Hello hope I posting in the correct area as I have a bit of a mystery ( to me anyway) on a 48-2 Frame stamp .22 M.R.F.

This 48-2 doe not have Diamond grips and the serial number on the Frame is stamped 1K713XX in two places in the yoke above the stamp 48-2 and on the grip bottom. This is clearly a 1971 Manufactured K-Frame.

The S.C. of S&W on (p.p. 215) 48-2's were only made until "1967".
The 48-3's and the other K-frames -3's began to rollout 1967

The same is written on the other K frames as well K-14, 15, 17 etc. ,
So if that were the fact is it possible it was struck with the wrong model number in "1971"


Has anyone else come across this?

In advance Thanks!

They weren't the best sellers and many weren't finished until later. I have a 48-2 like that.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

I have exactly the same issue. I know they were slow sellers. I've been trying to sell mine for a while.

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Mis-stamped frames have been reported a number of times. It’s also possible S&W had some predrilled frames and used them up.

Look at the forward most rear sight screw. If it’s directly over the flash gap, it’s a -2. If it was moved forward and is over the barrel shank, it’s a -3.

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"I also cook."

Can you provide pictures?

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

Great information much appreciated, and my sight is the longer -3 version
Actually hangs over and looks silly now that I look at it.

Pictures

Thank you, the sight hangs over looks a bit silly

Trying up load pictures,

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i have a model 48 no dash. it has been converted to .22 lr. and a 3 inch .22lr bbl. is this worth trying to convert back to a 6 inch ?? 3 t's and shoots great as is..not orignal grip, but a beautiful blue gun,all blue match's.

S&wchad was saying that the forward most SCREW and its location not the sight leaf itself. Hard to tell by angle of pics but it looks like the screw may be directly above the b/c gap and not forward over shank??

The screw is forward and not over the flash gap. Regardless of the frame markings, it is a 48-3.

OP’s photo:

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"I also cook."

Thank you all for the identifying information which certainly supports the fact my Revolver may have started out as a 48-2 in "1967" but it seems left Springfield in "71" as a 48-3.

Six-screw.

Did you buy it in this configuration? The original barrel would have worked with 22LR and the only thing needed would have been a 22LR cylinder...easy swap out. I guess someone just wanted a 3" barrel.

In any event, it seems like you would spend as much money trying to convert back to a 48 as you would just buying another "original" 48 and having two guns.

Dash numbers on 48's seem to be off a lot of times. I have a 4" that has no dash but per the serial number should be a dash 3. I think they just took a frame that was in inventory and didn't always make sure dash number was correct.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

As noted, slow sellers and why ther were discontinued. People that bought them seem to think otherwise and offer to sell for crazy high prices and get no takers... You cant compare a 48 with a 19 or even a 17 price. I am watching to pick one up but it will be at a fair price.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

You can pick up nice 17's between
500 and 600 around here a 48
In the same shape goes 600 -700
There are not near as many 48's

This discussion is extremely timely for me. I have to make a choice soon between a couple of pre-IL K-frames I've found... a very early Model 17 and a Model 48-4. Conditions and asking prices are about the same. I've already got a Model 17-2 in decent condition so the notion of adding something different to the collection is kind of appealing. On the other hand, the Model 17 that's available is older and a bit nicer than mine and that appeals to me too.

Reading here that the Model 48 was a bit of a flop marketing-wise has given me pause. I do see a lot of 48's on sale on GB and not many moving. Am I better off buying the slightly older, slightly nicer Model 17? Or does the Model 48-4 make more sense at the same price as the 17?

TTSH- you know we are going to tell you to buy them both. The only downside to a 48 or any other .22WMR gun is the cost of the ammo. I have always liked .22WMR and the first handgun I ever bought was a 6" 48-4. Bought it in 1977 when I turned 21 (required age in CA). Still have it, still shoots great and looks good. Thousands of rounds down the pipe.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

Well, as it sometimes turns out, that local Model 17 sold. I just got the bad news. So now it's a question of whether or not that Model 48-4 belongs in my collection.

sounds to me like you are interested in the 48, if you have the coin, my opinion is buy it so you don't miss that one also.

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shrade

Well, let's just say I was a lot more enthusiastic about the 48-4 before I read this thread than after I read it. I was not aware of the history of the 48 regarding low demand and sporadic production. It does help explain why I see so many on GB that are not moving.

I'll have to give it more thought. It's a magnificent gun. But at my advanced age, it makes little sense to add a gun to the collection that would be difficult for the good wife to sell after I am pushing up daisies.

everyone's circumstances are different, you have to do what you think is right. My experience with the 48 is positive. I have two a 6" with an extra cylinder in 22LR that shoots well with either cylinder and an 8-3/8" barreled version that I have shot a bit more, I like them both. I bought these 20+ years ago when Smith's were "cheap". Have a great day and grab the next 17 you run across.

shrade

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shrade

There's another Model 17 for sale locally, but it's not even as nice as the one I already own.

I'd love to find a Model 48 with two cylinders like yours. Now, that would be a real winner in my estimation.

I remember years ago when those "overhanging" rear sights were common--I would shorten them and file a bevel on the front to match the frame contour and cold blue the front edge. Looked a LOT better.

Tim

6" Smith model 48 is my favorite rimfire handgun! Hard to find around here. Havent owned one in a while; need to get another. My favorite handgun to pack along on my hunting excursions.

I think a Model 48 is in my sights for a new acquisition once we are through these troubling times.

Bob

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Sag Harbor & Manhattan, N.Y.