![]() Carl Hellstrom, hired by the Wesson family in 1939 as shop superintendent, took over as president of Smith & Wesson in 1946 and immediately started implementing some cost-saving practices to the production line, as well as design improvements to individual products. A mere 1,067 Second Models-the collectors’ nomenclature-were produced in 1940 before all production efforts were transformed to support World War II.Īfter sequestering the push for worldwide totalitarianism and most of the hostilities ceased, civilian shooters’ thirst for the K-22 made it clear that there was going to be a long-term demand for a top-end rimfire revolver. However, war was on the horizon, and Smith & Wesson had to redirect its resources and production efforts to supplying the Brits with M&P revolvers chambered in. Even at $40-an astounding price for a revolver at the time-sales were brisk from the beginning. Those improvements included a shorter, faster action a new micrometer-adjustable rear sight and a built-in, anti-backlash trigger. 28, 1939.Ī new, improved model deemed the K-22 Masterpiece replaced the First Model. The last of 17,117 K-22 First Models left the factory on Dec. It was-and remains-one of the classiest revolvers to ever be produced. ![]() The 35-ounce revolver was guaranteed to shoot within 1 1/2 inches at 50 yards. Single-action trigger pulls were regulated to be within 3 to 4 pounds. Original specs called for a six-shot, K-frame revolver with a 6-inch round barrel, Circassian walnut grips and a Smith & Wesson medallion. ![]() Collectors now refer to it as the K-22 First Model, and knowledgeable shooters with enough money beat a trail toward the K-22, along with military and police training programs. The marketing guys at Smith & Wesson christened the new revolver the K-22 Outdoorsman in 1931, and the moniker stuck. Production commenced in 1930-just as the Depression began to take hold, which seems like a counter intuitive time to bring out a high-quality handgun at a premium price. Market researchers discovered a significant demand for a revolver of this type, so the company began development. 22-caliber, target-style K-frame revolver with the same handling characteristics of the. The M&P Target had gravitas.īy 1927, Smith & Wesson started getting requests for a. 38 Hand Ejector Military & Police Target models held 24 of 40 all-time records of the U.S. ![]() According to Roy Jinks in History of Smith & Wesson, the. The new frame size-deemed the K-frame-instantly became the most popular revolver for competitive target shooters in its adjustable-sight configuration. 38 Hand Ejector Military & Police Model revolver, which became the basis for as much as half of the company’s product line. The birth of the 20th century provided a seminal moment for Smith & Wesson. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |