Currently have some cash burring a hole in my pocket, Im looking at a Model 48- 22 MRF 6", serial number in the 406xxx range. From my beginner knowledge it looks to have been made in 1959-1960. I have been doing some research and it sounds like they are fine revolvers, you just have to keep them clean and they are loud! Is there any nuances to this fine revolver I should know about?

Thank you

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Sorry forgot price, $1200.

Yea, they are loud and keep it clean. Nice K frame revolver.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Does anyone know if these are the original stocks?

Those are 1968 or later stocks.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Probably not original stocks. I have a 1959 a 1960, and a 1961. All came with numbered magna stocks. I did change the 1960 to full target as it lettered as a 6" K38. S&W recording error. My 1959 is a 6". A gentleman was walking the Reno show with it. Paid $625 for it. Minty, in its numbered box. Big Larry

Last year I sold a well used but well cared for 8 3/8" 48 for $1150. That thing was amazingly accurate. I still have another 8 3/8" w/extra 22LR, a 6" and 4". $1200 is about right for a nice one around here. They have brought more. The 4" guns get a little more attention but I think the 6" is just about right. Have fun shooting your 6". It is probably very accurate.

^^ it’s not mine yet, hopefully though. This would be a “4 screw” correct? There is a screw in front of trigger guard. Thanks

They are nice revolvers, quite accurate and will deafen you pretty quickly unless you’re using excellent hearing protection. The problem is that they don’t do anything better than a 22lr in a handgun.

In a rifle, 22mag offers a slight range advantage over 22lr. In a handgun, the only practical benefit of 22 magnum over 22lr is much more noise and much more expensive ammunition.

You’ll get much more practical use from a 22lr revolver such as a M14 or M17. Probably less expensive too.

Don’t discount the noise of this cartridge in a revolver: it is truly disqualifying.

OP- if it is truly a 48 no dash (there are lots of mis-marked 48's) then the ejector rod will have right-handed threads making is more sucseptable to coming loose. No big deal really, just check it often and maybe use a little loctite or something on it.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

Correct. The-2 eliminated the trigger guard screw ion 1962.

Just my opinion but the Model 48 is the most mis-marked model S&W made.

Thank you Retired W4

The photos indicate a right-hand thread ejector rod. It does not have a recessed ring between the knurled end and rod.

These stocks are called “Targets” correct?

"Football target". Refers to the relief-cut in the left-hand grip to ease loading.

Cool, thanks Dan!

These are called “Cokes” correct? What’s the difference? Thanks

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Cokes have checkering that covers more surface area and a noticeable "palm swell" when viewed from the back-strap looking forward. Early cokes do not have the "football" relief cut in the left panel.

Learning more every day, thank you.

"Cokes" are only found on N frames and only on early 44 Magnums and M57s. . . .as far as I know. The correct stocks for the M48 would be either magnas with diamonds or "football" relief diamond targets.

Here's my 6 inch -4 with smooth targets with which I'm pretty sure it did not ship from the factory.

And my favorite 48, a 4 inch no dash.

You'll enjoy that one if you get it. $1200 seems a little higher than I'd expect to see where I shop but probably not much. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Don’t see many 48’s in 4”, very nice pair!

4" no dash M48's are relatively scarce. I have been looking for years and finally found one. It even has the RR and WO sights. Just sent the check off for it. Very expensive undertaking. Sometimes, you have to pay the price. Big Larry

Make sure to keep the cylinder clean!

My 1959 Model 48s. My dad bought the 6 inch in 1960 and I picked up the 8 3/8 inch in 2016. My dad bought and fitted the 22LR cylinder to the 6 inch gun around 1961. It fits both guns.

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Here's my 1959 no dash with diamond magnas numbered to the gun. Diamond targets will also be correct but likely won't be numbered.

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Cool trigger shoes.

I really enjoy my 48. I've been taking it to the range and find it's a pleasure to shoot and it hits the steel targets every time. I don't mind its bark. It's a hoot to shoot.

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I do like those non-relieved K targets on that one.

The M48 is one of my favorite handguns! They are very accurate and give .22 rifle power in a handgun. The .22 WMR round is noticeably more effective on critters than any 22 lr offering. The 6" barrel M48 is the best one and not too terribly loud.