Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 17-5, K-22 Masterpiece

Serial Number: BBB1617

Year of Manufacture: 1988

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 pinned to a raised serrated ramp base integral 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 some scattered light marks. The right panel has a tiny loss at the bottom-front corner. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good 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 96% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light marks. The action shows light operational wear including a thin 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 Fine 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 17-5 made in 1988. This example is in Fine condition with about 96% 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 This revolver will make a great gun for what originally made the design so popular, target shooting, recreational plinking, or use as a training revolver to save some money on centerfire ammo.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!