Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 48-3, The K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire

Serial Number: 8K78838

Year of Manufacture: 1975

Caliber: .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire

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

Barrel Length: 8 3/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade integral to a raised serrated ramp base pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square-notch leaf in a micrometer-click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves Target stocks with extractor "football" cut and S&W medallions. The grips have only a few scattered small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly-bright with sharp rifling. There are a few spots of minor erosion at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at a few edges. There are a few tiny marks. The action shows light operational wear with a thin, incomplete turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus 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 & Accessories: This revolver comes in a wood display case with cleaning rod, brush, mop, and grooved alloy-handle screwdriver.

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 with a nice bore and strong mechanics. With its display case and Goncalo Alves target grips, not only does it look great but it will be a great shooter for decades to come. Please see our photos and good luck!