Model 48 help with buy decision

[ersiii]

Last night I stopped by one of my LGS and was happy to see a few older Smith revolvers in the case that were .22 cal. One was a MODEL 48 (K-22 MRF MASTERPIECE). I don't know much about this model. It is a .22 mag which is appealing to me.
The gun is blue and has the desirable 8 3/8" barrel. Bluing and overall condition is excellent with no visible bluing loss. Mechanical condition is excellent. The stocks are very nice but I don't think they are factory original for this gun….and they cover the serial # on the butt of the gun. I had to run out and pick up my son at football practice so I did not have time to remove grips and see serial #.

The gun does not have the optional .22 lr cylinder.

I snapped a few quick pics with my cell phone and I apologize for the poor pic qualities. Without the serial number and with the poor pics can any of the experts here give me some other things to look for when I go back and before I make offer. LGS has it for sale at $895.

Pics to follow in a few minutes.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[ersiii]

Sorry guys, I'm having trouble with pics. Every time I try to add a new picture it deletes the previous one!

 

[murphydog]

Given the stock style (if original) and pinned barrel, I would guess this to be an early 1980s model 48, either a -3 or early -4. The stated price is at the high end of current values, but you shouldn't feel too guilty for paying it if you really want it .

When posting photos, if you click Upload for each one and start the process over again it should let you add 5 per post.

 

[Dick Facey]

sorry to intrude.

I know this is going to sound hilarious, but I just joined this group this morning and I'm having difficulties posting to the forum. I have some questions and I can't seem to navigate very well because I'm on my smart phone. Any suggestions would be welcome. Sorry to intrude. Thank you.

 

[g8rb8]

I like that revolver too.

Based upon limited photos it looks to be in original excellent condition. It looks like it has the optional wider .400" trigger (i.e. target trigger) and optional wider .500" hammer (i.e. target hammer). The stocks could be original and are likely appropriate for this gun depending on the dash number. The target stocks have the speed loader cut out that was circa sometime in the 1970's to early 1990's.

You don't say which dash it is. I would guess a dash 4 (1977 until discontinued 1986) but possibly a dash 3 (1967 - 1977). It would date prior to 1982 when pinned barrels were eliminated.

$895 in that condition with the three T's is probably relatively reasonable retail asking price. I think a final price closer to $700 - $800 might be more reasonable.

Some love the model 48 and some dislike it. The .22 magnum is louder with more muzzle flash than .22 LR and some see this as a positive and some as a negative. Supposedly a .22 LR cylinder fitted to the model 48 creates a not-so-accurate combination but I cannot say from first hand experience.

 

[Shark Bait]

I know this is going to sound hilarious, but I just joined this group this morning and I'm having difficulties posting to the forum. I have some questions and I can't seem to navigate very well because I'm on my smart phone. Any suggestions would be welcome. Sorry to intrude. Thank you.

This forum is tough to navigate on a cell phone. You will have a much easier time on a computer.

 

[ersiii]

Thanks guys for the responses...I really appreciate it. It really is in beautiful condition. The numbers when you open the cylinder are NOT a model # with a dash. Appears to be just assembly #. I will have to go back and take off stocks to see serial #.
Does this mean it is an earlier gun?

 

[glenncal1]

There should be a model and dash number inside the crane, they did not start making 48's until around 1959 after model numbering began. However, model marking with 48's is notoriously hit and miss. I have a 4" that should be a dash 3 but is just marked as a 48 no dash. It wouldn't surprise me to see a gun where they missed the model number completely. You will enjoy that long tube, they balance much better than you would expect.

 

[ersiii]

Thanks Jim. It definitely does not have model # stamped where my 19-2 and 27-2 does.

 

[tlay]

If it truly is a model 48 no dash then those are the wrong grips. I would pay their asking price for it.