M48-2 serial number

[dirty gary]

I have a Model 48-2, serial #6K3XXX, nice gun. I've been told, by friends and a Forum member, that the 6K number indicates it was produced after 1970, probably around 1974. The 48-2 was a production change in 1962, followed by the -3 in 1967 and the -4 in 1977. I know S&W doesn't follow exact numerical sequence when producing guns, but would they continue an early version (like a -2) while later production was occurring? In other words, if this gun was produced in 1974, wouldn't it be a 48-3? Or am I confused? The -3 is dated 5 years after the -2, doesn't seem reasonable that they had that many left prior to the -3 designation

 

[sodacan]

I also have a 48-2 that according to the S/N was made in 1971.
1K71XXX. The information based on the S/N of your gun would indeed place its DOB in 1974. Anybody have an answer?

 

[s&wchad]

Where's the screw?

The difference between the 17-2/48-2 and 17-3/48-3 is the location of the forward rear sight screw. The -2 had the screw directly over the flash gap and it was moved away from the gap on the -3. Keep in mind that Smith & Wesson did occasionally mis-mark guns. Recently there was a 17-3 in the classifieds that was marked 17-1 and I owned a 34-1 (J frame) that was marked MOD 34 (I frame).

Note the forward rear sight screw location on this 17-2:

... and note where it is on this 48-3 (#8K...)

34-1 marked 34

The screw location on the K-22's, like the frame size on the .22/32 Kit Guns, will determine which engineering change the gun is, regardless of how it's marked. A peanut butter label on a jar of jam doesn't make it peanut butter!

 

[dirty gary]

Thank you for the info, s&wchad. You are correct, my 48-2 has the rear sight moved to the location as a 48-3. Your peanut butter label comparison makes a lot of sense. I've had a chance to shoot the gun, and its a lot of fun. I'm sure I'll be adding to the safe when another crosses my path. Thanks again