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Originally Posted by fred cook

I assume that you know that the 22 Outdoorsman/K22 became the K22 Masterpiece, first shipped in 1940. In 1957, the K22 became the Model 17. The dash numbers like 17-1 and 17-2, etc. indicated changes to the gun. The Model 17 was finally discontinued in 1999 but a "Heritage" model was brought out in 2001. Over the years, the K22/M17 have been available with 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrels. The best of the lot are generally considered to be the ones made from 1940 - 1955. Lots of interesting history to be had about the S&W line! Here are some pictures of a 1948 vintage K22 that I just bought. Just happens to be the same year I was born, making it a "birthyear" gun!

Yawn!