Trying to ID this S&W .22 revolver

A

Armymutt

New member
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.
 

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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..." :D
 
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
 
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?
 
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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.

The "Outdoorsman" was the .38-44 Outdoorsman
Click to expand...
It was also the name of the first K-22 model made from 1931 to 1940.
"K-22 Outdoorsman"

Jim
 
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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.
 
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