M48's, price and performance...

[Recoil Rob]

What prompted me to write is a M48-4 currently at auction that is up over $1000. It's minty with the box and has all the papers and parts but I thought it was a bit high since I got a minty M48 (1st year, 1959) w/ box only for about $700 earlier this year.

Then I noticed this one is a 4" version, must be fairly hard to find.
Which jogged my memory of reading somewhere about .22WMR handguns not having enough barrel length to make that much of a difference vs. the .22LR. In a rifle barrel yes but a 6" or 4" pistol?

What do you think?

 

[LEO918]

Rob: I don't think the 48-4s in 4" are particularly rare. I had two so I sold one for $750 about three weeks ago.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Well then I don't understand it, this one is from 1980 with mismatched stocks and it's up over $1000

 

[LEO918]

Two overly excited bidders. That's what auctions are designed to do.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Guess so, I hope someone's very happy tonight besides the seller.

 

[bigmoose]

I agree that sounds very high (later version gun with mismatched stocks). But these K22s and other desirable S&W models continue to trend higher. One reason, I believe, is because when these guns sell nowadays, they enter someones' collection permanently. It is less likely that today's gun collector will part with a "dandy" than in years past. The supply is starting to dry up because of this. Also, more guys are realizing what we already know about Smiths.

 

[thardgrave]

I just read some recent discussion about 22 WMR velocity in handguns vs rifles and does it really out perform 22 LR. The answer, and I agree, is that the 22 WMR in a handgun gives mv similar to what a .22 LR does in a rifle, and definitely substantially more than 22 LR in a handgun. Whether it is worth the substantial extra cost for the ammo is another topic, but the performance is there. I have a 6" Model 48-4 and it shoots very well and I am happy with the ballistic performance.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Good to hear, thank you. I haven't shot mine yet.

 

[Bob W.]

Rob - purchased my M48 back in the late 60's and it is a great shooter. Had a small Bushnell pistol scope on it for awhile and it was very accurate. Great little gun and pleasant to shoot.

Bob

 

[GM4spd]

I had extraction issues with a 48 that I couldnt cure and
never owned another one,maybe just a bad one but never
went back, Pete

 

[jpwhel]

I don't think the 4" Mod 48 is rare, I had one and foolishly sold it. Wound up buying another one LNIB but with the 8 3/8' barrel. Now it is one nice gun, I would have to think about selling it if the price at auction were true.