Smith & Wesson 48-4

[plateshooter]

My Nephew just bought a Smith & Wesson 48-4 with an 8" barrel that he says is in mint condition in the original box. He nor I am familiar with this model. He got it for such a great price, he bought it on the spot. It is in 22 magnum. The serial number is 80K1XXX. Could anyone help us out with a value or any other information on this gun?

Thanks in advance

 

[1 LT MPC]

Model 48

The model 48 is another K-22 Masterpiece discontinued in 1986. There were four engineering changes to this model. According to Fjestad, the last MSR for this model was $320. One in 100% condition should run about $350 and add an extra $15 for the 8 in. barrel, so says the 26th edition of Blue Book of Gun Values. 95% condition brings about $250.
Enjoy.

 

[plateshooter]

Thanks for the reply LT. I appreciate your taking the time.

 

[Jet22]

One in 100% condition should run about $350 and add an extra $15 for the 8 in. barrel

Just goes to show gun value books are good for the gun dealer to pull out when he wants to show the customer what his gun is worth trade in. If you look in the forward section of Fjestad's book, I believe he also says the 100% values for numbered models assume with box and all accessories. Our local gunshop (a large wallyworld size sporting goods store) tells the customer they have to make 30%, so knocks down the trade-in value even more!! Don't believe me?? Look at the value for Flatop Rugers or Colt Diamondback 22's. Any collector or even shooter would love to buy NIB guns at those prices!! One I really liked was a folding stock Ruger Mini 14 in 60% valued at $250 during the "Ban" years. I would have liked to have bought 1000 of them at that price so I could retire in comfort!!

You have a super find in your 8" model 48. The 8" barrel is bringing a good premium these days. This model was made both with and without the pinned barrel (a little pin in the frame through the threads of the barrel) and the pinned version will command a premium. You can get an extra 22LR cylinder on ebay (a 17-4 or 18-4 should fit no problem, but have a gunsmith check it out first). In my area guns go cheap, but that one should bring $450(non-pinned)-$600(pinned) no problem.

Again, nice find!!!

 

[Majic]

If you find any M48 for $350 in good condition you better jump all over it. The Blue Book is close to being worthless for valuing guns. Expect to pay around $500 for a good M48.

 

[1 LT MPC]

Model 48

Plateshooter asked for information on price. I gave him the reference and a starting point. The Blue Book is a respected catalog of gun prices, used by many (ergo the 26th edition). To say that it is "worthless" is an opinion, not shared by me.

 

[steveno]

a 8 inch m-48 is kind of a rare bird and there probably wasn't that many m-48's made as a whole as compared to some of the other revolvers. I bought a m-48 6 inch made in 1965 in 95% for $400 a couple of weeks ago. I also have a m-48 made in 1959 in 70% condition. they are both good shooters and seem to like the federal 50 grain load better than any of the other loads.

 

[Tusker10mm]

MDL's 48

This one came to me some time ago, and shoots just fine. The gun and ammo will date about 1961 - this one also came with the 22LR cylinder. she shoots just fine, but a cleaning brush on the star, top and bottom helps after about 4/5 cylinders full. Only takes a moment. She arrive with these grips as well. I like her.

 

[Majic]

edit

 

[bwsmith2850]

Good information!

Thanks to Tusker 10mm & Jett22 for their posts. I just bought a 48-4 from a friend of a coworker (who found it -rusting :banghead:- in Dad's house after he passed & knew nothing about it. In fact they thought it was a .357 because of its size.)

I was a bit concerned and starting to kick myself for being an idiot because I just couldn't get .22 WRM cartridges to fit. Your posts were the first place I have found that mentions that a .22LR cylinder was an option or could be fitted to this revolver.

Thanks again! Now I can stop kicking myself and get out to the range for some plinking. Then I'll see if they found another cylinder laying around somewhere.

 

[Alimony Bob]

Model 48 on N frame

The size that made them think it was a larger gun is true because the 48 was built on an N frame whereas the 17 and 18 were K frame guns

 

[David E]

I'm pretty sure that's NOT an 8" barrel, but 8 3/8th's"

If it truly IS 8", then that might make it a rarity indeed.

 

[David E]

The size that made them think it was a larger gun is true because the 48 was built on an N frame whereas the 17 and 18 were K frame guns

Don't believe this is correct. The Model 48 is a K frame, not an N frame.

 

[Gordon]

K frame !

 

[oldfool]

model 48 = K-frame, not L/N frame
("what's not to love")
spend less time reading "blue" books and more time surfing gunbroker (etc) if you want to know what street price is
buy one and be ready to fall in love
buy a K-17 and a K-48 and and a K-frame 38/357 (19 or 66 for example), fall in love thrice


PS
if don't find one listed as 22 "WMR", try 22 "MRF"

 

[Onmilo]

Been looking for a 6" to go with my K-22 and My K-38.

Maybe this year I will get lucky and find the M48 and the Winchester 94/22 Magnum in the right shape and the right price!

One can always hope.

 

[bwsmith2850]

if don't find one listed as 22 "WMR", try 22 "MRF"

Well, I suspect Smith just can't stand to put something that stands for 'Winchester' (as in winchester magnum rimfire WMR) on their guns so they engrave them 'MRF' for Magnum Rim Fire.

Kinda like my Glock that doesn't say .40 S&W on it......

 

[gman17]

S&W 48 w/matched LR Cyl

This is one sweet shooter.

 

[Daizee]

the 8" is the bees knees for a .22WMR pistol. Your nephew really scored.


-Daizee