In House Shipping:
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: K-22 “Outdoorsman”, 1st Model
Serial Number: 659246
Year of Manufacture: 1936 (reference Factory Letter)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action, 6-Shot, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver
Barrel Length: 6”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a “Call” style pinned Patridge sight with a brass bead, the rear sight is a pre-micrometer adjustable leaf attached to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Service stocks with “S&W” silver-colored medallions at their tops and “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons. There is no notable wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Like-New Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is a small hairline scratch on the right side of the frame. There is a turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Like-New Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action is smooth, and the single-action trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in an original Smith & Wesson “THE / “K-22” / OUTDOORSMAN’S / Revolver” red cardboard box in Very Good Condition with minimal wear for its age. The box displays a sticker on the bottom with a matching serial number. Also included is a Smith & Wesson factory letter stating this revolver shipped on December 21, 1936 to J.R. Higgins of St. Louis, Missouri.
Our Assessment: The name Smith & Wesson has been synonymous with finely crafted American made firearms since 1852. The K-22 “Outdoorsman” was introduced in 1931 as an ideal “outdoorsman” small-game hunting or plinking revolver. The 1st model featured a pre-micrometer adjustable rear sight and Service grips, and was only produced from 1931-1940 with just 19,500 made. Any of these pre-war K-22 “Outdoorsman” 1st Models remain scarce and desirable today.
This Smith & Wesson Pre-War K-22 “Outdoorsman” 1st Model was made in 1936 and is in Like-New Condition. It features a 6” barrel, about 99% of its lustrous, original blued finish, with strong, vibrant, iridescent case coloring on the checkered hammer and serrated trigger, gorgeous two-piece checkered walnut Service grips with “S&W” silver-colored medallions at their tops and “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons, a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion, an original Smith & Wesson “THE / “K-22” / OUTDOORSMAN’S / Revolver” red cardboard box, and a Smith & Wesson factory letter stating this revolver shipped on December 21, 1936 to J.R. Higgins of St. Louis, Missouri. With its 5-screw frame, pinned barrel, and classic look, they quite literally do not make them like this anymore. This is a wonderful opportunity at an old-school Smith & Wesson with all of the quality craftsmanship they were known for in the early years, and in its very high condition, this will be a splendid addition to your collection.