Info on 5 screw S&W .22

Alleno

February 01, 2003 22:28

I am hoping somebody can fill in some blanks for me. I bought a 5 screw S&W .22, I think it is the model 17, or maybe the 617?? It is .22 Long rifle,6 shot, with 6 inch barrel, adjustable sights, and wooden grips with the diamond. It is in excellent shape, the blueing is incredibly good to be as old as I think it is. Plus it shoots amazing, the trigger is really good, even has a trigger stop, not sure if that is factory though. Anyway, the dealer told me they stopped making the 5 screws in 1955, is this true? If so can anybody date it for me please. The gun has two sets of numbers I am not sure which is the serial. On the bottom of the grip is the number K 2357## I think this is the serial but I am unsure. Then inside the frame window and also on the crane of the cylinder is the number 81192. I would appreciate any information, as to the model and if possible the date of manufacture. I only paid $260, I think I did pretty good.
Thanks

Alleno

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  Alleno

  February 01, 2003 22:28

  I am hoping somebody can fill in some blanks for me. I bought a 5 screw S&W .22, I think it is the model 17, or maybe the 617?? It is .22 Long rifle,6 shot, with 6 inch barrel, adjustable sights, and wooden grips with the diamond. It is in excellent shape, the blueing is incredibly good to be as old as I think it is. Plus it shoots amazing, the trigger is really good, even has a trigger stop, not sure if that is factory though. Anyway, the dealer told me they stopped making the 5 screws in 1955, is this true? If so can anybody date it for me please. The gun has two sets of numbers I am not sure which is the serial. On the bottom of the grip is the number K 2357## I think this is the serial but I am unsure. Then inside the frame window and also on the crane of the cylinder is the number 81192. I would appreciate any information, as to the model and if possible the date of manufacture. I only paid $260, I think I did pretty good.
  Thanks
  
  Alleno

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  bambihunter

  February 01, 2003 23:59

  I'm sure someone here that is more knowledgeable than myself can ID this firearm for sure, but using your model # possibilities, the S&W model 17 (according to Gun Trader's Guide - 23rd edition) shows it as being made from 1947-93 and '96 to date, and values it at $265. The 617 is shown as the same as the model 17 except in stainless, and it was made 1990 to date. With 6" barrel and target sights (as you described) the value is listed as $295.
  
  Hope this helps a little, somebody here on GB will probably be able to give you more info...
  
  It doesn't matter what you shoot, just shoot it well...

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  Herschel

  February 02, 2003 04:44

  Alleno,
  
  According to Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas, the S & W produced K framed pistols numbered between K231256 and K266164 in 1955. The model is referred to as the Model K-22 Masterpiece (postwar, 3rd model). The serial number is the one on the bottom of the grip. The book says S & W dropped the side plate screw in 1955. Obviously your gun was made earlier in the year before they dropped the 5th screw.

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  Alleno

  February 02, 2003 08:46

  Thank you very much Bambi hunter and Herschel. Herschel I really appreciate the exact numbers according to that then mine is made in 1955. Appreciate it guys.
  THanks
  
  Alleno

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  JudgeColt

  February 02, 2003 09:47

  Alleno's Smith & Wesson K2357XX revolver is a "Pre-Model 17," which, as stated, was known as the K-22 Masterpiece. Model numbers were not assigned to Smith & Wesson guns until 1957, when this revolver became known as the Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece. The upper sideplate screw was eliminated in 1955 at approximately serial number K250,000 to K260,000 (sources conflict), thus creating the "four-screw" variation. The other numbers mentioned are assembly numbers and are not the serial number.
  
  The K-22 is one of the classic American handguns. You have a wonderful revolver to enjoy and pass on to your heirs. Enjoy.

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  timbroman

  February 02, 2003 10:09

  Alleno, Welcome to this forum. If you are interested, and write a short note to S&W including the serial number from the bottom of the grip/butt they will reply with a "brief history" on S&W letterhead by their Mr Jinks. This brief history will include the date of manufacture, the date of original sale and model name and number of your revolver. Write to:
  Smith & Wesson
  Attn Mr Roy Jinks
  2100 Roosevelt Ave
  Springfield MA 01104
  
  timbroman@aol.com

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  Alleno

  February 02, 2003 12:57

  Thanks, at least now I know what model my gun is. Hard to beleive my gun is that old, and still shoots much better than I.
  Thanks Again for all the info
  
  Alleno

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