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Hello, can any of you help me date my k-22? Serial # K 3258xx I have heard that after 1957 the model number (17) is stamped somewhere on the gun? What is a transitional gun? Any idea on value at 95% condition? Would it be worth getting a letter from Smith and Wesson? Thanks in advance for your help.
From Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson
1958 K317823 - K350547
The beginning stamping model number 1957
The model number should be under the crane.
Grips are the same as the serial number, when I open the cylinder, there is a 3 with a circle around it and a letter J, under that is the number 3906, with a capital letter A. The same number, but two extra digits is on the left side of the grip frame with the wooden grips removed, 53906? Any more info? Thanks for your help.
You can get a factory letter from S&W giving the date when it was made and where it was shipped. but you will have to pay for it. Got one for mine
Thank you guys for the info. Since I don't see model 17 on the gun anywhere, I'm thinking they may have not marked it since according to the serial numbers mentioned above, it was made in early 1958. I will look into getting the letter.
bill on all things about any Smith & Wesson......... go to the official S&W forum.
smith&wessonforums.com
Roy Jinks, the head historian & grand old man of S&W hangs out there as well as Lane................... Details you'll need for getting a factory letter is posted there & you'll meet a good bunch of guys who really enjoy collecting, carrying & shooting those well made handguns..................There are separate boards/forums there for both antique & modern weapons & the modern weapon forums are broken down further into important eras/changes that the pistols & their maker went thru as they evolved.
It's my opinion, which ain't worth much, that any 5 or 4-screw Smith in decent shape or better, or that means something to the owner, should have a factory letter. I'll extend that to the pre-Bangor Punta guns, early Model 39's and 41's and most any Colt revolver or auto made before about 1970.
All of that is my opinion and extremely arbitrary based on being relevant to my own selfish interests, of course.
And yes, I have a couple from that era that haven't been lettered yet, either...........
Mr. Andouille, being exiled to Kansas (Oz) ain't so bad, the ladies are dern pretty there too..........