Just purchased a S&W .22 from my shooting buddy. No model number on crane, adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight, 6" bbl, right side of bbl: "22 Long Rifle CTG" left side of bbl: "SMITH & WESSON" the "&" is elongated, right side of frame: 3 screws visible, one-line "MADE IN U.S.A." S/N K283X on butt, crane & cylinder; diamond grips; honest holster wear so condition is 90-95%. Oh yes, paid $250 but I did try to pay him a lot more. :dontknow:
Certainly it's a "pre", since model numbers didn't start until 1957. The 17 is the 22 version of the 38 Target Masterpiece. It came with a 6 or an 8 3/8" barrel and Patridge front sight. The 18 is the 22 version of the 38 Combat Masterpiece, and came with a 4" barrel and a ramp front sight. According to the book, it's a "Pre-17", with that barrel length. But, also according to the book, it should have a Patridge front sight. If it has a ramp, either a previous owner switched it (which would decrease value to the collector) or it was a special order from Smith (which would increase value to the collector). If you are thinking about the value of it, it might be worthwhile to spend 50 bucks and get a factory letter. If it came from the factory with the wrong front sight, and you have a letter saying it came that way, it makes it worth more.
Did you edit the serial number? I was pretty sure there were all numbers - no X - first time I saw this post. Just curious.
I did inset the "X" for the last digit as an afterthought. I may have to invest in another S&W letter to clear up the mystery. Since these have pinned barrels, it would be easy for a smith to trade-out barrels, but don't know why they would do that. (I already have a 4" pre-18 with S&W letter.)
