on the Model 10 but the 14 is a delight for special occasions.
Yes they are. I’ve never had the opportunity to shoot a K-38 Masterpiece (M14), but I’ve been quite impressed by some Combat Masterpiece revolvers over the years.
Not bad to have 8 or 10 shots in a 22 lr Revolver . I think if you own centerfire 6 guns , to stay with 6 shots is good .
Me too.
In the past I thought to put up 6 targets & shoot each chamber as it's own gun , the same chamber 5 times on it's own target . It may be chance , that revolver seemed to put rounds in at least 2 spots ... 2 bug holes ???
You're absolutely right... I wish they still made them like this, but they definitely don't. Even the new Smith Classic line has some striking differences. Thanks for showing us your new prize! Life is good, indeed!
The K-22 is one of my most favorite handguns! It is an icon in the S&W catalogues. I can't wait for HR to tell us about it and to shoot it. the Desperados had better beware! There is a new Sheriff in town!
This video will force me to drag out my Smith revolvers for an extended walk down memory lane. BTW, it surprised me not a bit when the tack disappeared on the first attempt!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. It solidifies my belief that they just don't make guns like that anymore. My wife's grandfather is always in the right place at the right time. At estate sale for the paltry sum of $150 ge got the following gun; S&W model 17, S&W model 19 a 6", S&W model 39 and 2 double barrel shotguns. The handguns were in pristine condition. I remember my father having both Masterpieces K-38 and K-22 exce9guns I plant to hunt for at a future gun show. Skip the K-32 their price of that is sky high if you can find one. Although my favorite is what I lost in a divorce, the K-22 combat Masterpiece.
Oh, no! Too bad that K-22 got away.
Nice Glock barb and so true, that Pistol King is expensive, really expensive but not much deviation , some pistols will shoot real tight with junk like the golden bullet and you know those velocitys are all over the place.
I have a video shooting CCI quiet from that same gun at 25 yds rested and off my truck hood sub 1 inch 6 shots.
Not polymer, not striker fired...YAY!
This is actually the new poly/striker version.
Very nice gun and a review that did it justice. Back in the 80’s and 90’s, I owned and used a couple different model 14 K-38 Masterpiece revolvers in bullseye competition. One was a single action revolver right from the factory. The box and paperwork confirmed same. I sold both and purchased a model 52. All were outstanding handguns. Thanks for the review.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
Hi Chief! I found a 6” Model 19-3 at the LGS a couple of weeks ago, and it was in great condition. I spent $150 to buy a new-ish hammer and trigger, because the SA was at a crazy 1.5lbs(!!!). The K22 looks like a great revolver! 👍👍👍
Excellent choice. Love S&W wheels.
That was awesome, first shot you nailed the pin. That put a smile on my face. Good job HR!
Thank you!
Would LOVE to do a meet up, but need a bit more lead time. It's the whole Idaho to Ohio and back thing, and I refuse to fly these days. We've got kids in upstate N.Y. with a grandson we haven't met yet, and still trying to figure out the logistics so we can circumvent Illinois, avoid Hochul and NJ's laws, and see our daughters in So. Carolina, AND hit the North and South and Talladega CMP stores without ending up in the hoosegow.
Sorry. I’ve been trying to get the word out on this event for the last couple of weeks.
I love my Model 17 "no dash" made in 1958 !!!
!! Well! How many times in a long life have I heard "tack driver"? Never saw anyone do it, or even attempt it! Naturally I imagined a classic brass thumb tack. I really enjoy watching the split-screen parts. I think it might be good news that the different kinds of ammunition didn't make much change in the sense you would think (bigger or smaller group), but maybe the whole group moves a little. This suggests to me that it might be good to pick one kind of ammunition and get a lot of it. (Then you could actually adjust the sights in a meaningful way!!! I never have) But in any case things are not going to go wildly wrong if you change. Good stuff!
Thank you Leonard. I'm glad you liked it!
Howard, next time you are at the hardware store, buy some plastic screw anchors... they make ideal .22 snap caps. For me, the yellow ones seem to fit best. My .22 Combat Masterpiece (4" bbl) far outstrips my shooting ability. Wonderful little gun. It also handles snakeshot (crimped type, not plastic bubble) well for indoor pests, without significant marring of floors/walls. If you don't buy that revolver from the dealer, you will regret it. ;-)
Nice shooting! I'm still catching up on videos you put out during hunting season. K22 is the best .22 revolver ever. Mine is very accurate with Aguila standard velocity, Squirrels hate that ammo
On my hunting (pig elimination) revolver I numbered the chambers on the cylinder. Then I fired 5 shot groups from each chamber. I found that some chambers are more accurate than others. I wonder if the masterpiece has any significant accuracy differences between the chambers. I need a 22 cal handgun for pest elimination. I would prefer a 10 shot revolver and am having trouble finding unbiased information on readily available models.
I had a 10-shot 4” Model 617 a few years ago. It was a nice, good shooting revolver. The only thing I didn’t care for was the feel of the D/A trigger. Since the cylinder locks up much sooner during the trigger cycle, it just “feels different”. I ended up reaching for my Model 18 when I wanted a .22 wheelie, so I eventually traded the 617 for something else.
A stunningly beautiful firearm! I wonder if Smith and Wesson have a clue how many more revolvers they could sell simply by dropping the Hillary hole.
Good question. Thanks for watching!
Indeed! I much rather referring to my .22 Combat Masterpiece (mod 18) or non model marked, 22-32 Kit Gun, and five screw Highway Patrolman .357 Magnum! My Colts are Trooper MkIII, Officers Model Match, Woodsman, Government Model 1911, and Python. Names are much more cooler-er. Yeah, I said that! For some reason, I've never been able to hang onto the longer barreled .22. Beautiful revolvers!
Chewy in the background....cool!
I have two combat masterpieces and like you said "they don't make them like that anymore". Beauty and performance in the same package. I am jealous of you for getting to borrow it. Great video.
Thank you!
Sorry, I have a lab test. Remember me to Harold Square. Geoff
No problem Geoff. The video will be waiting for you when you get home.
NAILS!! Nice job sir!! Love the “OG” revolvers!! Have a great day and be careful Sir!!
Thank you Todd!
HR I havean announcement to make too! I just received my Walther P99 this week, largely because of your review, and i love it even more than i thought i would! I just wish i could find that Final Edition holster somewhere but so far no luck on that front. Haha
Congratulations! Another viewer told me the holsters are out of stock. Check the Comp Tac holster website. They made those holsters for Walther. Maybe they have something similar available.
@@hrfunk Thank you my friend! Will do!
Very nice review Howard. I like the K-22 myself. I miss you at my place. I'll email you.
Keep up the great videos.
NIICCEE! 1ST! SHOT! Tac driver. Heck yea! Beautiful revolver
Many years ago, the Richmond, VA Police Department ran an indoor Bullseye league that they opened to civilian teams, using the academy range. Up until the late 90's, this was a revolver only, open sights league and was 10 shots slow fire, 10 shots timed fire, and 10 shots rapid fire, all at 25 yards. We had both Rimfire and Centerfire events. I started going to these events as a kid with my older brother who was with the department, and when I got a bit older was invited to shoot on first a local gun club team, and then on the police team.
I had two matched guns for this, one a K-38 with target hammer and trigger, and a K-22 set up the same way. Shooting the rapid fire event, one handed, 5 shots in 10 seconds before the targets turned, all single action, was to say the least a bit sporty. I credit whatever shooting skill I have today to practice for this event and to 50 yard PPC shooting. In the late 90's the league first allowed optics, and then two years later, semi-autos. I stuck with my revolvers until the last year, and my scores did not increase significantly, but it was easier to shoot the event within the time allotted. To this day, the K-22 is still my favorite rimfire handgun. I shoot mine indoors with a steel backstop using CB Shorts, which is reasonably quiet and a lot of fun.
Great memories Tom. There’s just something about those fine old wheelies.
Before I went to gunsmith school in the early 80s inNC. I purchased a model 17,6 in barrel used. I shot it for thousands of rounds just before graduation I sold it at a gunshow in Charlotte NC. It was a fine firearm. I have had many fine 22 pistols but I think the first one was the best
@@davidtaylor4359 I'm a bit torn netween the Model 17 and the RugerMk II-IV autos in either standard or polymer frames. As soon as my league began to allow autos I began using these in competitiom. They worked fine but needed a Volquartsen trigger to be competitive. The Model 17 trigger was fine right out of the box. The other thing I like about the Model 17 and 18 4-inch is that they will shoot all .22 short, long, and Long Rifle ammo. Where this comes in handy for me is that the CCI CB Shorts are quiet enough for me to shoot indoors at home using a common piece of heavy sheet steel as a backstop with a cardboard box with an old pillow in it in front to eliminate richochet. This is good for me because I teach Florida CCW classes in my home and the statute requires that each student load and fire one shot from a cartridge firing gun, and then unload the gun in order to be certified.
Being a gunsmith you will enjoy this. When i owned my little gun shop years ago, about once a week someone would come in with a paper sack. Inside would be a Ruger auto they had taken apart to clean and couldn't get it back together. I understand the MK IV solved this problem.
Man, I would love to own one of these! I have a Taurus 96, which is a clone of this, that's good enough; but S&W revolvers are my favorite!
You're not buying it???!!! It has "Masterpiece" in its name!
Mine is a 1971 Model 17, and when I shoot it at the range I feel sorry for the other shooters who aren't going to get to shoot it. Mine came with the Target Hammer and Trigger. HR, if you had become a cop in the 1960s you would have most probably carried a 6" Smith & Wesson Model K-38 Target Masterpiece (Model 14) as your duty sidearm. The K22 Masterpiece is the same weight as the K38 and just as sexy, making it the perfect training companion.
I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to buy it (trying to figure out how to conjure up the cash!). I would love to shoot the K-38 version. We had an old Combat Masterpiece (M15) at the PD. It looked like it had been dragged behind a truck down a gravel road. The ejector rod was slightly bent, so it would drag on one out of 6 shots and increase the DA pull. Still, that thing would stack lead wadcutters from 10 yards.
@@hrfunk I stumbled on a 2nd hand police trade-in Model 15 marked Sacto PD (Sacramento) from 1974, the year I joined LE. Run hard and put away wet; It had been left in a holster, wet, and had rust all over the side plate. Out the door at $300! Sacto PD carried .38+P+ Treasury loads, and this old girl was still tight and my best shooter! OMG, the most accurate revolver I've ever shot. Took 2 hours and a migraine to get the rust off, but well worth it. If I lived close to you, you'd have used this gun in one of your videos.
And I would have loved it!
The K22, K32 & K38 were all made to have the exact same feel & balance so that a competitor in a 2 or 3 gun bullseye match was, essentially, shooting the same revolver. To the best of my knowledge, my Father owned only two .22LR handguns in his life; a Colt ACE that he didn't keep long and a Woodsman that he bought new in 1929. But, he had the opportunity to shoot a K-22 in the 1940's and told me that it was the finest revolver he ever shot. The one you have is an exquisite example. They truly don't make them like that any longer.
No they don’t. Unfortunately.
Had one long time ago. Was nice. Hey!! It’s M1a time don’t ya think????😊😊
You can open the cylinder and dry fire it that way without damaging the edges of the chamber.
Thanks for a great review on the K-22 Masterpiece. I bought one in mint condition at a gun show, nearly 30 years ago. The seller was negotiating a trade with the dealer. The dealer offered the seller $150 credit for the revolver towards another gun. The seller wanted $200. So I gave the seller $200 cash on the spot and the K-22 was mine. It is my favorite revolver and I will never sell it. Anyone have any idea what it is worth today?
I bought a new 617 earlier this year. It has quickly become one of my favorites. It is so much fun at the range.
Great target guns, a bit heavy though. Astonishing finish on the old guns.
I knew it wouldn't take long for you to hit that tack. :)
Great review. I have a 617 4" that I use as a double action trainer and it always comes along to teach new shooters. I like it a lot but this video really makes me want a K-22 or a 17 now.
I had a 10-shot 4” 617 a few years ago. I ended up trading it because I always found myself opting for my older Model 18.
What frame size is this? I can't remember, sorry.
K-Frame
@@hrfunk thank you!
it is only fitting that you took out the tac on the first shot with a gun
called the masterpiece!
Mine's not as pretty, but still is superbly accurate.
Now that’s a haircut you could set your watch to
Great revolver! However, in my opinion, the Colt Officer's Model Match .22LR is better. I own both, (mine is the S&W Model 17, the K-22 is a "pre-Model 17") the S&W is not for sale...but for Bullseye Competition I use my Colt Officer's Model Match revolvers in .38 Special and .22 LR. The Colt simply has a smoother DA trigger for timed and rapid fire stages. Also the oversized Colt hammer (same hammer used on the Python) is easier to reach and cock for SA in the slow fire stages without altering my grip on the gun.
S&W had the K-22, K-32 and K-38 (Models 17, 14 and 16) revolvers for the same purpose...bullseye competition...and they were (and are) certainly well thought of for that purpose.
Some people prefer the S&W, particularly if they have smaller hands (the Colt's are larger framed and heavier)
If you want a great target/field/hunting .22 revolver you will not go wrong with the S&W. PLUS they are easier to find and (sometimes) less expensive.
Being a Bullseye shooter myself, the use of revolvers in competition puts a whole new twist on the sport. I used a S&W 17 for a while, however it had a 8 3/8th barrel. I found it to be a hinderance and went back to my automatics. I believe that a shorter barrel of 6 inches or even a 4 inch model would make the "Shootability" of the K-17 much more useable as a target competition pistol and if I was to use one again, it would be in that Barrel length. Great comment Btw. Peace - Dave
@@thorsaxe5881 All of my Bullseye revolvers have 6" barrels. I still use them for matches where I only shoot 1 course... either .22 or "any centerfire". Our local clubs often have such mini-matches.
And also my wife enjoys shooting the OMM .38 with wadcutters so much that I had to buy a 2nd one or she was never going to let me shoot it again!
For the full course, including .45 ACP, I then use a Hugh Standard Supermatic Citation "Military" and a Colt Gold Cup National Match for "any centerfire" and the .45 stages.
I never acquired a suitable (for competition) .45 ACP revolver, and all of them are much larger than the .22 & .38 Special (or .32 S&W Long) options so that the "familiarity" of a same size revolver is lost.
The High Standard and the Colt Gold Cup are actually more comparable in weight and "feel" than going from a .22/.38 revolver to a .45 revolver. S&W should have made a FIVE shot S&W K-frame .45. That would be perfect for Bullseye. 🤷♂
You can't beat a target autoloader for trigger pull in the timed and rapid fire stages.
@@garyK.45ACP It's great to talk to a fellow Bullseye guy. we are getting few and far between. I also shoot a High Standard Mod-106 (A fine pistol) and shoot a S&W Mod -41. for 2700's, For tournament shooting and league shooting I have some daily driver Ruger Mk-2's 5-inch bull barrels, I do that because it saves on the ware and tare of the finer pistols and (as you put it) grip angle and shoot them in .22 stage single mini-matches. My .45 wad guns are a Rock River custom and a old custom build .45 by Dick Shockey and it shoots on par with the Rock River, I use them in both Center fire and the .45 stages. Bullseye shooting is such a dynamic, people that only shoot action sports simply don't get it. It really is the toughest of all the shooting disciplines as it is all about Marksmanship skills and honing them and honing the control over yourself in your mind. I'm glad that your wife enjoys the sport with you (That is a real plus). I live in Washington State and Bullseye has died locally in my area. The nearest place to go shoot anymore is in Tacoma and that is 75-80 miles away. Ugh!!
@@thorsaxe5881 Some local clubs here in FL have matches, but few have true 2700 matches. They will have a ".22 match" or an "any centerfire" match.
My wife enjoys shooting. She'll shoot anything. She enjoys shooting handguns, rifles and sporting clays.
I started shooting Bullseye in the 60s when I was on my high school shooting team. The school provided us with High Standard Supermatic Citations, Model 107 for competitions. The exact pistol I own now. Mine is a 1971, Hampden made. So, the exact same pistol just a few years "newer" than the ones we fired in high school.
(yes, the school gave us guns; .22 pistols and rifles, and DCM M1 Garands for Service Rifle competition. AND ammunition.) Times change. There were no "school shootings" then. 🤷♂
Well maintained and white paint on the front sight.....must have belonged to Hickok45.
Ha, ha! Maybe.
Lapua Pistol King 22's?.... May I ask where you found those at?... I've never heard of them....
They were given to me by a friend who works part time for a firearm retailer.
that is an ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL REVOLVER. get some A ZOOM snap caps and do some dry fire with it the trigger will smooth out with use. put some oil down there in the action before you dry fire it and everything will get nicely lubed. now you need an S&W M41. nice video as always thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.
Good morning HR. That K22 looks to be in great shape. The vertical stringing may be due to the white front sight. It makes the top of the post harder to align for a precise sight picture. You should keep some empty 22 shell casings in the shop to use as snap caps. So, is this revolver going back to HOP or has it found a home in your safe?😂
Nice to see Chewy diligently guarding your Jeep.
Thanks John! I thought the same thing about the white paint on the front sight. I didn’t want to say that in the video lest someone accuse me of making “excuses.” I used to have some .22 snap caps. Somehow they disappeared over the years. Or, at least, I couldn’t find them when I was working on this video.
Thanx HR..!! Thoroughly Enjoyed This..!!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Nice video on a nice gun. You don't own a K22? Do you have a S&W 22LR revolver instead? If not, what are you thinking? A SW 22LR revolver is the ultimate in a sweet shootin' plinker! BTW-Your dog is very cute!
Thank you! I’ve owned a K-22 Combat Masterpiece (m18) for years. It’s a great wheelgun in its own right.
Awww dang! I just burned all of my vacation time. If you'd only done this trip to HOP last week, I was in Kentucky visiting friends and family. A short hop to Ohio would have been easily doable.
Sorry Paul. Maybe next time.
Great gun. Good shooting as always Howard. However those diamond stocks are not "period correct" for a that gun. They're actually older. Smith and Wesson discontinued the diamond about 1967 if my old memory serves me correctly. But that's a good thing. Those diamond stocks are highly desirable. They most likely have a S/N stamped or written on the inside of them. I've owned several of them over the years, a couple from 1948-49 and one -3 from the early 70's. I was always buying, selling and trading, so they got away from me, somewhere along the way.
If I end up buying this revolver, I’ll (carefully) remove the grip panels and look for the number. Thanks!
Got one but a waaaaaay older vintage!
👍👍 classic revolver and some good shooting.Thanks H R
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
I think S&W make great revolvers but I don't like the way I have to point my wrist downward to line up the sights, it's not as balanced and natural pointing as a Colt.
I think a good deal of that comes down to personal preference.
Got an old pre war s&w 17 outdoorsman 22lr. It was made soemtime in mid 30's. Its got an weird unique retention holster. I carry it in the mountains for grouse and small game.
That's a good one to use. Does the holster have a name on it?
The older "5 screw" models had a1/10 " wide front sight. That helps with the sight picture. I found that my 1948 model shoots best with standard velocity loads. 3/4" groups are possible at15yds. Great prestation ! If you get a chance to review a S&W Model 41 go for it. God Bless.
Thank you. I would love to review a 41. Maybe someday!
Awesome piece a classic! Another great video thanks Howard .
My pleasure!
Rub it in, you get to shoot the cool fun guns.
I have a pinned 70s vintage 17 with pinned barrel , target hammer and trigger.From weaver stance at 30-50 feet shoots nickel to quarter sized groups. Also have a Colt Officers Model Matchand it is a toss up for accuracy. Also picked up years ago a 50s vintage 4 inch Combat Masterpiece, pre model 18. I have found these revolvers like the old lead bullets. Try some of the Winchester Wildcats. Good tho g about being old is having old guns .
I’ve got a Model 18 too. It’s always been impressively accurate. Thanks for watching!
The first firearm I shot...I won trophies with this gun !
Great video. I have my fathers that was made sometime in the early 1950's. It is retired and only handled with white gloves. I would grade mine between 95-98%.
I have a beautiful 1959 with non relieved target grips that my friend gave me many years ago. I've never fired it.
if I remember correctly my daddy in 1964 bought two Smith and Wesson model 17
one for him, one for my papa .when they were I don't know .looking at the one my papa had it has 51/8 barrel from frame to muzzle. frame mod -17 , k735734. on cylinder Crain 55576.at the top of front trigger guard is a screw in frame . not sure but I think they call it 3 screw model.i just noticed on bottom of pistol grips straps k375734 .any information would be greatly appreciated. it's been in the family 59-60 years. I gave it to my 21year old grandson to keep in the family.. papa wishing you well 😊
Hi Johnny. Your Model 17 is somewhat confusing. The serial number shows that it was built in 1967, BUT the front trigger guard screw was deleted from the design in 1961. It's possible that in 1967, someone at S&W came across some older frames and decided to build and sell them (S&W has been known to do things like that from time to time). Still, that's a time for old parts to sit unnoticed. Is there a dash (revision) number after the Model 17? Also, double check the serial number. Sometimes the stampings are hard to read.
i just re-read your comment and I realized that the first time you listed the serial number as K735734. The second time (the number from the bottome of the grip), you listed it as K375734. Assuming the second serial number is correct, your M-17 was built in 1959. As I mentioned before, the front trigger guard screw was not deleted until 1961. There was a change to the design introduced in 1959. The threads for the extractor rod were changed from a right-hand to a left-hand twist. As best I can tell, that took place around the middle of the year. When that change was made, the Model 17 was redesignated the Model 17-1. If your revolver lacks the "-1" it was made in ealy 1959. On the other hand, if it's a 17-1, it was made in the latter part of the year. Also, if you have a Model 17-1, they are somewhat rare. I hope this helps!
Remember that these were shot one-handed for target matches.
Unfortunately, the production of these kinds of .22 revolvers is limited nowadays. For example, the Taurus 992 is out of stock, and Ruger only has one long barreled DA .22 revolver. The plastic, striker fired pistols have taken over the market, along with single action .22s.
Nothing like 🐿️ hunting with one of these.
Beautiful revolver. I actually favored the 22/32 Kit gun. I found one(22/32) with a 22mag extra cylinder but $650 was just too much for me in 1987. I'm happy with my Ruger Sp101 but I still look for the Smith with extra cylinder every time I go to a gun show. If I ever find one I'm sure I'll look for a K22 next. Unlike the Ruger, those are classics. So is my well used 5" model 41 that can still stay in 1 inch at 25 yards when I do my part. I agree, the classics just ain't made anymore. Thanks as always.
Great video; I love revolvers old or new. I have a 1955 K22 Masterpiece "5 screw" that I acquired in the 1980's. I've had a lot of fun with it at the range and out in the field. However it became some what of a "safe queen" after I added a 617 to my collection. Now I'm going to have to get it out and get it dirty again!?! Oh well... that's why S&W made it. :-)
I have the 4-inch model 15, P&R. I have used it to take squirrels and rabbits. I recently sold my matching .38 4", but I still have the 6" M14. I bought it new but as far as I can tell I have never fired it. I don't remember for sure but it looks unfired. Your serial number prefix indicates a later rerun for that model. I had a model 1950 Target .44 spcl with a prefix like that and it was the most perfectly fitted and polished S&W revolver I ever owned. You had to look close to see where the crane and frame met. It shot 250 gr cast bullets just as good as it looked, too.
FYI, the Reminder notification actually worked to view this video!
Second, I’ve shot my friend’s S&W Masterpiece K-22 a couple of times. What an awesome revolver. I look forward to watching this video a little later today or tomorrow!
Mine was made in 1953 . I bought a Model 17 from a deputy sheriff in courthouse parking lot in '76 but sold it. Starboard side 😂. If you'll try an NRA smallbore pistol target at 25 yards you'll find the rear sight brackets the black face . By using a six O' clock hold you should be able to shoot ten rings . At least that's the way we used to do it.
Really liked this one. I have a convertible(22LR, 22 mag) Ruger Single Six stainless that I love it's only single action buy I'm a cowboy so it's perfect. Enjoy your content all the time.
Thirty years ago I owned a K-17 with overly tight chambers, and I eventually sold it. Six years ago I came across a K-22 that exactly mirrored an old Model 14 I'd just purchased, so I picked it up. Based on the serial number range, it was made in 1947. Frankly, it's a better built gun than my K-17 was. They truly are Masterpieces.
I have a 4 digit serial k22 from 1946. The BEST 22 revolver/ handgun ever. Had it for decades. Absolutely amazing. None better. Great video
Thanks ❤
But..but..you DID dry fire it at 10:00
No, in all cases I controlled the hammer so it did no snap down on an empty chamber under the power of the mainspring. If you’re referring to the footage where I was checking the timing, I cycled the trigger until the cylinder locked in place, then I released the trigger to safely lower the hammer (which also positions the internal hammer block to prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin).
I have a 1936 version called the "outdoorsman" but i call it a 'Masterpiece" one of the best shooters I know.
The Outdoorsman is another great K-22.
Mine is near mint and everyone loves it but the rear sight is really a pain to adjust You have to loosen one screw then tighten another@@hrfunk
A fine looking and shooting revolver. Thanks to House of Payne for loaning it to you. Nice to see something other than another plastic 9mm that will make you awesome if you buy it.
That was great shooting sir ! just a tip- For .22 snap caps a lot of folks use the blue plastic drywall anchors that match the .22 rim size.
When I took my concealed carry course, a gentleman showed up with one just like that. He had inherited it and had no idea what he had. He had never shot it since he got it. There were 5 of us, plus the instructor. After we qualified, we all lined up to get to try it out! Keep up the good work.
Heavy Tiger pull
But quite smooth.
It's good to see something made for the virtue of the thing, and it's a reminder that not everything has to be tacticool.
I'm a major Smith and Wesson Fan.... I love the K Frames!
I mostly use Remington match target ammo which i bought in bulk simply because during one ammo shortage that was all that was available. it is not expensive but it really shoots well i most guns.
I don’t think I’ve ever shot any Remington match. I’m glad it works well for you.
Oh man do I feel stupid... I said that off the top of my head... I looked at a brick and it is 'Federal' match Red and black box.@@hrfunk
It must be difficult to have a channel. I say stuff off the top of my head a lot of times relying on my memory. Would have to be a lot more careful if I had a channel LOL. this is a perfect example.... I got it half right at best.
I was eyeballing one of these but couldn't justify the price. It cost more than most model 15s i see. Im fine with my 9 shot h&r and iver Johnsons for $150. Nothing like those old smith and wessons though.
May I ask how much it was? I’m just curious.
@hrfunk I believe it was 899 but I could be wrong. Can't remember if it had the box or not either but it was in great shape. 6" like the one in this video. This was about 2 years ago.
Fantastic video on of my all-time favorites!
Did you get one for yourself Funk?
No. I didn’t have the spare cash at the time so I under up taking this one back. It didn’t stay on the used rack for very long.
@@hrfunk another will cross your path. I can attest your results are accurate. I'm thinking a model 14 might yield similar . So that is on my radar as well.
I have a 75 K22 6" with a target hammer, target trigger and target grips. Absolute best 22 revolver I have. I believe your K22 was made before 85, possibly around 82 S&W stopped pinning the barrel in 82 and stopped putting the "diamond" in the grips in 68 according to what I have read. The previous owner no doubt changed out the grips at sometime.Great video!
Thank you. Just FYI, I don’t think the grips are original to the revolver.
Great review on a classic S&W revolver! Would really like to make it on the 11th, I’m only about 4-1/2 hours away so I’m definitely going to try.
Thank! I hope you do!
such a beautiful revolver. A few years ago I saw a model 617 with 10 rounds capacity in cylinder, a heavy 6 inch barrel, unfortunately I didn't have the money at the time
That’s too bad Vic. Everyone should have a K-22.
How much for an autographed photo at the event please ?
Ha! The autograph is free. The photo on the other hand.....
Just rewatched this. Did you buy it? Do I need to loan you some money?!
Ha, ha! It’s resting peacefully in my safe.
@@hrfunk Thank goodness! My heart was breaking. And I disagree with you; target pistol? What about the Model 14 K-38 Target Masterpeice? Many a cop carried that. Shoot that K-22 on your combat course.
What's the dash number. 17-?? That tells a lot about the year it was made
It's a 17-4. That puts it between 1977 and 1988. Since it lacks the pinned barrel, it was made after 1981.
Thanks for this video, I'm going to the range tomorrow and had not yet chosen my hand gun. Will take my model 17, ( have no problem calling my K22 Masterpiece a model 17 since Smith and Wesson named it long before G. Glock named his creature, huh creation lol
masterpiece is the correct name for that