I’ve decided I need a 22mag double action Smith I’ve never run across a used model. I have a Ruger single six with 22mag cylinder and a Savage model 93 so I need a double action version. Not a fan of the lock my only lock version is my 617 so what’s the thought on the 351,48,648 thanks. It would be plinking woods walking defensive a 48 4” would be great but the 351c looks pretty sweet too. A mate to my 642 thanks!

__________________
Take it easy. Chris

I think the 651 4" is probably your best bet. I have a 351c and while it is a joy to carry, it is no target gun. It has the big dot front sight and the trigger pull is not what you want on a target gun.

Be prepared to drop 800-1000 for a nice 651. If you want the 2" version, hold on to your wallet, they are bringing $1500 or better.





Even during the ammo shortages (2008 and now), I can still find plenty of 22 Mag. There are some really neat Speer Gold Dot short barrel self defense loads that look pretty good on paper.

Attached Thumbnails

   

__________________
Say when...

Yes I’ve been able to find 22mag around here when all else is wiped out. Called local shop no used or jframes just a nib 48 6” for $860 and he usually has a bit of everything hiding in his shop. I’d have to think about that since my single six is a 5 1/2” id really prefer a 4” if I went that route.

__________________
Take it easy. Chris

Take a look at the model 51. I have one and love it

The price on 651 ouch!

__________________
Take it easy. Chris

Probably can't go wrong with any of those you're considering. I had a 351C but got rid of it after one trip to the range. Terrible trigger and I couldn't hit much of anything with it at any distance. The 651 is good but I think your initial leaning towards a 48 4 inch is where I would go. A little bigger, a little heavier, but for me anyway, much more accurate at longer range than the 351C or 651 and easy to carry. The IL wouldn't bother me a bit either for a range and woods gun and one of the 648s or a Classic would be fine. A 4 inch 8 shot 648 would be great if you could find one; 648s seem to be obvious by there absence on the S&W website. Frankly I'd buy whichever of the 48/648 versions I found for the best price. Here are two of my favorites. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Attached Thumbnails

   

I bought a new 48 6" and it is beautiful despite the lock. The lock is not as noticeable to me with blued guns. It is very accurate and the trigger is really good. Double action shooting is smooth. I would not call it a woods gun, if I brought in the woods I would have it in a case. A 351 seems to be a better choice.

The price is right on the 48 6” classic as opposed to any others I’ve seen or looked at on web and it’s available just it’s 6” that’s what’s holding me up.

__________________
Take it easy. Chris

Not Smith, but great shooter. I picked up a Ruger LCRX 3in 22 mag. Sat.
$500.00

Attached Thumbnails

 

UCK!!!!!!!

FWIW; IMHO the .22mag is a varmint hunting round best out of a 16-20" rifle.....you can pick up 800 to 1100 fps....... over a 4" revolver

My general call on rimfire revolvers is, avoid DAO (like the 351C).

Rimfire revolvers generally have such tough triggers that SA is a worthwhile option.

My feelings are that if you have a K frame 22 mag the single six would not get shot much. So.........sell it after you get the 6" 48.

__________________
Front sight and squeeze

If truly destined to be less a range gun and more of a walk-about plinker
I would search for a "experienced" model 51.
Often under the common radar a finish challenged one can be found quite affordably.
This one has worn out a few holsters but is a remarkable shooter for a J frame. For me a 3 1/2 inch barrel is about the minimum I want for 22 mag.
Couple of grip options ,minimal to man-sized make it versatile and the finish wear will disappear in a Simply Rugged pancake .

A 3" Model 317 gets my vote

I have a new 48 6 inch that I got in trade. Trigger was horrible until I installed a lock delete from the gentleman who posts here. Precision I think. Installed the lock delete and the trigger changed dramatically. Almost as good as My 53 vintage K22. 22 mag is hard to find here and if I could find a 351 I would not hesitate to carry it.

While I love my 48-4 long tube for targets, ground hogs, etc, I want to add a 4” as it’d be a great companion in the woods (and a lot easier to carry!).

__________________
Pass it on.

If you want to shoot an accurate 22 mag then get a K frame. If you want to make lots of noise with so-so accuracy the J frame will work.

__________________
S&W factory revolver armorer

I have a marlin 780 in 22 wmr. Scoped my misses put ten rounds in the x ring at 100 yds.

__________________
Plant garlic in the fall

The 317 is long rifle, my bad. For woods plinking I'd go with the 351. In my opinion a 4" 48 would be too much gun to take traipsing around in the woods all day

A 22 mag out of a revolver is not that much better then some hipper velocity 22 long rifle like CCI stingers, to much is lost between the cylinder and barrel. as stated above best used in a rifle, I have 2 revolvers that will shoot both and other then the wow factor with the mags I very rarely shoot them, but they turn into a 150yd. rimfire in a rifle.

I’d like to get a revolver in 22 mag but another $800/$900?

Can a 22 lr cylinder be chamber reamed to 22 mag? If I had a beater.

__________________
Plant garlic in the fall

Sounds like he's after a walk-around plinker not a target gun. Also sounds like he wants a .22 mag revolver not for the power but because the ammo is readily available.

Chris,
I'd strongly consider a 3" Taurus 941. I have their Model 94 in .22lr and it's a great shooter.

I bought a Taurus m94/22lr for the misses great gun.

__________________
Plant garlic in the fall

Bought one last year myself. Love it.

941 is an older model. I just looked online and the new ones are 942s. My two Smith 22s, a Model 18 and a 43, are just too nice to shoot. Hmm, now I'm tempted. Like I need another shooter.

I have a really nice 48-2, six inch. Bought it on a whim a few years ago with 500 rounds of ammo. I've never put a round through it. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but I have several 22lr revolvers (17-2, pre-18, Colt OM), and they’re really more in my wheelhouse since I limited my collection to only four calibers. The 48 is the queen of the safe.

I erred in my previous post. My new Taurus is indeed a 942, not a 94. It's an excellent gun. Be advised the stainless version like I bought is a heavy little chunk. I found out after I bought it they make the same gun with a lighter aluminum frame. No big deal since I don't carry mine. I bought it for cheap practice because I EDC J frames.

What, no love for the M63? Mine has been very accurate and rides along with me during bird season.

Attached Thumbnails

 

I shoot them both. You can see the size difference. I think if I was looking today I would go for the M- 63

Attached Thumbnails

 

Or you can build one if you happen to have a Model 17 or 18 handy. See the thread on the gunsmithing forum Cylinder Fitment The cylinder is available from the 648 stainless .22Mag from Numrich for about $75 and it seems to fit the yoke without much work on the 17/18's. Fitting the extractor is the hard part but most gunsmiths do this easily. Here's mine on a pre-18 chassis.

Stu

Attached Thumbnails

 

Well I grabbed the “classic” 48 4” should be coming my way next week. I’d have liked a non lock but times are tough and I’m impatient so the hunt is always on for more. The 63 is definitely something I’d be all over in the future. Sweet revolver pics everyone and I appreciate all the feedback.

__________________
Take it easy. Chris

In addition to my M63, I've had a M48 6-inch for decades. Did the reverse of what Stu1ritter did above and had a .22LR cylinder fitted to mine. Love it.

Yes, by all means buy a 63 to go with your 48.

Here's mine with my convertible M25-2 (ACP and LC).

Attached Thumbnails

 

Are the 17 and 48 bore diameters different? My understanding with ruger the single six bore diameter is actually for the .22mag

What do you mean No Love? I absolutely love mine!



My 22 Mag choice is it's cousin, the M651...



OP - enjoy the M48 - it should be a fun one!

Bob S.

My Model 48 has a 6" barrel and it's perfect for my purposes. Bought it new last year and it's a beauty. That 6" barrel helps to take advantage of the WMR's extra powder charge.

__________________
With S&W, you're holding history in your hand

I am the happy, proud owner of a 648, but can’t imagine one with a barrel shorter than 6” - but that’s just me. I’ve been pretty lucky finding 22 mag ammo around here and for $12.99, $5 less than Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
FBINA 213

I have a 1974 model 48 with 8-3/8" barrel, target trigger, target hammer, target grips, and its a great woodchuck revolver.

Back in early March 1993, I bought a brand new model 651 for carrying during trout fishing season.
Started seeing coyotes and black bears, when walking the trout streams, though never attacked, I got the message.

Also have a Colt NF twin cylinder 22/22 wmrf, and a few WMRF rifles.
22WMRF is My favorite rimfire cartridge.

Attached Thumbnails

     

__________________
It is....what it is!

I've really come to like the .22mag for a Penn's Woods varmint round...... not to big not too heavy but enough gun for large varmints aka coyote's out to 100 yards which fits shooting in the woods or small fields of the Pa. Laurel Highlands. As I said in an earlier post I think the round reaches its full potential in a rifle. I can highly recommend CZs; mine are 452s FS/mannlichers, and Ruger's American Compact.



If I need a backup handgun it's usually a 3" Model 60-10 micro 686... thou my 4"63 with CCI Velocitors would also be a good option.