Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: K-22 Combat Masterpiece, Pre-Model 18, 5-Screw
Serial Number: K214258
Year of Manufacture: 1954 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Hand Ejector Revolver
Barrel Length: 4", Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade on a raised base pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notch leaf in a micrometer-click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The top of the rib and rear sight base are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W monogram medallions and smooth diamonds. There are scattered handling marks. The checkering is defined with light to mild peak wear. There are several nicks on the bottoms. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun. The number inside the right grip does not match the serial.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color hammer and trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate handling and operational wear. There is scattered finish loss on the right side of the revolver where some corrosion has been cleaned up. There is erosion and fine pitting on the areas with finish loss. The cylinder has a thin turn line through the finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fair-Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action smooth. The cylinder lockup has some light side-to-side play on all six chambers. 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: Introduced in 1949, the Smith & Wesson K-22 Combat Masterpiece paired the accuracy and refinement of the company’s K-frame rimfire line with a handier 4" barrel patterned for the handling characteristics of contemporary service revolvers. It provided inexpensive practice with the same basic balance, controls, adjustable sights, and double-action operation familiar to shooters carrying Smith & Wesson centerfire K-frames. In 1957, the revolver received the numerical Model 18 designation, making earlier examples such as this five-screw revolver desirable representatives of Smith & Wesson’s pre-model-marked production.
This 1954 example retains about 70% of its original blue finish and displays moderate operational and handling wear, including cleaned corrosion, localized erosion, and fine pitting on the right side. Its replacement diamond Magna stocks remain presentable, while the bright 9/10 bore, clear markings, sharp screwheads, and smooth double-action and crisp single-action operation preserve its utility and collector interest. With its classic five-screw frame, pinned 4" barrel, and pre-Model 18 configuration, this is an appealing shooter-grade example of one of Smith & Wesson’s most respected rimfire revolvers.
