Newbie second opinions appreciated

[model3sw]

I will check and see. When the gunsmith who looked at it pulled it down the finish is original. The grips are not as I bought it with some silly comp grips that were messed up and Dan had an extra set of
Stock maybe not period correct smith grips that are currently on it. Kinda neat when a world Champion revolver shooter is the one who went over everything and suggested ask around for any more details on this model and sent me
Here. I'm not looking to kill it. Honestly I paid 600 for this and a snub nose stainless Rossi .357 I use just for a brush gun so I didn't get hurt on the deal but want a smith officianado to own this one

You've found the right place but a serious S&W guy wants to know the exact details. The early M48s are desirable to those who collect them, the long barrel even more so but it has to be "correct" and original.

See if there are any marking on the grip frame (steel). If it was refinished it was a nice job although the prep work does not seem 1960 S&W factory quality. In the 1970s S&W started getting sloppy with the prep work for awhile until they turned it around.

You seem like a straight and honest guy. The same way you would not want to be taken advantage of, you would not want to take advantage of an unsuspecting buyer. For example, if refinished, that cuts the price drastically.

The wrong grips already knock off about $300 as this likely came with K frame diamond Target grips ... if you can find a pristine set of Diamond Target grips at $300, it would be a bargain.

No matter which it would likely still shoot the black X out of a NRA target with ease.

 

[FNO4LIFE]

Sounds great and thank you I will check when I get home. And from
What I can tell I agree on the grips. It was the closest thing I had to "oem" and free to me so it was better than the comp grips lol thanks again guys I will follow up

 

[FNO4LIFE]

Ok here is the pics I took. When Dan looked at it he stated it did not appear to be a refinish as well as one gun shop locally in AZ I took it to who offered 5 cash and 6 trade. I feel it's worth more and can sit on it awhile so any info you guys share is truly appreciated.

 

[model3sw]

Ok here is the pics I took. When Dan looked at it he stated it did not appear to be a refinish as well as one gun shop locally in AZ I took it to who offered 5 cash and 6 trade. I feel it's worth more and can sit on it awhile so any info you guys share is truly appreciated.

No indication of a S&W "factory" refinish. The only thing that is odd is the metal prep (as shown in pix you originally posted). On a 1960s S&W the metal preparation, before finishing, was a better quality than this one shows.

See the sand scratches on the butt by the serial number and on the frame along side and near the cylinder release button. If that was a 1970s S&W Masterpiece, I'd not have mentioned it. Being it's an early 1960s, that is unusual. Also, all the side plate screws have turn marks but that S&W Logo is clear, clean and sharp.

A quality refinish is not only a S&W Factory refinish. There are many able gunsmiths that do excellent and some even undetectable work.

The bluing, itself, is not any concern. It just seems the metal prep is unusual for an early 1960s Masterpiece.

Get a letter on it to verify the ship date and barrel length and you'll likely make a profit on it.

PS: to a Masterpiece collector that is a very nice, collectible, early model 48 ... but ... the hard core collectors would rather pay more to have one as new, or near new (with or without box). All these things that add to the value. If this were ANIB with all the papers and tools, you'd be good for at least double what you paid.

 

[FNO4LIFE]

Thank you is there a thread on how I go about getting a letter or how long it takes etc? Never knew that was an option and I have seen some here posted so pretty cool indeed. Is there a cost associated do you know?

 

[larryofcc]

In my collection I have one very close to yours. # 419610 that was shipped 6-1961. It too has the 8 3/8" bbl. Big Larry

 

[FNO4LIFE]

Thanks for sharing looks like that puts mine right Into the time
Frame of what my research found 1960 or so. What kind of condition and value do you put on yours?