doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Classic .22LR revolvers?

At one time I had a set of three K's a K-22, K-32 and K-38.

One day my friend and I were comparing our K-32’s both had about 98% finish and we noticed that they were consecutive numbered.
I bought mine used in Alaska, he bought his new in North Dakota.

At the time we decided that the guns were worth $200 each and thought they should be together, we flipped a coin and I lost. Please don’t tell me what a K-32 is selling for these days ‘-).

Michael,
I was lucky enough to once win a flip like that when I found the case for a one of a kind Webley that a friend owned. Yes, we are still friends.

I bought a used Colt OMM .22lr not long time ago and it's one of my favourite shooters.
With kind regards,
Jani

Thanks for all the encouragement gentlemen. There's room enough in the safe for more than one, right now I think I am concentrating on finding an OMM and a 1946-1957 K-22. These both seem to run in the $500-1000 depending on condition, seem fair?

I had some confusion about how the K-22's are marked so I called S&W today and was told they only had a K and a serial number until 1957 and then they have a 17-X on the frame. Sound correct?

Steve, I saw your 17-3, but would like something a bit older. Would love to find a K-22 from 1955, the year I came out of the factory!

Will let you know how this shakes out.

Anyone have a good thing to say about the Colt .22 Diamondback?

thanks, Rob

Yes.

I like the fit & finish of the prewar Colts better than the S&Ws but the Colt grip doesn't fit my hand nearly as well as the S&Ws do. IMO the little prewar 'kit gun' that SDH made and showed us is the neatest thing I've seen in a long time, I'm envious!
Regards, Joe

For S & W Bekeart models, take a look at the current Amoskeag Auction, Lots 262 and 293. I think they are too light, but interesting! I have serial #2 of this series, with A O Niedner, Malden, Mass barrel.

Rob, JD and everyone else, it appears I misspoke and I apologize. Rob, after reading your last post about when the Mod 17 was stamped on the revolvers I had to go check mine and see what I actually had and if the date of manufacture I was told, 1947, was or was not incorrect. My revolver is not stamped Mod. 17, just a K 71XX on the barrel beneath the extractor rod and a KO 278XX on the frame behind the crane. As the numbers aren't matching does that mean this revolver has possibly been rebarrelled? I'm not at all familiar with S & W's numbering.

Vic

Vic

Michael, Terry,
The S&W fanatics think any inscription not done at the factory and documented in the "letter" greatly diminishes the value of the revolver! I'm sure you fellows feel quite differently!
A K-32 wouldn't mean anything to me except trading stock, Very Good Trading Stock!
Thanks JD, it shoots good too!
At one time the Colts were of great interest to me, but... I've only a few left and have found myself selling to acquire Smiths. Either in .22 could be greatly entertaining.
New Service .45 Colt and S&W 2cd .44HE


I anyone really interested in S&W the Standard Catalog of S&W is a complicated, but VERY informative book, necessary even! I bought the OP Neal and Jinks S&W book for $325 about 20+ years ago (K-32 price), but use the SCSW now.
Vic, serial numbers on early guns are on the butt, bottom of barrel, ejector star, under rear sight, back of cylinder under star... inside crane has assembly numbers, later put model number there M-17-3, etc.
Your correct on #71xx being 1947 (about) only a letter confirms.

If you like longer barrels, I think the S&W would be easier to find. I have 17's in various configurations, including one with 8" barrel (as I recall). Very nice piece.

Not exactly what you asked about, but my favorite .22 is a Ruger Super Single Six. Too new for you, but a nice shooter.

Terry mentioned the H&R Ultra Sportsman. I have had a Model 777 for many years. This is an extraordinary revolver, single short action, and short cylinder the length of a .22LR cartridge. The bullet does not have to jump the length of a .38 Special to get into the barrel, as on a K22. Not many were made. I also have a K22 that I bought used around 1950, do not know exactly which model, but I used to shoot in the mid 90s timed and rapid double action on the old National Capital indoor range in DC. Remarkably smooth trigger. I am also fond of a Walther PPK with dural frame although of course I cannot hit nearly as well with it as with the revolvers.