New for 2021: Smith & Wesson M648

by
posted on March 14, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Smith & Wesson is poised to offer its Model 648 for 2021 with a revamped iteration of the original design first introduced in 1989. For 2021, the 648 will include stainless steel construction, eight-round capacity and chambered for .22 WMR.

The Model 648 is built on the legendary company’s K-Frame, a medium-format revolver frame that was first introduced more than 130 years ago. Needless to say, the design has been refined greatly since then, and the new 648 revolver is engineered to deliver flawless DA/SA operation. Rubber stocks that contain finger grooves wrap the stainless-steel frame for added control of the 46-oz. revolver. Smith & Wesson provides a 6” barrel attached and supplies a full, rounded underlug. A target-style crown is supplied at the muzzle for unobstructed function.

The trigger and hammer feature contrasting, color-case-hardened finishes that not only added aesthetic value; durability and functionality of the components is increased. Cut checkering is supplied on the wide hammer spur to enhance ease of operation. Additionally, the eight-round-capacity, fluted, swing-out cylinder features knurling on the ejector rod. As well, the cylinder latch is checkered to improve shooter purchase.

Target-style sights top this latest wheelgun; a fully adjustable rear sight containing a square notch was added in conjunction with a Patridge-style front that presents a square, flat face. The sight faces are serrated to reduce glare during target acquisition. Watch our New for 2021 video above to see the Smith & Wesson 648 in action.

Stay tuned to AmericanRifleman.org for more guns and gear.

Latest

Colt Optics Riflescopes 01
Colt Optics Riflescopes 01

Pony Power: Colt Launches Optics Division with VMR Riflescopes

Colt Optics grew out of a market where military, law enforcement and civilian customers increasingly expect a firearms manufacturer to offer a complete package that goes beyond just the firearm

The Mysterious Mondragón: Mexico's Unique Self-Loading Military Rifle

Flawed in many ways, the Model 1908 Mondragón offered a preview of infantry rifles to come. And the circumstances of the Mondragón’s birth showed that not all firearm innovation comes from the hallowed halls of Springfield, Colt, Mauser or Enfield. 

Meet an Australian Visiting America to Warn Us

Australian political commentator Topher Field has come to America on its 250th birthday to speak and meet people and to bring the message that Australia’s gun confiscation should not be used as a template for the United States.

NRA-ILA’s John Commerford on What’s to Come for America’s Rifle

When the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases—Grant v. Higgins and Viramontes v. Cook County, Illinois—that challenge bans on popular semi-automatic rifles in its next term, fear and trepidation ran like tremors through the public statements of anti-gun groups and the politicians they support.

Gun of the Week: GForce Arms LVR410

When it comes to the lever-action platforms, rifles abound, but the concept has been rarely applied to shotguns. Today, only a few makers offer lever-action shotguns, and one of those is GForce Arms and its LVR410.

The Armed Citizen® July 10, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.