Smith & Wesson S&W Model 48-4 K-22 .22 LR & WMR 8 3/8″ Revolver 1980
SOLD FOR: $1097
LSB#: 210612DM04
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 48-4, The K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire
Serial Number: 78K1802
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .22 LR as configured, .22 Magnum Cylinder Included
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “22 M.R.F. CTG.”. The right side of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas address. The sideplate has the Smith & Wesson logo. The yoke cut is marked “78K1802 / MOD. 48-4”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The butt of the grip frame and barrel flat are marked with the serial number. The interior of the right grip is marked “FEB. 01 1984”.
Barrel Length: 8 3/8″, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a patridge blade on a ramped base pinned to the serrated rib. The rear sight is a standard square notch S&W micrometer sight adjustable for windage and elevation and is screwed to the top strap. The front sight has been painted bright orange.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered goncalo alves target stocks with a speedloader cut and medallions. There are a couple little tiny marks through the finish, most noticeable along the back. There is a sliver of material loss on the edge of the right panel below the backstrap. There are some light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grip is in about Fine Plus condition as not original.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there are a couple of tiny tool marks.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few light handling marks and there is some light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has hardly any play in lockup on each of the six chambers. The single-action is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a .22 WMR cylinder.
Our Assessment: Though the .22 Magnum cartridge was developed by Winchester, their development of a firearm that chambered the cartridge lagged and Smith & Wesson was able to modify their Model 17 to accept the new cartridge in a matter of months. Voila! The model 48 was born. Since then, to this very day, it has remained a popular companion gun for rifles chambered in the same caliber. While this would also make a great companion gun, it’s a wonderful target revolver in its own right and in great condition, too. This one has an 8 3/8″ and comes installed with a .22 LR cylinder and also comes with a .22 WMR cylinder, it will be a great shooter for decades to come. Please see our photos and good luck!