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Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: K-22 1st Model Outdoorsman
Serial Number: 657750
Year of Manufacture: 1936 (reference Factory Letter)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single / Double Action, Swing-Out Fluted 6-Shot Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 6” Pinned with no rib
Sights / Optics: This special order version has a “Call” gold bead, Patridge shaped front sight pinned to a base to the barrel, and a pre-micrometer adjustable rear sight with a “square” notch cut into the blade leaf on the rear of the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are period replacement two-piece checkered walnut Magna panels with “S&W” silver medallions at their tops and “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons. A serial number not matching that on the revolver is stamped on the interior right grip panel. The right grip is darker than the left. There are small scratches near the bottoms of the panels, and a few light handling marks in both grips. There are two notable chips in the front strap area of the left grip. Overall, these stocks rate in about Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the barrel. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the leading edges. There are a few light handling marks scattered over the front strap and backstrap. There is light oxidation forming towards the muzzle. The hammer and trigger both show strong case color retention. The ejection rod and crane both have finish loss. The screw heads are lightly tool marked and the markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth and the single action 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: None
Our Assessment: From 1910 onward Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector revolvers came in target variations equipped with adjustable sights. Rimfire revolvers built on the .32 frame were considered heavyweights and the first serious effort toward a .22 built on the 38 (K) frame did not come about until 1931. The high velocity .22 long rifle cartridge had become popular and the company advertised the new K-22 “Outdoorsman” as being specifically designed for the high speed round.
It was marketed to hunters and outdoorsmen in a climate that could not have been less ideal. The Great Depression was in full swing and there was a serious effort to include handguns in the prohibitive tax and registration structure of the Federal Firearms act of 1932 and 34. Nevertheless the K 22 was an immediate success with well-heeled sportsmen as well as police and military training programs.
Smith and Wesson Standard catalog – “Caliber .22 LR, DA revolver built on a square butt K frame with five screws, 6- shot fluted cylinder with (recessed) counterbores, blue finish 6 inch round pinned barrel with no rib, Patridge front sight,K target frame with floating firing pin and flat faced hammer, Circassian walnut grips with small silver medallions on a square butt frame, non shrouded extractor rod, smooth semi-round topstrap with an adjustable rear sight for windage and elevation. Built on the .38 Hand Ejector frame and numbered within the M&P 1905 4th change series in a serial range beginning 632124 and running through about 682419. The first example of this revolver was presented to Douglas Wesson on January 3, 1931, reported as serial number 632132. Weight of this model is 35.5 oz.19,500 Manufactured c. 1931-1940. K frame 22, pre-micrometer adjustable sights, with the Long action.”
Supica –Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson records that an Army team took several K 22s to the 1932 Olympics providing an early launch into the mainstream target circuit. By 1940, shooters or agencies had bought 19,500 of the first model and a second model was in the catalogs as “A replica of that favorite, the .38 M&P Target Revolver” (Stoeger-Shooter’s Bible). By this time, it had become the K 22 ‘Masterpiece’ and was firmly identified with organized target shooting. Wartime rationing stopped production in 1941 with something over 1,000 units of the second models out the door.
This early K22 First Model or Model K-22 Outdoorsman S&W revolver is truly in fine condition for a gun over 90 years old. This is a beautiful old revolver that the whole family can enjoy especially for collecting.