My father's S&W 22LR revolver

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vmiguard

Inactive
I was wondering if someone could help me with a firearm identification problem:

I inherited a Smith and Wesson 22 Long Rifle CTG. It is a 6-shot double action revolver with a 6 inch barrel. It is a black metal gun with wooden handles with a diamond cutout in the center (around a screw). The rear sight is adjustable.

On the base of the handle there is what I believe to be a serial number: K 325XXX

When I open the cylinder there is a "Y", "3", "3", and another character which looks like a "9" inside a circle stamped from top to bottom. They are definitely vertical, but they are not lined up. On the swing out arm itself is stamped what appears to be the number "53518" or "S3518" and the letters "DG". Based on comments to jbwalther in: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322815, I am assuming the gun was manufactured before 1957 (possibly 1955). Because it was suggested that guns of that age needed specific descriptions or photos, I have attached a photo of the gun (below).

There is a narrow rib, which is grooved, on the top of the gun which runs the length of the barrel. This grooved pattern is continued on both the back and front of the metal portion of the grip. The blade which comprises the front sight is squared off at the rear of the blade.The logo is on the right side of the frame and is about the size of a nickel (at least including the banners with the words "Trade" and "Mark" at the top and the bottom of the logo circle. There is a screw just below the rear sight as well as on the front of the trigger guard. The cylinder is 1 5/8 in length.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated!
 

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Bit of info from Supica's book: According to his listings, your gun was (supposedly) made in 1958 (K317823-K350547.) He also states that model numbering began in 1957, so, according to his data, your gun is a Model 17.
 
FWIW, AFAIK the K-22/M-17 was S&W's premier target revolver of the time.

It would be most accurate if shot single-action, manually thumb-cocking the hammer for each shot, using target-grade ammo.

.
 
Wow! Thank you very much 30-30remchester, gyvel, and PetahW. I really appreciate the information.

Is it likely that S&W manufactured my gun in 1958 and had already named it the M-17, but did not stamp a model number in it anywhere? Based on the information in the prior thread I mentioned, I assumed it was made before 1957. Either way, I am glad I have the information you have provided. It is nice to know something about the gun.

PetahW, you are right. I took it to a range yesterday and shot 20 or so rounds through it. It was lots of fun! It's a good gun.
 
Nope, when I open the cylinder there is a "Y", "3", "3", and another character which looks like a "9" inside a circle stamped from top to bottom. They are definitely vertical, but they are not lined up. On the swing out arm itself is stamped what appears to be the number "53518" or "S3518" and the letters "DG". There is definitely not a Mod 17 or even a K-22 stamped there.

But, from reading some of the other threads, it appears this was not necessarily unusual during that time frame.

Thanks very much!
 
as you have already found out, it was not unusual for guns built in 1958 to not have the Model number under the crane.
 
It would be most accurate if shot single-action, manually thumb-cocking the hammer for each shot, using target-grade ammo.
Click to expand...

I've never been able to shoot my M-17 as accurately single action as I do double action. I believe that is because it has an excellent D/A trigger and a shorter lock time.
 
What is the 4 screw thing about? Is it significant that it is the 4 screw model? Is the difference that there are screws adjusting the sights? What is the alternative (i.e., how many screws is the other model)?
 
Ok here goes. Smith & Wesson started out with 4 sideplate screws and one trigger guard screw. When Smith stopped using the top sideplate screw they retained the triggerguard screw for a couple years. They soon redesigned the internal works and eliminated the triggerguard screw thus resulting in the standard 3 screw design we see today. When the grips are removed you should only see 3 screws connecting the sideplate to the frame. Look in front of the triggerguard and you should see the 4th screw.
 
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