The United States Coast Guard ordered 25 Smith &Wesson K22 revolvers, in 22LR, with special order fixed sights.  The K22 Outdoorsman was originally produced with a 6" target barrel with target rear sights.  It is believed that less than 30 fixed sight K22 Outdoorsman were produced.  

 

For training purposes, shooting several rounds of 22LR was more cost effective than 38 special.  Using fixed sights for practice also made sense since the standard revolvers in the 1930's were fixed sight.  

 

This revolver, serial number 650938 was shipped on February 12, 1935 to the United States Coast Guard at Curtis Bay, MD.

 

Very cool - and scarce - revolver, Lyle.  I have only seen one or two over the years and they have always been very expensive.  Congrats on having a fine example in your collection.

 

Regards,

Charlie