Which k22 would you choose?

[Billburrfan]

I'm looking at two k22's. One is a 6" model 17 no dash with some bluing loss. They want $600 for it. The other is a 8 3/4" model 17-4 with only a little bluing loss on the mussel and it has factory target trigger, hammer, and grips. They want $700 for this one. Which is the better buy? Or are they both a little high in price? Oh, both have pinned barrels but the older model is a 4 screw model I believe.

[webfoot56]

To me the 17-4 with the 8 3/8 inch barrel is the one I would purchase. There are a lot of k22 revolvers out there. I would not be in a hurry to spend a lot of money on one unless the condition and price suits you. I think the 17 no dash is over priced for condition it is in. On the other hand the 17-4 sounds like a good deal if there is little blueing loss.

[lscocoa]

I'm a fan of the long tubes and I would choose the 17-4 . I have a few 6" k22's also along with 4"er's too . What do you want it for and prefer . Pics would help too if the owner would let you . No dashes are a little rarer in my area as are long tubes you have a tough choice. Do show what you get !

[Big Pete10]

I would get the 6", no use for the longer one. Wanted a 4" Model 18 but finally settled for a new 4" 617, it's working pretty good, may not have to send it in on warranty like all the other newer ones I've bought. The older 6" K22s are the best of all 22s. The Best!

[Area51guy]

I would hunt around for a pre-war/post war 5 screw K22 with the 6" bbl. A bit more expensive, perhaps but it should always hold it's value or increase in value! Besides, they have a great trigger and make excellent target guns with the addition of a set of target grips.

[mongochicago]

Smithy and Wesson hasn't made a quality gun since 1965. That's when they sold to Bangor Punta and quality went downhill from then on. They recently started getting better quality wise but I hate that lock design on their revolvers. I have owned NUMEROUS S&W products through the decades and the two mostrecent acquisitions are a 625 JM and a Victory. Both decent. Many may disagree with me but this is from MY experiences.
So, I would opt for the older one as it is a better made piece, or get a brand new one and try your luck. One thing to be aware of is Smith & Wesson won't fix an older gun, so if it does break you will have to search for a knowledgeable gunsmith.

[Big Pete10]

Originally Posted by mongochicago

Smithy and Wesson hasn't made a quality gun since 1965. That's when they sold to Bangor Punta and quality went downhill from then on. They recently started getting better quality wise but I hate that lock design on their revolvers. I have owned NUMEROUS S&W products through the decades and the two mostrecent acquisitions are a 625 JM and a Victory. Both decent. Many may disagree with me but this is from MY experiences.
So, I would opt for the older one as it is a better made piece, or get a brand new one and try your luck. One thing to be aware of is Smith & Wesson won't fix an older gun, so if it does break you will have to search for a knowledgeable gunsmith.

Why I bought the 617 instead of an old 18, will still buy an 18 if the right dealo comes along tho.

[M2HB]

I would pay the extra to get the 8-3/8” barrel with the TT, TH, and TG.

[Billburrfan]

Well, I went back to the shop and looked over each gun and the older model really did have a lot of wear. The 17-4 was actually pretty decent shape but still a shooter. Based on that, and the fact that I just don't see any long barrel k22's up for sale locally I chose the 17-4. The target trigger, grips, and hammer is icing on the cake. Had the older model been priced better I probably would have chosen it, or both. I know I probably paid full price for this but maybe in a few years that will sound like a bargain. Either way, it was close enough for me to buy it rather than waiting for the deal of a lifetime. This will go great next to my colt woodsman

[mongochicago]

Congrats. I have one policy, if you like it and enjoy it, it was worth the money!

[webfoot56]

congratulations! Nice looking SMITH & WESSON!

[M2HB]

Congratulations on the long barreled K-22.

I recently bought another 17-3. I just couldn’t help myself. I sure wish it had the TT, TH, and TS that yours has.

Safe shooting.

[TT92]

I think you got a good deal on that 17-4. I just bought a 6 1/2" 17-4 last week and paid $940 for it. It is in like-new condition, but did not come with the original box. I know I paid on the higher end, but I wanted it, and I wanted it NOW, lol.

It won't be like new for long, I am going to shoot the jeepers out of it.

[M2HB]

They will look like new forever if you don’t holder them.

[dogmansb]

Congratulations. That is a great looking and very fun looking gun. I would love to own one of them. It is well worth whatever you paid for it.