Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 48-3, The K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire
Serial Number: 8K78283
Year of Manufacture: 1975 / C&R
Caliber: .22 M.R.F., .22 WMR with auxiliary .22 LR cylinder.
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing-Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 8 3/8"
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.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut target stocks with medallions at their tops and extractor relief cut. There is little to no handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp and strong. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In my opinion this bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is little to no operational wear. There is are minor scuffs at the muzzle. There is a very faint turn line. The case color is vibrant and the hammer and slightly muted on the trigger. 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: This revolver comes with its factory box, owner's manual and handouts, and auxiliary .22 LR cylinder.
Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 48 K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire in 1959 alongside the then-new .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridge, giving shooters a Magnum counterpart to the firm's renowned K-22 target revolvers. Built on the K-frame with adjustable target sights and Smith & Wesson's finely fitted single- and double-action lockwork, the Model 48 became an important bridge between precision rimfire target shooting and small-game handgun hunting. The 48-3 engineering change arrived in 1967 with relocation of the rear sight leaf screw and remained current until the 48-4 appeared in 1977. Smith & Wesson also offered an auxiliary .22 LR cylinder for the Model 48, making surviving two-cylinder packages particularly interesting to collectors.
This 8 3/8" Model 48-3 is a particularly attractive example, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with only minor wear and a very faint cylinder turn line. The walnut target stocks remain in Excellent condition, the bore rates 10/10, and the action functions correctly with a crisp single-action pull, smooth double-action pull, and hardly any cylinder play at lockup. Its long target barrel, factory box and paperwork, and included auxiliary .22 LR cylinder give this already desirable K-frame considerably more collector appeal and versatility.
