Mod 48-3 without -3 markings

[sfal7418]

Just picked this up....when first I saw Mod 48, thinking great a 4 screw which I dont have one in any caliber.

then seeing its a 3 screw I
was perplexed. and quick google search showed that some dash 3 werent marked with dash 3.
SN 5K91755

Not having a 48 it was still nice,
very clean, org finish, football grips are marked K-RH and LH, so I assume changed out from org.

The other thing with this is, while it sports a wide target hammer, which may or may not be org. The trigger has been polished smooth...front, both sides and behind trigger curve, also narrowed? as its .265 wide. Could be a worked over service trigger?

While the while the trigger works great, very smooth, I am more of a purest, Hoping someone is looking for one of these triggers and I could swap it for a org smooth wide target....if that doesnt work out then maybe someone has one for sale.

Love the history
Thanks for any input /help
al

 

[sfal7418]

Forgot pic of Mod 48

 

[murphydog]

Very likely an earlier model stamped frame, but not assembled into a complete gun until much later. I've seen a few model 17-1s with a similar later SN.

 

[sfal7418]

forgot to add.....the other anomaly is the assembly/fitment number, inside the side plate was first struck 64009 instead of 64990....with 990 struck above last 3 digits....which I would think would happen at times...

always learning
al

 

[JP@AK]

sfal7418

The serial number indicates 1974, so it should be a dash 3. The way you can confirm that is to look at the sight leaf screw. Is it forward of the barrel/cylinder gap? If so, the revolver is definitely a Model 48-3.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

That trigger started life as a standard .265” serrated service trigger. Serrations were polished off and trigger was reblued. Should be case colored.

 

[Retired W4]

From my limited experience the model 48 is the most mis-marked gun S&W made. I have two and have seen many more. I go by features, as Jack mentioned, and not what is stamped in the yoke cut.

 

[sfal7418]

"The way you can confirm that is to look at the sight leaf screw. Is it forward of the barrel/cylinder gap?"

yes it is....after looking at my 5 screw K frame I see where they at at the gap

also the last 4 digits of sn 1755 is stamped under star, and cylinder takes a.22 mag rd
thanks al

 

[sfal7418]

one other thing I didn't expect was the frt sight ramp is pinned on...my other models from same era ...different cals....the sight is machined into/ out of barrel...
thanks al

 

[Retired W4]

In collector jargon that is known as "proud pins". The same sight on like models the pins may be polished flush before the finish is applied.

 

[Jase2007]

Trigger

I’ve got a wide smooth case colored trigger non mim I’d part with. Bought to put in a gun but traded it before I got it in the mail to swap it.