Smith & Wesson Model 48 K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire .22 WMR, 3.5 inch Pinned Barrel, Blued DA/SA Revolver (1969–1970)
This Smith & Wesson Model 48 is a K-frame, square-butt revolver from the K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire series, chambered in .22 WMR. Built in 1969–1970, it combines a polished blue carbon-steel finish with classic S&W features, including a pinned barrel and micrometer-click adjustable sights. This example is configured with a 3.5 inch barrel and retains its checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minor scratches and blemishes present.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 48 .22 WMR revolver
The Model 48 is one of the earliest factory revolvers chambered for .22 WMR, offering the magnum rimfire cartridge in a familiar K-frame platform. This example dates to 1969–1970 and features the series-correct blued finish with carbon-steel construction and an exposed hammer for DA/SA operation.
Barrel and topstrap surfaces are longitudinally serrated to cut glare, with a serrated ramp front sight paired to a micrometer-click adjustable rear. The barrel is pinned, and the revolver uses a front-locking short underlug with a knurled ejector-rod tip for positive operation.
The six-shot fluted cylinder, adjustable iron sights, and checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions reflect the Model 48’s purpose-built rimfire accuracy and handling. Its K-frame, square-butt configuration provides familiar ergonomics and balance.
While the Model 48 was cataloged in blue with 4 inch, 6 inch, and 8 3/8 inch barrels, this revolver is fitted with a 3.5 inch barrel, giving it a distinctive profile while retaining the model’s hallmark features and sighting setup.
Regular production of the Model 48 concluded in 1986, with the stainless Model 648 following as its successor. This example retains the classic Masterpiece details and remains a strong representative of S&W’s magnum rimfire lineage.