Smith & Wesson Model 17

The Smith & Wesson K-22 Target Masterpiece Revolver (Model 17) is a six-shot, double-action revolver with adjustable open sights, built on the medium-size "K" frame. When introduced, it was intended for bullseye target shooting competition of the type then most common on the United States, which is today called NRA Precision Pistol, specifically in the "smallbore" or "22" category. It is chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It is one of three similar models that Smith & Wesson offered, the other two being intended for the "centerfire" category, the K-32 Target Masterpiece (Model 16) chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge and the K-38 Target Masterpiece (Model 14) chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. Most K-22 revolvers were fitted with a 6 in (150 mm) or 8+3⁄8 in (210 mm) barrel, but other lengths have been produced. First produced in 1947 and originally known as the K-22 Target Masterpiece, it was numbered the Model 17 in 1957 when all Smith & Wesson guns were given numerical model numbers. It is built on the same frame as the seminal Smith & Wesson Model 10 ("Military and Police") revolver.