Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 17-6, The K-22 Masterpiece, SKU. 100540

Serial Number: BDS3535

Year of Manufacture: 1989

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6” with Full Underlug

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned on a serrated ramp on a serrated solid rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base screwed to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are custom two-piece smooth birdseye maple. The grips have a few small marks on the bottom face. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

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 95% of its metal finish. There is infrequent thinning, mostly at the muzzle-end and on the trigger guard. There are some scattered minor marks. The cylinder and barrel have a slight plum hue. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A wide, serrated trigger shoe is installed.

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 17-6 Full Underlug model made in 1989. This example is in Fine condition with about 95% of its finish remaining, a great bore in its 6″ barrel, and has been equipped with a very attractive set of birdseye maple grips. This revolver will make a great gun for what originally made the design so popular, target shooting, recreational plinking, or use as a training revolver to save some money on centerfire ammo. It would also make a great addition to a growing Smith & Wesson collection. This is a wonderful opportunity at an old-school Smith with all of the quality craftsmanship that we don’t see much of these days. Please see our photos and good luck!