I am in the market for a 22 rimfire revolver as a range toy/plinking revolver. My preference is a medium/K frame revolver with a 4" barrel. Stainless is preferred but blued is fine as well.

I'm somewhat familiar with the 617 that is currently offered, but came across the Model 48 in 22 Magnum in S&W's catalog and have found a number of previous production Model 48 and 51s listed for sale.

Still interested in picking up a 22LR revolver, but picking up a 22 Mag revolver has got my interest.

Aside from the differences in prices between 22LR and 22 Magnum, how do the older model 48s and 51s rate?

Does the current production Model 48 hold any advantage over the early models (50s-60s I think)?

Quick search talked about 22 Mag ammo clogging up the action and causing the cylinder to lock up. Not sure if that is a reflection of the ammo at the time and not an issue now.

Also saw where you could pick up a 22LR cylinder and crane for the 48, although not sure if that is still available now or not (didn't see it on S&W's parts catalog).

I'd appreciate any experiences with either the Model 48 or 51, whether current or late model production.

Don't think there is a current production 48. The 648 (stainless) may still be in production.

I have both a 648 and a 51, as well as a number of .22 long rifle Smiths. You do get significantly more power from the .22 magnums. You will get .22 long rifle (from a rifle) power from the 51, and exceed it by 15 - 20% with a 6" 648. You will also get a LOT more noise from a .22 magnum revolver. A LOT MORE!!!!

As far as the action clogging is concerned, I have not experienced this with my 648. I think SW made some changes to the extractor star to help prevent this. My 51 jams up after 20 shots or so.

If you are just intending these to be range toys, get a 17, 617, 18, 63, etc. instead. The long rifle cartridge is a lot cheaper, as accurate, and a lot easier on your ears and those of neighboring shooters. If you already have regular .22s or need a more powerful rimfire for hunting, by all means get a magnum for the experience.

I take my K-22 and my M-48 when I go down to the river bank for some serious tin-can shooting. Other than the noise and the cost of the ammo, the difference between the two is negligible.

I saw the Model 48 under the Classics section on S&W's website and have seen a few listed as NIB on places like GB...etc.

I have a 22 magnum rifle so the Model 48 would be a nice addition, but picking up a 22LR revolver is still part of the plan.

Good info on your experience with your 51. While the older production models may have a more attractive price, sounds like it comes with a cost.

Mike: Shooting at tin cans on the river brings back good memories.

I have a Model 51 no dash, and it jams so badly that the cylinder won't turn. Anyone know of a fix? I've taken it apart and cleaned it, but it's still hard to turn the cylinder. Do you thin this is a warraty issue with Smith?

never mind, I did a more thorough cleaning, using a q-tip under the extractor star, and it smoothed right up. The toothbrush didn't clean out the crud like I thought it would. All is well.

Good to hear. I was about to write the 51s off the list.

I'm not any sort of expert but picked up a 48 last fall

I also have a model 17

both are great plinkers....cans don't stand a chance

I own a Model 48 and a new 351PD. One thing to remember is that the Model 51 series is on a J frame, so it is a bit smaller the the 48 in size and weight.

The 48 does need cleaning under the star when shooting because it it will locks up with burnt powder. I think I can get about 30 rounds through mine on a good day before I need to clean out under the ejector star.

The 351PD has none of those problems. I have shot 200 rounds thought that gun at the range before and didn't have to clean under the ejector star once. The new style of ejector star really solved the build-up problem of the past.

Both guns are a great to shoot and both are very accurate. I think if you didn't want to hassle with the cleaning under the star at the range, if you bought a new production 48 that problem would be non existent.

The 351PD is very loud with the 2" barrel and weighs 11oz loaded, and I can't believe how accurate it is. It is tons of fun, and I am not usually a fan of 2" barrel pistols.

For S&W .22 Magnums I currently own:

48 4" with LR cylinder
48 8 3/8" with LR cylinder
17 6" with Magnum cylinder
51 3.5" with LR cylinder
63 4" with LR cylinder

Also owned two 6" 48s also with LR cylinders....

The binding problem due to unburned powder is a problem in some S&W Magnums. The 8 3/8" has a problem and the 4" doesn't. No clue why... The 51 also will bind... I just carry a tooth brush and a wipe under the star puts the gun right back in operation. Since these guns are used for hunting or woods carry the fast reload isn't really an issue.

Don't recall how he did it but a machinist friend somehow milled the underside of the star on his 48 that eliminated the problem...I think he grooved it so that the excess unburned powder had a place to go... The probglem seems to be the powder used in the Magnums is a ball powder that doesn't burn as completely as the powder in the Long Rifle ammo and the the little unburned balls aren't soft enough to be flattened by the star....

4" 48....



8 3/8" 48...



51...



63 with extra cylinder....about my favorite of the .22 DA revolvers I have...




Bob

There is a collection to be proud of. Wasn't thinking about the smaller frame 63s, but hard to pass if I find one that looks like yours.

Smith & Wesson rimfires are wonderful revolvers that more and more shooters are discovering. We oldtimers discovered them decades ago so it's good to see newer enthusiasts finding out how good these S&Ws are. Unfortunately many of the best models are no longer being made which drives up the prices. But they are worth the price and will provide years if not decades of rimfire fun. I'm always on the lookout for one of these gems. With all the plastic and aluminum high speed, low drag semi auto rimfires being produced these days, compare one to a finely tuned steel revolver and you'll see why these older S&Ws are so highly sought after.

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Never realized there were so many to chose from. Model 17, 18, 34, 53, 63...etc.

While I'll never lose my passion for a quality 1911, not far behind is a growing admiration for a quality revolver.

I've always been a big bore fan, particularly in heavy 45 Colt/454 Casull, but after picking up a no dash four inch 686, the adventure has begun.

In addition to my rimfire objectives, I am on the lookout for a 22-4, 25 or 625 in 45 ACP.

I see a lot of hot dogs and ramen noodles in my future.

Marine 24,

I have a couple of M51's, a nickle 4" and a blue 4", and a M651 2.5". I really like the 4" versions, and use the blued M51 as my "garden/yardwork" handgun, only because the nickle M51 is at the gunsmith getting reamed to .22 Mag, due to getting sold an M51 with a .22LR cylinder in an online auction. Something to consider if you use Gunbroker or an online venue for purchase. Make darn sure that the seller has at least chambered the proper cartridge and can ensure that the cylinders have not been switched, or will return your money if the wrong one is installed.

The M51 is comfortable to carry, more so than an M48/M17/617, as it is smaller/lighter, but the .22Mag recoil is negligible, and the 4" gives a much better sight radius than the 2.5". With the first two chambers loaded with CCI snake shot, and the next four with 40 gr HP's, it will take care of any varmint I'm likely to encounter while cutting grass or working the garden (I cut 7 ac of grass every week, and have a 3000 sq ft garden). As a dinking in the woods/waters, plinking gun, it is great. The only downside is the ammo cost if you shoot a bunch, but I have found .22 WMR online for reasonable prices, and really like the .22 WMR out of a small frame handgun.

That being said, I also have a 4" 617 with full underlug barrel that I use for hunting squirrels. It is great for that purpose, and a blast to shoot, and the extra weight reduces recoil and allows hits to be observed more readily, and it isn't as loud as the .22 WMR.

I think that you will enjoy either one, or both if your budget allows it. Good luck.

marine- i didn't see anyone mention the 43 and 35. they are j-frames. 43 is 3.5in airweight and 35 is 6in bbl target. look for a 53 with both cylinders and you can shoot 22lr and the most fun 22 cal, the jet. i have 8 of them and they are my favorite gun to go play with.

Mike: Appreciate the intel on the Model 51. I prefer the 22 magnum as a hunting round, but hard to argue with the aesthetics of the Model 17.

Perrazi: Thanks for the info on the 22 Jet. I saw some listings for the caliber, but don't know much about them. I'm a sucker for some odd calibers, like the 338-06. 22 Jet might fit in nicely.