Smith & Wesson K 22

Question
Hello Kyle
I have  bought a model 17 Smith but it does not have the K letter in any of the serial # it does say model 17 but the serial # is BFM6562 I was told Smith stopped put the K letter on the frame in later years and added the three letter numbers. It also has a longer rod under the barrel than the normal K22 Masterpieces I have seen.. This kinda reminds you of a Colt Python look Is this a K22 Masterpiece Thank you  Arnold

Answer
Arnold,

From what I understand, the terms "Model 17" and "K-22 Masterpiece" are used interchangably; the Model 17 IS the K-22 Masterpiece as it's a .22 revolver built on the K-frame.

As for the rod, is it the rod itself that's longer or does the barrel have a full lug? I can't imagine why they'd go to a longer rod to eject .22 LR cases, but maybe they did on newer models. My K-22 was built in 1983, so I'm not sure.

Hopefully I've been helpful, if you've any other questions, feel free to ask.

Kyle