Target Legend: 1970 Smith & Wesson Model 17-3 (K-22 Masterpiece) – .22 LR
Considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the finest rimfire target handguns ever produced, the Smith & Wesson K-22 Masterpiece (Model 17) is a triumph of American gunsmithing. Built on S&W’s perfectly balanced medium K-frame, it was designed as a companion training piece to the centerfire K-38 and K-32 target revolvers.
This specific Model 17-3 is a stunning example manufactured in 1970. Hailing from an era widely celebrated for S&W’s meticulous quality control, this revolver proudly features the highly coveted “Pinned and Recessed” (P&R) construction—a pinned barrel and counter-bored cylinder chambers that safely enclose the rimfire case heads. Showcasing a spectacular, deep factory blued finish and a legendary action that feels like it rolls on glass, this K-22 is a blue-chip collectible and an absolute joy on the target range.
Product Specifications
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Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson (Springfield, Massachusetts)
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Model: 17-3 (K-22 Masterpiece)
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Year of Manufacture: 1970
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Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
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Action: Double-Action / Single-Action (DA/SA) Revolver
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Capacity: 6 Rounds (Recessed cylinder chambers)
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Barrel Length: 6 inches (Pinned barrel with a serrated top rib to reduce glare)
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Sights: Fully adjustable micrometer click rear target sight paired with a pinned Patridge front sight.
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Grips: Classic factory S&W checkered walnut target grips featuring silver S&W medallions.
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Finish: Deep, high-polish factory carbon steel bluing with a color case-hardened hammer and trigger.
Condition Report
This vintage 1970 Model 17-3 is a gorgeous survivor, showcasing the legendary fit and finish of mid-century Smith & Wesson. It remains in highly collectible, excellent overall condition.
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Finish: Retains approximately 95%+ of its original, deep factory bluing. The bluing is incredibly rich and reflective. There is a standard, light cylinder turn line from action cycling and perhaps the absolute faintest hint of silvering at the muzzle crown from resting in a case. There is no rust, pitting, or flaking. The color case hardening on the target hammer and grooved target trigger remains vibrant.
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Bore: Excellent. The bore is mirror-bright with razor-sharp rifling, showing absolutely no signs of heavy use or lead fouling.
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Grips: The original checkered walnut target grips are in fantastic condition. The checkering remains sharp, the wood grain is rich, and the S&W medallions are bright. There are no cracks, chips, or major handling dings.
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Mechanics: The legendary S&W target action is flawless. The double-action pull is incredibly smooth, consistent, and predictable, while the single-action break is “glass-rod” crisp, precisely as a Masterpiece revolver should be. Cylinder lockup is rock solid with perfect timing.
Included Accessories
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Storage: Ships in a generic padded soft pistol case for safe transport and storage.
