This "From the Vault" video delves into the history and significance of the Smith & Wesson Model 17, also known as the K-22 Masterpiece. Introduced in 1947, it's celebrated as a potentially the finest-shooting .22 LR double-action revolver. The video highlights the post-WWII production strategy under Carl Hellstrom, focusing on cost reduction without sacrificing quality, leading to the K-22's creation on the K-frame with a high-polish blued finish. It also touches on the Model 17's production run until 1998, its discontinuation in favor of stainless steel, and its less-quality return in the mid-2000s, advising viewers to seek out pre-1998 models.
This "From the Vault" episode features Brownells Gun Tech Steve Ostrem showcasing a custom snub-nosed Smith & Wesson Model 17 revolver. Unlike typical long-barreled target versions, this unique .22 LR K-frame was modified by transplanting a barrel from a .38 Special Model 15 snubbie and installing a .22 rimfire liner. Inspired by a museum piece, it's presented as a prototype training variant for Air Force aircrews from the 1950s. Steve built his for similar training purposes, emphasizing how mastering accuracy with a short sight radius enhances performance with longer barrels, while also acknowledging its high "Coolness Factor."
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