Quetion on older model Smith & Wesson revolver

[1nsanity]

So I came across this revolver my father has had stored away since possibly late 70's - early 80's relatively unused and perhaps never shot from what he remembered. Surprisingly it's in incredible condition with slight rust spotting in some corners and parts, considering he just had it wrapped in a rag in his closet forgotten for better part of its life. On the right side of barrel reads- 22 M.R.F CTG. When the cylinder is swung open the serial number 77Kxxxx along with MOD. 48-4 appears, which I am assuming is the model. Opposite to that is another set of 5 numbers with an F7 stamped slightly over the edge of the bottom of those 5 numbers. In all honesty, I am not to familiar with Smith & Wesson "wheel" guns or older model wheels guns in general and was hoping someone could enlighten me on this particular model. It uses 22 magnum, could I substitute that with 22lr instead? Are parts hard or near impossible to find for it in case something unforeseen happens? I am going by the assumption that the firing pin maybe a bit more fragile in these older pieces and should not be done without the use of snap caps... Anything knowledge pertaining to this revolver would be appreciated! I have a feeling this would be loads of fun on the range...

[cudakidd]

NO! 22 Magnum and 22 Long Rifle are NOT interchangeable. The S&W Model 48 is a very nice and desirable handgun. Lightly oil the outside and gently use very fine steel wool to lightly rub WITH Gun oil and the surface rust should go away. Do not press hard or vigorously.

Not delicate, parts are available and in fact S&W has reintroduced it as a "Classic" updated model 48.

Do not dry fire.

[1nsanity]

hey thanks alot for responding. i've been searching through the forums about these and never realized the following it carries. i vaguely remember my pops having this when i was younger but knew he did own a revolver. i never got into rimfire type firearms and only now learning a bit about them. oh and on cleaning it... in all honesty it is pretty clean to begin with and the rust i was talking about is so little and so few. never used or really need to use steel wool, it's that clean along with maintaining it's original finish on both the gun and the grip itself. i'm not sure if i should shoot it anymore... heheh **** that, i'm poping by the range in the next couple days!



btw: reflections you see on the picture is due lighting due to the still glossy finish not rust with only discoloration coming from the hammer and nowhere else. amazing since he never maintained it for roughly 3 decades and just kept it wrapped in a piece of cloth...

[Gryff]

That's a great (and somewhat uncommon) gun. I'm jealous!

Shoot the heck out it. It's what it was made for.

[Mr. Beretta]

You have a K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire. SN puts it real close to June 1980. Back in the day, you could purchase a auxiliary cylinder for .22 LR. The -4 meant the factory moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. Great lil guns. Enjoy it!

[cudakidd]

Very pretty. You could contact S&W Performance about fitting a cylinder in 22 LR but it would cost...

A very nice collectible Pre-lock S&W. Enjoy!

[stevie]

Nice revolver, been looking for one to go with my 648.

[1nsanity]

thanks everyone, i also appreciate the detailed info mr. beretta! i initially contacted s&w but am still waiting for their reply on detailed info on it. it's great to know the actual name it went by back then! also, what are the ammo recommendations for this model gun. does one company hold better than another in a particular ammo type? anything i should stay away from? thanks again!