Smith & Wesson K-22 Masterpiece 3rd Model Pre-17 5 Screw Narrow Rib Early K Prefix

Serial #K2398, .22 LR, 6 inch round ribbed barrel, with the early narrow rib, having a bright, excellent bore.  This is the Smith & Wesson Model K-22 Masterpiece 3rd Model, pre-model 17, 5 screw, manufactured between 1946-1948 with the  large S&W logo on the right side of the frame with “MADE IN U.S.A.” just above the trigger guard.   In excellent condition the barrel, frame and cylinder retain about 93-95% of the original blue with thinning at the muzzle and on the high edges along with some very small use marks and scratches on the barrel and bottom of the trigger guard.  The trigger and hammer show much of the original vibrant case-hardened colors.  The walnut grips with diamond around the screw escutcheon are numbered to the gun and remain in excellent condition with some very mild use marks along the bottom side.  It is sighted with a 1/10 inch Partridge front sight and micrometer “click” rear sight for windage and elevation.  An excellent early Post-War K-22 Masterpiece.  FFL or C&R