Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 48-4, The K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire

Serial Number: 85K0430

Year of Manufacture: 1980

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 of the blade has been painted orange. 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 wood target stocks with speedloader cut, smooth diamonds around the screw, 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 as not original to the gun.

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 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is finish loss and faint erosion around and behind the cylinder flutes. There is light wear along each side of the barrel. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good 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: None.

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 Very Good condition, too. This one has an 8 3/8″ barrel with a nice bore and strong mechanics. It should be a great shooter for decades to come. Please see our photos and good luck!