Smith & Wesson S&W Model 17-3 .22 LR 6” Revolver K-22 Target Masterpiece
SOLD FOR: $800
WOA#: WY240129AC012
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 17-3
Serial Number: 16K6982
Year of Manufacture: 1960-1990
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 and yoke cut are marked with the serial number. The side plate 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.
Barrel Length: 6”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade. The rear sight is a micro-click adjustable rectangular notch sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hardwood stocks with S&W monogram medallions. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is crisp with sharp peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition. This revolver has its target hammer and trigger.
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 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the extractor rod as well as on the front edges of the cylinder. The cylinder has a thin turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action 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 its factory box and moisture absorbent paper.
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 17-3 is in about Excellent condition with about 99% of its finish remaining, a pristine bore in its 6″ barrel paired with beautiful original grips. 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. Considered on par with the greatest .22LR Revolvers ever made, the K-22, don’t miss your chance on this beautiful masterpiece. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
