S&W 48-4 - Suggestions on Ammunition? Photo Added 28 May

[hoover 1]

A friend showed me what he said was a S&W Model 17 with a 8 3/8inch barrel in 22 LR.

He said that it had some issues (case splits, fairly inaccurate, etc) and asked if I could take a look at it.

Well, what he actually has is a S&W 48-4 with a 8 3/8 inch barrel. He only had one cylinder with it and I confirmed that it was a 22 Magnum. Some holster wear on the sides of the barrel, 85% finish beautiful blued remaining, a bit of pitting here and there, but in mechanically good shape.

Looks like it left the factory in 1977.

He said that I could have it, it just isn't the type of gun he likes (high speed, low drag type of guy). I guess I better get him a case of 9mm ammunition for his Glock 19? Or maybe two cases? I have no ideal as to the value of this revolver and want to get him something for it.

Any suggestions as to the brand/type of 22 magnum ammunition to shoot from it?

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[mkk41]

.22 Mags are like most rimfires , finicky. For many years , there was just Winchester , Federal and CCI. Remington now make MRF ammo , and I think there's a few imports. Yer just gonna have to try different brands and see which one it likes best.

 

[s&wchad]

The gun you describe is probably still worth at least $400.

.22 MRF ammo is expensive, so I shoot whatever I can scrounge at gun shows for $7 or less. Keep your eyes open for partial or torn boxes. Old Winchester ammo works just fine and I don't think I've ever had a dud.

 

[hoover 1]

Thanks for the feedback.

I need to be real careful on how I tell him that 22 LR and 22 Magnum is not like 38 Special and 357 Magnum.

I have some 1980's vintage CCI 22 Magnum that I will try tomorrow when I shoot it and see how it groups. Picked up a couple of hundred rounds for a 22 Magnum Derringer that I purchased. Looks like I shot up a whole total of 6 rounds.

Thanks for the info on the value. Although he said just keep it, a "gift" of a case and a half to 2 cases of Federal 9mm "plinking" ammo should be a good exchange.

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[hoover 1]

And if this revolver is a "shooter" when I take it to the range on Monday, I do need to replace the current skinny grips with something a bit more hand filling.

Thanks,

Don

 

[weatherby]

Just shoot what you can get that isn't too expensive.
You will feel better after the range trips.
I've tried a few brands in this 48-2 I recently picked up and they all shot well enough for my needs/wants.

The magnas got switched soon after coming in the house

 

[hoover 1]

Very nice grips!

I was thinking about a set of Pachmayr rubber grips, but the wood target grip do look nice.

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[weatherby]

Thanks I have a gripping addiction
some more....forget those rubber ones
wood and a revolver just look RIGHT

 

[hoover 1]

Thanks I have a gripping addiction
some more....forget those rubber ones
wood and a revolver just look RIGHT

You are correct. The checkered wood target grips do look very nice.

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[glenncal1]

If your friend was shooting .22LRs out of the gun I can see why he was getting cases splitting and bad accuracy . I have had good luck in my 48s with Federal and had some Seller & Bellot (sp?) that worked nicely but I haven't seen any in a long time.

Here is another grip option. S&W finger groove, very comfortable in my hand anyway:

 

[hoover 1]

If your friend was shooting .22LRs out of the gun I can see why he was getting cases splitting and bad accuracy . I have had good luck in my 48s with Federal and had some Seller & Bellot (sp?) that worked nicely but I haven't seen any in a long time.

Here is another grip option. S&W finger groove, very comfortable in my hand anyway:

Really good looking grips.

I had a chance to visit the range today with the 48.

Shooting CCI 22 Mag, I had the best 25 yard group (standing/ braced) that I have had in 35 years of military and civilian shooting. Group was slightly less than 1 1/2 inch.

Now to pick up a nice set of wood grips. The magna grips were a bit of a challenge to get a good grip on.

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[jrd1976]

Most of the time mine wears the Hogue Gripper grips for range sessions and hunting.

Winchester Supreme 32 gr are very accurate and more impressive on water bottles than the other brands.

 

[Curt Blunt]

You can check ebay for grips. I've gotten several pairs of Herretts at reasonable prices.

 

[hoover 1]

Thanks for the responses.

I just noted that the sight blade adjustment screw had been "adjusted" and permitted the rear sight to shift about .020 inches left to right quite freely.

The revolver was shooting to the left by about 5 inches at 25 yards. I noted that the sights were moved almost all the way to the left.

I made the adjustments to the sight position to shoot to point of aim/center of target. And was able to tighten the blade up.

I hope to have a chance to test it on Friday.

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[hoover 1]

Thanks for the responses.

Adjusted the sights and it shot to the Point of Aim at at 25 yards. Shot my best group ever with a hand gun with a 2 inch group at 25 yards standing braced on a vertical roof support.

I was able to pick up a nice set of target grips. They look great and make a big difference in how the revolver handles.

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[Three44s]

You made one heck of an acquisition there! And that mod 48 has a good home!!

I also found my 48-4 likes CCI the best. My Marlin rifle likes old school Win. ammo in 40 JHP the best.

The differences are like night and day!!

Best regards

Three 44s

 

[SuperMan]

Nice gun Hoover...now look around and see if you can find an orphaned Model 17 cylinder somewhere, have it fitted and you will have a two caliber gun....

Picked this on up last year and a friend found me an extra Model 17 cylinder.....shoots like a rifle... Had Pachmyers on it but was able to buy these grips from another Forum member...

One hint...carry a tooth brush with you... Because of the cylinder gap and short barrels many .22 Magnum loads don't burn all their powder completely...so the extra ends up under the extractor star and then all of a sudden the cylinder starts turning hard...a few swipes with the tooth brush cures that...

Bob

 

[MakeMyNight]

Long barreled model 48's are tack drivers.
I have one, it's fully target equipped, and it's a beaut!

 

[hoover 1]

Nice gun Hoover...now look around and see if you can find an orphaned Model 17 cylinder somewhere, have it fitted and you will have a two caliber gun....

One hint...carry a tooth brush with you... Because of the cylinder gap and short barrels many .22 Magnum loads don't burn all their powder completely...so the extra ends up under the extractor star and then all of a sudden the cylinder starts turning hard...a few swipes with the tooth brush cures that...

Bob

Wish I could find a reasonsibly priced 22 LR cylinder!!

And I agree, after about 3 cylinders, a little cleaning is needed.

Thanks,

Hoover

 

[larryofcc]

I can tell you what 22 mag ammo not to shoot. If you see any of this 1961 ammo cheap, buy it for resale but do not shoot it. 1st issue and is worth pretty close to $100 a box. Big Larry