Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 48-2, The K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire

Serial Number: 6K2961

Year of Manufacture: 1974

Caliber: .22 Winchester Magnum (MRF/WMR)

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

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 has been removed (not included) with a Leupold base and rings holding Leupold M8-2x scope with duplex reticle and Butler Creek lense caps. The scope has clear glass with faint wear in the body.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grip is a Pachmayr "Gripper" one-piece checkered black rubber with finger grooves. The grip has some wear on the top-left behind the cylinder latch, otherwise showing light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grip is in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear with a faint turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: The installed scope is included.

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 nice condition, too. This one has an 8 3/8″ barrel and comes equipped with a 2x Leupold scope, so you can wring all the performance possible from the .22 WMR cartridge. It's also in Fine condition and would make a nice addition to a S&W revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!