S&w 648

[Backpacker33]

I had no idea S&W even MADE a 22MRF revolver until I saw one at a gun show. $750??? Wouldn't come down a penny.

6" barrel, weighs a ton. BUT, it has to be waaay ahead of any Taurus. Issues I've had in the past with 22MRF was accuracy. Even with a Browning 25M the squirrels had a fair chance at anything over 75 feet. The Tauruses, even on the rare ocassion when they worked, couldn't hit s&%t if it was draped over the muzzle.

I have faith the S&W will be as accurate as a revolver can be, but wonder about available ammo. Prices have gone up and I just don't feel like spending it for crappy accuracy when I pretty much do what I want with .22LR ammo in my 617 and 18s. Or Ruger Single Six. I haven't used the 22MRF cylinder in the Single Six in decades.

Can anyone tell about accuracy with modern ammo, and the 648 in particular?

 

[CraigC]

My 648 shot 2"@50yds with Winchester 40gr. I'd had it fitted with a scope mount and used it for small game hunting. I traded it in a lapse of brain function and miss it dearly.

 

[Backpacker33]

What power scope?

 

[Backpacker33]

I've used a 2X with long eye relief on a revolver, but that was some years ago. I think I'd have a tough time with higher power.

any thoughts on the asking price?

 

[CraigC]

A fixed 2x, which is about the most you can use on a revolver.

Not sure about the asking price but they ain't making them any more. Assuming it's not a new production gun. And before I get jumped on, no, I don't consider the new production guns and the older 648 "the same".

 

[Backpacker33]

I'll dig around the disaster we call "The Basement" to see if I can find the 2X and mounts. Then, call the owner to see if the 648 is sold. I guess I'll pay his price. Erk.

I agree about new production vs old. I have a pre-27 and one of the new production
27s. Really, the new one is a fine gun, not to mention way cheaper than the vintage 27s I see on sale. The old one, however, is a masterpiece.

 

[bigtubby]

I just sold a 4" 651 for $700.00 the buyer didn't bat a eye at the price.

 

[Backpacker33]

Oooooo, 4"!
How loverly. I am *no* expert. I have read that the shorter barrel does not allow full burning of the powder, causing extraction problems that were solved with the "-2" model. Have you had extraction problems?

The one I am looking at has no "dash".

 

[bigtubby]

Nope none at all!!

 

[Backpacker33]

Well, guess I'll buy my own Yule present!

 

[bhk]

I have a 648 with a 2 power Leupold scope on it. This gun is extremely accurate with 40-grain Winchester hollow points, about 1.5 inch groups at 50 yards! It also shoots .22 WRF 45 grain loads to the same point of aim, making them the ideal low power load for rabbits and squirrels.

I also have a Smith and Wesson 51 in .22 magnum. Much more compact, not as accurate, but much easier to carry.

 

[Backpacker33]

OK, then!
Clearly, I've been unobservant of the 22Mag!
I really appreciate the feedback. Sounds like the 648 is for me.
-Backpacker

 

[Stainz]

Now, from the dark side!

A 4" 648 or 651 was my 'Holy Grail' revolver - until 11/11 when I bought my LNIB 4" 651-1 - $579 OTD at a lgs.



I immediately started buying sale priced .22 WMR ammo - mostly CCI MaxiMags @ <$7/50! A bargain, these days. I replaced the springs and grips ('60 Pro' grips) - then put my original hammer spring back due to ftf's. It's the middle revolver below:



After 13 months, how do I feel about my 4" 651? First, as a J-frame, the lockwork simply cannot equal that of a K-frame, a la my 4" 617 - and, presumably, a 4" 648, although it may need more hammer energy to reliably discharge the magnum rimfire vs the standard rimfire - my 651 is certainly considerably more stout, in DA, than either of my 63's shown with it. The 60 Pro style grip is the largest wood grip I've found for my J-frames - but is still barely large enough for my hands. They are fine for the barely perceptible recoil, of course. So, the DA lockwork leaves the trigger pull pretty significant.

Now what? Well... it's loud! The bullet is supersonic, even from a 4" barrel. Wear extremely good hearing protection - or learn to lip read. The muzzle flash is significant, too. Then, there is the accuracy. No .22 WMR ammo is made in the same quantity as even specialty .22 LR rimfire - it's just a 'demand' driven fact. My 4" 651's groups, with CCI MaxiMags or Hornady 45gr FTX ('Critical Defense'), are not as tight as my 3" 63's groups at 12 & 25 yd - and that's with Federal bulk pack ammo. Then there is the cost and ammo availability, always high and difficult to find. All in all, it did not - does not - live up to the hype. Loud, flashy, requires hard to find/expensive ammo, not the nicest trigger (The 648 should be better.)... kind of a downer. But - I got another one of my 'bucket list' guns - and it aint going anywhere anytime soon. I will have that 3" 63 for a long time after the 651 goes, of course - it's a great shooting revolver. YMMV. Good luck getting your .22 WMR... I was forewarned, too!

Stainz

PS Start buying ammo for it...

 

[Gordon]

Glad to see somebody else uses the excellent 45 grain WRF ammo in their maggie! The 8 3/8 48 is the best of all in this format and are extremely accurate generally with somewhat less muzzle blast.

 

[witchhunter]

I carry my 651, but it shoots like a dream. I also have a 648 (older model) that is very accurate but too large to pack around. Yes they are loud, but in any situation they have enough more power than a .22 LR to make it worthwhile. For plinking and range use, save some cash and shoot a LR, but if you are going to kill something, use the magnum. Well worth the extra money spent.

 

[CraigC]

The 8 3/8 48 is the best of all in this format and are extremely accurate generally with somewhat less muzzle blast.

Ain't gonna argue with that, been wanting one for a long time.