Smith & Wesson S&W K-22 Masterpiece Pre-Model 17 .22 LR 4 Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $750
WOA#: WY240119RL012
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: K-22 Masterpiece, Postwar 3rd Model, Pre-Model 17, 5-Screw
Serial Number: K171138
Year of Manufacture: 1950-1955
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Hand Ejector Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “*22 LONG RIFLE CTG*”. The butt of the grip frame, rear face of the cylinder, and barrel flat are marked with the serial number. The sideplate has the Smith & Wesson monogram logo and the right side of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas. The crane, crane cut, and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The inside of the grips are marked “173 / 138” matching the serial number.
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated 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 Magna stocks with S&W monogram medallions. The checkering is crisp with some mildly worn peaks in the pressure points. There are no chips or cracks, only a few small compressions. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as original and are attractive given their age. This pistol also comes with a set of Hogue Monogrips in Very Good condition. The cobblestone checking is lightly worn but remains well defined.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no minor erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is light operation wear. The cylinder has a thin turn line through the finish that is slightly jagged. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The single action functions correctly and is crisp. The double action is smooth. The cylinder lockup has some light side-to-side play on all six chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Blue S&W Hard Case and its extra set of Hogue Grips.
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 1950ish example is in about Excellent condition with about most of its original finish remaining, a brilliant bore in its 4″ barrel paired with nice original matching stocks. This 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 is 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. Considered the greatest .22LR Revolver ever made, don’t miss your chance on this beautiful piece. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
