Model 48-4 Extra Cylinder Clarification

[CJSmith]

I picked up a really nice 48-4 in the original box. It doesn't appear to have been shot much, if any. It also came with two cylinders, one in a small felt pouch. The serial numbers on both cylinders match the gun. My question is would this have been ordered from the factory with both cylinders or could you order a matching cylinder later with a matching serial number? Either way, I feel lucky to have purchased this one.

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations on finding a beautiful K22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire

Since the cylinders are serial numbered, something that would not occur on a revolver manufactured in that time period, I would guess the second cylinder was added after the initial firearms purchase

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Looks to me like the .22 Long Rifle cylinder was ordered after it left the factory. The factory did not stamp the rear of the cylinders as seen on yours.

 

[CJSmith]

Looks to me like the .22 Long Rifle cylinder was ordered after it left the factory. The factory did not stamp the rear of the cylinders as seen on yours.

So is the guess that the owner had both cylinders stamped after purchase since the serial number stamping looks the same on both?

 

[colt_saa]

So is the guess that the owner had both cylinders stamped after purchase since the serial number stamping looks the same on both?

Whomever fitted the second cylinder to the revolver is who stamped both cylinders

That keeps fitted parts with the correct firearm.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I'll take it! Just let me know where to send the check!

 

[Club Gun Fan]

So is the guess that the owner had both cylinders stamped after purchase since the serial number stamping looks the same on both?

Yes. If Smith & Wesson fitted the extra cylinder, the numbers would have been done with a fixture and been neater.

 

[glenncal1]

Regardless of the after market stamping, that is a nice package. Good graining on the grips and RR front site. 3T's too.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Looks like an RP front sight to me...

 

[CJSmith]

Here is a picture of the front sight with a red "add-on" glued/attached.

 

[Kenny A]

Model 48

It looks as though your 48 has 3 T's and a Red a Post front sight, I assume the rear sight has a white outline. The front sight is factory installed.

 

[PALADIN85020]

When the Model 48 was first offered (1959), S&W offered auxiliary cylinders chambered for .22 LR as an option, but this practice was soon dropped. Guns manufactured some time after that were almost certainly after-fits, either by the factory or privately. Of course, another explanation is that the extra cylinder was special-ordered for this particular gun from the get-go. I'm a great fan of the 48; here's a shot of mine. It's a dash-3, dating to 1975, and no serial number is stamped on the cylinder.

John