The Smith & Wesson K-Frame in .38 Special was a resounding success from its inception. In 1931, they introduced the K-22 Outdoorsman, a 6″ K-Frame in .22. The platform was an immediate hit, and its utility and popularity have never waned.
The K-22 was designed for the “high velocity” .22 rounds that were in vogue at the time. There had been concerns over the possibility of case head failures, so D.B. Wesson counterbored the cylinder with recessed chambers. This approach would also be used on the company’s Magnum caliber revolvers until the late 20th century, when stronger metallurgy (and better ammo design) rendered it unnecessary.
For many collectors, the recessed cylinder is a symbol of a bygone era of better craftsmanship. I’m not sure I agree, but given the choice, I’ll certainly take a revolver with pinned barrel and recessed cylinder over one that doesn’t have those features. I don’t know why; perhaps it’s just the allure. Continued...