I finally found a revolver that I have been hoping to find for quite a while. I had no expectation that what I would find would would be in the condition it is in with the exception of one small issue.

When I picked up the blue box, the writing was upside down but I could see it was a model 48 and the box was the right length for a 4" barrel. Inside the box was the revolver that appeared to be unfired. Cleaning tools and a screw driver were in the box in plastic bags. I notice a little spot of rust on one of the plastic bags but ignored it.

I did open the cylinder but little else before I told the seller I would take it. Everything looked perfect and I was thrilled. When I got home I looked at my new treasure closer and discovered the rust spot on the plastic bags had a small corresponding rust spot about 1/2 the size of a BB in one place on the cylinder. I used a Q tip to apply a drop of Break Free on the rust spot. Tonight I will look to see if the rust lifts off or if it needs some polishing. All in all not to bad for a Bangor Punta era S&W. If there is a blemish, should I just leave it as is or what? The rest of the revolver is like new. Thanks

If it's just surface rust, you should be able to safely remove it and make the spot look a lot better. I've had good luck applying penetrating oil, letting it soak for a while, then gently scraping the rust with the edge of a copper penny (pre-1982). 1982 and later pennies are mostly zinc and can scratch the metal.

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"I also cook."

Hello Willieboy
Congratulation's on locating a Model 48-4. Now you need to get busy and find some early No Dash 48's to go with it. I have Two Both being very early Four screw Variations. My 6" Version shown below has the extra .22 L.R. factory fited cylinder with it and it is a first Year 48 being December 1959. My 4" Variation is also a No Dash Model 48 Four screw variation that shipped in April 1961. I hate it that your cylinder has a rust spot on it. Chances are it will never clean up to match the rest of your gun, But there is Hope... Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing in Crystal River, Florida can refinish just the cylinder to Match your guns bluing. I know this as I sent them a bady rusted pitted cylinder out of my Model 27-2 .357 Magnum revolver and they pulled it off in Grand style. If you ask them for their Master style bluing finish on your cylinder it will match the factory finish perfect like mine shows below...I hope this help's, Hammerdown



Model 48 No Dash Left the Factory in December 1959






Model 48 No Dash left the factory in April 1961







S&W Model 27-2 that Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing re-blued just the cylinder for me, with their Master Bluing finish....As you can see, it matches the rest of the original Factory finish perfectly...



Original Factory finish showing Rust Pit's in cylinder before sending it off to Ford's Custom Gun refinishing in Florida.





Ford's Master Bluing finish that Matched the gun original bluing perfectly