I just hung onto the moniker.

I think S&W might still call it a "K-frame" (or perhaps "medium frame"), but I don't believe it is one; I'm pretty sure it is dimensionally identical to the L-frame.

I don't have a current reference, though (or even an old one, for that matter).

If I recall correctly (which I may not), S&W discontinued the actual K-frame something like ten years ago.

(Sorta like the 4-inch 617s all came with Patridge front sights, never ramped ones.)

The line changed a lot over the years, as did the nomenclature used to describe it, both inside and outside Springfield.

OTOH, when I say to myself, "K38 Combat Masterpiece," that sounds right to me.

Perhaps it's like "clip" and "magazine": A certain segment of the population knows exactly what's meant and goes right on reading; Another gets, for lack of a better term, "stuck" (as in craw); Still another doesn't know the difference or couldn't care less.

Then, of course, you have the infamous .45 Long Colt.

That one's my personal favorite, so I bring it up every chance I get.

That 617 just calling my name. Heck, I need to wring out my 4" K-22 (Model 18), it's not seen enough use of late.

Murphy

My limited understanding was that the K22/Target Masterpiece was the 6" and the 4" was the Combat Masterpiece. These became the Model 17 and Model 18 respectively along with some 'muddying of the lines' with 4" M-17's appearing here and there until only the Smith-ophiles were able to keep track.

Either way, it's a nice package for certain.

My local purveyor has (or at least had on Saturday) a blued S&W K-frame .22 4 inch. Cannot remember the price. Let me know if you'd like his contact information.

Rem

I wonder if those supporting 'gun control' realize just how badly their little plans have backfired so far. This is at least the second time around they've sold more guns and ammo than anyone else in recorded history, but I kind of doubt it.

I do hope we see .22 ammo return to dealers' shelves soon. I have some, but you can never have too much.

On a side note, I'm amazed there simply aren't any .22 shells to be had. Well, unless you want to feel like you've been had anyway.

It all makes sense though. Down through the years, seems like more than one 'What if you could only have one gun?' articles I read. I want to think it was Skeeter and Bill Jordan having a conversation about that. It came down to a .22 LR. I read more than 2-3 articles and it seemed to always come down to that.

I did a little math the other day. Given what .22's are going for, how many primers I have and the fact I cast my own. I can honestly shoot a cast centerfire for less. Shocking isn't it?

Murphy