Trying to ID this S&W .22 revolver

Armymutt · July 20, 2012, 08:23 PM

I inherited this revolver from my grandfather. I never really got to ask him about it, but I think I heard something about him buying it in Chicago in the '40s. I've done some searches, and believe it might be a K-22 Outdoorsman, but I'm not certain. The serial number is 347XX. The only other distinctive markings are Q and 7 above the sn.

Technosavant · July 20, 2012, 08:26 PM

Yup, it's a K frame 22. It would eventually be called the model 17, but in the 40s they weren't giving model numbers yet.

I have one not unlike that (but rather newer), and it's a great gun. Very fun to shoot, and I keep having people tell me "If you're ever looking to sell it..."

Bob Wright · July 20, 2012, 08:30 PM

It's a K-22 Masterpiece, which became the Model 17, I believe.

The "Outdoorsman" was the .38-44 Outdoorsman, an N-framed .38 Special with target sights.

Bob Wright

Armymutt · July 20, 2012, 09:28 PM

Thanks. Any guess as to the age? Does a Chicago purchase for $100 in 1940 sound accurate? Also, any idea what the Q and 7 mean?

laytonj1 · July 20, 2012, 09:42 PM

There should be a "K" prefix with the serial number. The serial number is located on the underside of the grip butt and you will need to remove the grips to see it.
The 4 screw side plate combined with the short action hammer indicates a manufacture date from 1947 to 1955.
If it's K347xx then it would be 1948.
A K-22 Outdoorsman would have a six digit serial number starting with a 6.

Quote:

The "Outdoorsman" was the .38-44 Outdoorsman

It was also the name of the first K-22 model made from 1931 to 1940.
"K-22 Outdoorsman"

Jim

Armymutt · July 21, 2012, 05:12 AM

Ok thanks. I tried to remove the grips years ago and the screw wouldn't budge. I don't want to screw up a gun that almost looks like it came out of the box yesterday. It's been wrapped in what looks like a flour sack for my entire life.

laytonj1 · July 21, 2012, 03:01 PM

The grips are not original to the gun either. Those grips are post 1966.

Jim

July 20, 2012, 09:28 PM	#4
Armymutt Member Join Date: April 4, 2012 Location: Ft. Bragg, NC Posts: 49	Thanks. Any guess as to the age? Does a Chicago purchase for $100 in 1940 sound accurate? Also, any idea what the Q and 7 mean? Last edited by Armymutt; July 20, 2012 at 09:35 PM.

July 20, 2012, 08:26 PM	#2
Technosavant Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 4,040	Yup, it's a K frame 22. It would eventually be called the model 17, but in the 40s they weren't giving model numbers yet. I have one not unlike that (but rather newer), and it's a great gun. Very fun to shoot, and I keep having people tell me "If you're ever looking to sell it..."

July 20, 2012, 08:30 PM	#3
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	It's a K-22 Masterpiece, which became the Model 17, I believe. The "Outdoorsman" was the .38-44 Outdoorsman, an N-framed .38 Special with target sights. Bob Wright

July 21, 2012, 05:12 AM	#6
Armymutt Member Join Date: April 4, 2012 Location: Ft. Bragg, NC Posts: 49	Ok thanks. I tried to remove the grips years ago and the screw wouldn't budge. I don't want to screw up a gun that almost looks like it came out of the box yesterday. It's been wrapped in what looks like a flour sack for my entire life.

July 21, 2012, 03:01 PM	#7
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	The grips are not original to the gun either. Those grips are post 1966. Jim