Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 17-4, K-22 Masterpiece

Serial Number: 95K0295

Year of Manufacture: 1981

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

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

Barrel Length: 8 3/8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade on a raised serrated ramp 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.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered small marks. The left panel has a crack at the top edge and a tiny crack in the front edge at the corner where the frontstrap meets the frame. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is some light handling wear in the backstrap. There are nicks on the left of the barrel above the ejector head and some small marks along the left edge of the rib. There is light wear at the muzzle on each side. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: The Model 17 was first produced as the K-22 Masterpiece in the Pre-War days before Smith & Wesson implemented the number system to their guns. It is a fun rimfire revolver built on a full-size K-Frame. The design was massively popular as its .22 chambering was perfect for use as an outdoorsman's kit gun, and with its K-Frame also dominated target shooting and training for centerfire K-Frame revolvers. The revolver would go on to be named the Model 17 in 1957. This is a nice later Model 17-4 made in 1981. This example is in Very Good-plus condition with about 92% of its finish remaining, a great bore in its 8 3/8" barrel and strong mechanics. The long barrel gives you a great sight radius for target shooting or for taking care of yard pests from a greater distance. This revolver will make a great gun for what originally made the design so popular, target shooting, recreational plinking, or use as a training revolver to save some money on centerfire ammo. With its classic craftsmanship, they quite literally do not make them like this anymore. This is a wonderful opportunity at an old-school Smith & Wesson with all of the quality craftsmanship that we don't see much of these days. Please see our photos and good luck!