Help Identifying S&W Revolver

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Adboom

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I have a 6-Shot 22LR revolver with the following markings...
On the bottom of the frame / grip K 198xx and on the frame / cylinder joint in both places 656xx
The gun is blue and bluing is 90%+. There is an aftermarket grip and no original box or paperwork.
I can send photos, but I have to shrink them (iPhone images are huge).

Looking for correct model number. I was told K 22 Masterpiece and 17-6.
Age and aprox value.

Thanks!
 
Howdy

You have a K-22 Masterpiece. It was made in 1948. It should look pretty much like this, although this one has incorrect grips on it. This one shipped in 1932.

K2203_zpsd5de9942.jpg




In 1957 Smith and Wesson renamed the K-22 the Model 17. The numbers on the inside of the frame under the cylinder yoke on your revolver are assembly numbers, they mean nothing. If yours was a Model 17 it would say MOD 17 in that location. If it was a Model 17-6 it would say MOD 17-6 there. The Model 17-6 came out in 1990 and it had a full lug barrel (the under lug extended the entire length of the barrel).

The Serial Number of record is on the bottom of the butt. The same number should appear at the rear of the cylinder, underneath the barrel, and under the extractor star on S&W revolvers of that era.



This Model 17-3 was made in 1975. You can see it has a heavy barrel and a rib running the length of the barrel. It has the short action hammer and modern Micro Click sights. It is wearing its original Magna grips.

Model_17-1.jpg



Sorry, I never guess at the value of firearms without being able to examine them in person.
 
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I know of one that just went for $1200. It was in very nice condition. Not saying that is what yours is worth, just saying that is what one went for. Check Gun Broker for prices. Some are ridiculously high, see if it actually sells for the asking price.
 
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