1948 Smith & Wesson K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 .22LR 6" Double Action Revolver Our Assessment: The Model 17 was first produced as the K-22 Masterpiece in the Pre-War days before Smith & Wesson implemented the number system to their guns. It is a fun rimfire revolver built on a full-size K-Frame. The design was massively popular as its .22 chambering was perfect for use as an outdoorsman's kit gun, and with its K-Frame also dominated target shooting and training for centerfire K-Frame revolvers. The revolver would go on to be named the Model 17 in 1957. Introduced in 1931, the K-22 saw a few improvements such as the now-iconic micrometer adjustable rear sight introduced in the 2nd Model and the barrel rib introduced on this, the 3rd Model K-22 Masterpiece or Pre-Model 17.This 1948 example is from before they started marking the model numbers and is in Very Good condition with about 75% of its finish remaining, a great bore in its 6" barrel paired with magna stocks. The revolver is one of the early revolvers known as a five screw model. At some point, the S&W accountants got involved and likely asked how they could cut costs. The side plate was switched to groove and tongue, the top screw was deleted, an engineer was patted on the back, and an era was ended. The deletion of the "fifth screw" marked the start of a never-ending cost-cutting arms race that continues to this day. The fourth screw in the front of the trigger guard was next to go. Did either of these changes hurt the gun? Certainly not, some of the best shooters in the world are burning it down with three screw Smith & Wesson's and they do great! There is just something special about these old revolvers, they were made by true craftsmen who wanted to stake their reputation on designing and producing the best possible product, costs be damned. If you have handled or shot one of these old revolvers, you know that your modern S&W might shoot just as good, but these older guns have subtle nuances that are there nonetheless.This particular revolver will make a great gun for what originally made the design so popular, target shooting, recreational plinking, or use as a training revolver to save some money on centerfire ammo. With its 5-screw frame, pinned barrel and classic look, they quite literally do not make them like this anymore. This a wonderful opportunity at an old-school Smith & Wesson with all of the quality craftsmanship they were known for in the early post-war years. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: K-22 Masterpiece, Postwar 3rd Model, Pre-Model 17, 5-Screw
Serial Number: K48054
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Hand ejector Revolver
Barrel Length: 6", Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a partridge blade on a raised serrated ramp pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square-notch leaf in a micrometer-click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the rib and rear sight base are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W monogram medallions and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. The grips are serial matched. There are some scattered scuffs, compressions, and light marks in the wood. There are some little losses on the edges. There are areas of finish wear. The checkering is strong. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few faint spots of pinprick erosion. In the opinion of this writer, this bore rates 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The metal parts are serial matching. There is finish wear on the edges. There are areas of thinning. There are some small freckles of surface oxidation. There are some scattered light hairline scratches. There is a turn line on the cylinder. There are handling marks. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly worn. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has some light side-to-side play on all six chambers. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES
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