Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: The K22 Outdoorsman

Serial Number: 661225

Year of Manufacture: 1931-1940 C&R

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a patridge blade pinned to a swell that is integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a round top leaf with a square notch base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Hand Ejector stocks with flush silver medallions. There is mild handling wear. The checkering is defined save for the right grip which has some smoothed areas toward the bottom. There are no chips or cracks. There is a repaired loss on the top front of the right grip. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition. There is a number on the backside of the right grip that does not match the serial number.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color hammer and trigger.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 80% of its metal finish. The numbers on the bottom of the barrel, cylinder, ejector star, and frame are matching. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the leading edges and finish loss along the sides of the barrel which has introduced a mottled patina and fine pitting. The case colors have mostly muted, with some color preserved in protected areas. There is intermittent oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single action is crisp and the double action is smooth. The lockup is solid with little play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson developed the K-22 after shooters requested a full-size .22 rimfire revolver with the balance and handling characteristics of the company’s established K-frame target models. Introduced as the K-22 Outdoorsman in 1931, the First Model combined a 6" barrel, finely fitted adjustable sights, carefully tuned lockwork, and exceptional prewar polishing. Smith & Wesson guaranteed these revolvers to group within 1 1/2" at 50 yards, and only 17,117 First Models were completed before production ended on December 28, 1939. The design established the foundation for the later K-22 Masterpiece and Model 17.

This K-22 Outdoorsman retains about 80% of its original blue finish, with honest edge wear, barrel finish loss, mottled patina, fine pitting, and intermittent oxidation. Its replacement walnut stocks have a repaired loss but remain serviceable, while the bright 9/10 bore, clear markings, solid lockup, and smooth double-action and crisp single-action operation preserve the qualities that made the K-22 equally respected as a target revolver and outdoorsman’s sidearm. This is a sound, attractive representative of Smith & Wesson’s scarce prewar K-22 production.