Smith & Wesson Model 17-3 K-22 Masterpiece .22 LR, 6 Inch Blued DA/SA Revolver (1976)
The Smith & Wesson Model 17-3 K-22 Masterpiece is a classic K-frame target revolver from 1976 with hallmark features from S&W’s Masterpiece line. This full-size, blued, carbon-steel six-shot showcases the 17-3 engineering change marking on the yoke cut, a 6-inch ribbed barrel with anti-glare serrations, and target-focused controls including a wide, serrated trigger and a wide color case-hardened hammer. Its 8K-prefix serial range aligns with the 17-3 era.
Purpose-built for precision with adjustable iron sights, a pinned ramp front sight with colored insert, and S&W’s micrometer-click rear sight, this K-22 retains the traditional square-butt K-frame configuration and fluted cylinder. The bore condition is excellent, with a clean mirror finish and sharp rifling.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm displays only light signs of wear and handling. Minor surface scratches are present on the metal in a few spots. It remains clean overall.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 17-3 K-22 Masterpiece revolver
The revolver is marked "MOD. 17-3" on the yoke cut, confirming the engineering change. Built on the K-frame with a square-butt grip frame, it features S&W checkered hardwood target stocks with S&W medallions. The blued carbon-steel frame, barrel, and cylinder present a cohesive finish consistent with the Masterpiece series.
The 6-inch carbon-steel barrel has a ribbed profile with a serrated top rib and a longitudinally serrated topstrap for glare reduction. Sight regulation is handled by a pinned ramp front sight with a colored insert and an S&W micrometer-click adjustable rear sight for precise elevation and windage adjustments.
The action is double-action/single-action, paired with a wide, serrated target trigger and a wide color case-hardened target hammer. The six-shot fluted cylinder uses a knurled ejector-rod tip, and the barrel carries a short underlug, maintaining the classic K-22 balance without a full-length lug.
Produced in the United States during the 1970s, this example dates to 1976. It is part of S&W’s Masterpiece target family, known for refined sighting systems and target-oriented controls. The revolver’s 8K-prefix serial range aligns with the 17-3 production period.