Model 48-2 Head Scratcher

[Fullmetaljacket]

I recently came into a really nice 48-2. I finally got around to giving it a thorough exam and cleaning and noticed that the serial number, 6K4939 is according to SCSW somewhere in 1974(?). The 48-2 arrived 1962, changed to 48-3 in 1967 and ran until the 48-4 in 1977. Based on the serial number span for the 48-2 in SCSW, my 48-2 should number between K468099 and K715996 The earliest 6K number I see is in 1974.
I think I read in an older post that serial numbers for the model 48 were all over the place. Could it be that a batch of older frames stamped 48-2 sat around waiting on an order that didn't come until 1974 and were then stamped with the 6K number and shipped? Total speculation on my part, that's the best explanation I can come up with. Anybody else have a 48-2 with a much later serial number?

 

[JP@AK]

Hi

You are correct that we get this sort of question about the Model 48 frequently. Perhaps this will help.

1. Yes, 6K4939 is a 1974 serial number.
2. The difference between a -2 and a -3 is the location of the screw that holds the rear sight in place. If that screw is directly above the barrel/cylinder gap, it is a Model 48-2. If it is slightly forward of that position, just above the barrel extension, the revolver is a Model 48-3, and is simply mismarked. Given our experience with the Model 48, it could be either one.

 

[HughD1]

I do. It should have been marked a dash three. Posted about it a couple of weeks ago. It has a 1974 serial number and marked 48-2. It is a mismarked dash three.


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[Fullmetaljacket]

Rear sight screw is directly over the barrel shank extension. Mismarked 48-3 it is!
Thanks for the replies gents.
As an aside, were the serial numbers stamped at the same time during production as the model no. stamp?