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

Hk Cc9 GOTW 1
Hk Cc9 GOTW 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch CC9

The Heckler & Koch CC9 isn't merely just another micro-compact. It's the result of a significant amount of work on the part of the company's US subsidiary to create the first truly American-made HK.

The Armed Citizen® May 22, 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.

Political Report | Braced Pistols’ Status Unresolved

The U.S. Supreme Court has characterized handguns as the “quintessential” Second Amendment arm. Pistol braces increase accuracy and ease of operation for large-format handguns, especially for users suffering from physical disabilities.

The PROOF Research PXT: A New Approach to Barrel Rifling

PROOF Research has introduced PROOF eXponential Twist (PXT)—an advancement in rifling that improves durability, accuracy and shootability—to the commercial market.

Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

Back when American Rifleman reviewed Springfield's Model 2020 Waypoint, we noted that we ...couldn’t help but wonder if a tactical-version Model 2020 rifle might be a logical future offshoot of the Waypoint hunting rifle." With the Model 2020 Heatseeker, that version is finally here.

Marlin Goes Mad: The Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894

Marlin’s latest Model 1894 lever-action rifle, a collaboration with Mad Pig Customs that is a far cry from traditional, delivers “modern, factory‑installed features previously found only on custom builds.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.