Need help identifying S&W .22LR

M

markwf

Inactive
I just acquired a 6" S&W .22LR
The butt is engraved K 29715; inside the frame it looks like NO 9 and under that is 197.
Can someone help me with the Model number and year?

The grips look original but are small for me. Can someone recommend replacements? FWIW, the factory grips on my 65LS fit my hand just fine.
Thanks
Mark
 
Sounds like an early post-war K-22 Masterpiece 3rd Model (aka Pre-M17).
Made circ. 1948. Nice gun if in good condition
Any chance of a picture or two?
The numbers inside the frame are assembly numbers.
The frame is a standard K frame and should take any grip designed for that frame size. (Just don't lose the original grips as they should be numbered to the gun.)

Dean
 
Dean,
Thanks very much for the info. The gun is not in my posession yet but when it is I'll post a picture.
Mark
 
Mark,
One thing I forgot to mention. If your gun is a K-22 Masterpiece, the grips you will need are those for a K-Frame Square Butt. Your 65LS is a round butt. The two are not interchangable.

Dean
 
It does indeed sound like a K22 Masterpiece 3rd Model (Post-War). Definitely pre-1957. If it has the upper sideplate screw. it's pre-1955. If it has the 1/10" partridge sight it's pre-1952. Definitely post-war if it has a K prefix in the serial though.

Values: NIB:$500 Exc:$400 VG:$300 Good:$225 from Supica's SCS&W 2nd edition.

Proper grips would be the diamond Magna grips, which can be found on ebay if necessary, or from a S&W collector's stash. Depending on the year of your gun, you might require the early transitional magnas. If you have either of these on it now, seriously consider a Tyler T adapter to maintain an authentic look and feel. Definitely do not toss the original grips, they will be numbered to the gun. The gun will be worth less without them. You can, of course swap on any K frame grip you like, but save the originals!

A good 22 article

k22one.jpg

This is the K-22 often referenced as the “Pre Model 17” It was produced in 1947. The sights are the 1/10th inch option discontinued in 1952. The barrel and Ejector rod are of Pre-War Origin.
 
Xavier,
From memory, the grips are the ones on the left in your link but I must not have looked closely enough because I do not remember a serial # on the grips. Is it visible or on the inside of the grip?
Thanks also for the article; very informative.
Mark
 
Dean,
I understand the grips are not interchangeable; I'm just saying that size wise the 65LS grips fit my hand better than those on the K22.
But thanks for the heads-up.
Mark
 
The grips on the left are the early transitional grips.
If they are on your gun, there is a good chance they are original.
The serial number is stamped on the inside of one of the grips.
transitionalgrips.0.jpg
 
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