[MarkInTx]

I bought my used Model 17 during the previous ammo / reloading component shortage so I could continue shooting NRA Action Pistol matches. Although it doesn't look very much like it did when it left the factory, it was very accurate and reliable with any of the bulk ammo I put through it.

The Model 17 is the bottom blued gun.

 

[big_gus]

To answer the question, ABSOLUTELY I think you should buy a k-22. I have about 5, from the 50’s to the stainless 617 (all pre-lock of course). One of finest 22 revolvers ever made! My full lug 8 3/8” 617 shoots about like a rifle.

 

[Goldcup62]

Thanks for all your posts and comments! This is something I have been giving thoughts to for awhile and after selling a couple of guns, I decided I wanted something that I didn't have to reload for and being a revolver guy a .22 was the logical choice. I will most likely go for an older model K-22 rather than the 10 shot models of more recent manufacture.

 

[khe sanh]

They are pricey for an older one in great shape. The last one I saw in 95% or better shape was in a pawn shop pre covid (2019) at $675.00 out the door. I would expect that to be more now, inflation and all in the gun market the last two years.

 

[Goldcup62]

They are pricey for an older one in great shape. The last one I saw in 95% or better shape was in a pawn shop pre covid (2019) at $675.00 out the door. I would expect that to be more now, inflation and all in the gun market the last two years.

There is one at my LGS for $1350 and it comes with a brick of ammo. It's in mint condition and complete with box. I do not know the vintage but it has the ribbed barrel and smaller grips. But I know I have options and it seems K-22's are around, I just have to be patient!

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

With the price of ammo today the store for sell the brick and throw in the revolver.

 

[ColtsDad]

I received a welcome tip from a customer on Friday in check form , and a 20 spot from the other. I traded in the combo of both for this box . Pretty insane price , .45 defensive price pretty much - but basically free , so I didn’t care , throwing business to my FFL. I don’t have much in target .38’s, and would NEVER pay that. Additionally, I feel .38 special has always been the hardest to find for me at any store , for the past five years ....... got in my truck though and looked at the price again and said damn to myself !

 

[ColtsDad]

My mistake - this should’ve been in uplanders .38 thread

 

[4Adam5]

Been in the family since ‘63, not going anywhere …

 

[Homerfan]

Another endorsement for the K-22, with a caveat. My current one (pictured) is the first K-frame .22 I’ve had that didn’t suffer from difficult extraction of the empties. Two Model 17s and two Model 18s went down the road due to this. I bought this one because it was a good deal, and it is flawless in all respects.

 

[MarkInTx]

Another endorsement for the K-22, with a caveat. My current one (pictured) is the first K-frame .22 I’ve had that didn’t suffer from difficult extraction of the empties. Two Model 17s and two Model 18s went down the road due to this. I bought this one because it was a good deal, and it is flawless in all respects.

I have see and shot two and have heard of others that difficult extraction problems. Of the two I shot that belonged to other guys, nobody could see anything that would cause the problem and it occurred with several different types of ammo.
I guess I got lucky with mine.

 

[oberon]

I foolishly traded a NIB 6"~early/mid 70s K-22 for a 586. Not really on of my better maneuvers. I did not get along well with that particular 586, so it went the way of several interim trades. I never got a K-22 back, but I did get a nice 586 eventually.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda......Duh.

 

[Walter Rego]

Everyone should own a K-22, especially if you can find one in high condition that was made between 1947 and 1957.
For those that have experienced hard extractions, the solution is to get a finishing reamer from Brownells or find a gunsmith who knows what he is doing and run it through each chamber. There is a lengthy thread over on the Smith & Wesson Forum about that with good instructions and photos for those who are confident in their home gunsmith abilities.

 

[morrisdan3006]

Back in 1964 I pulled off my first major gun trade. I was 14yrs old and dumber than a sled full of Poo. I had traded a Ruger Standard Auto Pistol for a 3 barrel Austrian combo. Having no interest in the combo gun I traded it for several new guns.
At the time I had a Ruger S-6, which compared to my buddies H&R, IJ and assorted cheap imports was Target Grade. In the trade I got new K22. I had it in stash of trading stock. Not to be fired and make used gun out of it. Had no interest in shooting because of my experience with H&Rs, IJs, ect. Had a buddy who pestered me to shoot it. I finally gave in and was amazed at accuracy. I live in rural area and carried K22 like some carry a pocket knife. Very few days went by that I didn’t take a few shots with it.
A K22 cost around $100 back in 1964. Not a lot of people had that kind of money to spend on a 22 pistol. Since I’ve had just about all the American made 22 revolvers. The Colts are nice guns from Officers Match- Diamondbacks but S&W made their rep on DA revolvers. The K-22 is the Cadillac of DA 22 revolvers.
I’ve got several and my original 1964 is last 22 handgun I will get rid of.
Incidentally, I got burnt on that trade. I got about $500/ $600 worth of new guns, ammo and misc. I learned a valuable lesson, make sure you know what you have before dealing. Upside is still have the K22.

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[DarkLord]

I have a S&W 617 and a Colt OMT .22.
My S&W is my field gun, and my OMT is my "target" gun.

These days the OMT typically wears target stocks

The 1937 OMT is a tack driver. This was the first 12 rounds fired at 15 yards.

 

[Tx Tan]

Agreed. SW K 22 a neat fun gun. I never got around to buying a K 22 although I had always planned to add one to the pile. When I went through the patrol academy in the 1970’s, the K 22 six inch was the first gun we were exposed to during firearms training. For several weeks we trained with the K 22, learning the basics; sight alignment, trigger control, breathing control, range safety etc. I was always impressed on how accurate the K 22 was at 50 yds. After a few weeks of training with the K 22 we were then issued our duty gun SW Model 28.

 

[khe sanh]

1954 4" K22 Combat Masterpiece K2145XX

 

[Jimmy2Dogs]

I wouldn't hesitate to get a K-22. I'd go with a vintage model if I could afford it. A friend of mine has one belonged to his dad...made in 1948. It has to have one of the smoothest actions I've ever encountered in a revolver. Just smooth as silk. His has been scrupulously maintained. It'd be money well spent to get one.

 

[azshot]

I also heard about how great they were growing up, reading magazines, etc. Just never got one until 3-4 years ago, a pinned and recessed 6" later model, from 1974. It is a very high quality, accurate .22. Finish and fit as good as a Python, really. I've never done a shoot-off between it and one of my Officer's Model targets, I'm sure they're about equal in accuracy.

 

[morrisdan3006]

I also heard about how great they were growing up, reading magazines, etc. Just never got one until 3-4 years ago, a pinned and recessed 6" later model, from 1974. It is a very high quality, accurate .22. Finish and fit as good as a Python, really. I've never done a shoot-off between it and one of my Officer's Model targets, I'm sure they're about equal in accuracy.

I’ve got them both and S&W K22 will one up the Colt OMT. The S&W is a superior design to the Colt. This is true on all Colt DAs.
Not that Colt couldn’t make a precision and excellent finished product, they just were step behind S&W on DA revolvers. Colt had the SA market and auto pistol market with JM Brownings designs for years.


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