Smith & Wesson Model 48: A Classic Rimfire Revolver

by
posted on December 5, 2020
** 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. **
model-48-for-ar.jpg

The first Smith & Wesson Model 48 came out of the factory in 1959 chambered in .22 WMR—a rimfire with added punch that Winchester introduced earlier that year. It didn’t take long for enthusiasts to discover the gun's performance, and its popularity continues to this day. Last year, it made the top-10 list of revolvers sold among retailers using the services of GunBroker.com.

It’s been a tough go for this wheelgun, though. In 1986—when semi-auto pistols were getting the firm grip on the stranglehold on the handgun market they still hold to this day—bean counters decided there wasn’t enough consumer demand to justify its existence. Production came to a halt.

There was no shortage of requests to bring the gun back, and three years later, Smith & Wesson reversed course. That year, a stainless-steel model named the 648 was introduced. A second version (648-2) appeared in 2003, although its internal lock became the target of a lot of criticism.

Still, neither were quite the original. The company recognized the timeless look is part of the popularity and today offers 48s in its Classic line. They retain all the best features, but include improvements only made possible by modern manufacturing. All are chambered for .22 WMR and are external hammered single/double action revolvers.

There are two 48s in the Smith & Wesson Classic line. Both have wood grips with the signature company logo inset, six-round capacity and blued frame and barrel. A pinned Patridge sight gets you on target up front and windage is micro-adjustable at the rear. The 6" barreled model has an MSRP of $1,017 and the 4" comes in at $976. Weights run 41.2 oz. and 38 oz., respectively.

The stainless steel Model 648 has an MSRP of $772. It comes with a 6" barrel and has the same sights as its blued cousins but, unlike them, has an eight-round capacity. The synthetic grips contrast nicely with metalwork, although it’s far from the look of the original Model 48.

 

Latest

Walther PDP Pro-X PMM
Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

Unfair Advantage: The Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

The latest “Pro” model in this famous German maker’s line of U.S.-assembled pistols leverages more than 100 years of experience in building service-size semi-automatics. And the results are better than even most experienced shooters should expect.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 8, 2025

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

Terminal Ballistics 101: What You Must Know As A Rifleman

It is easy to take a box of bullets for granted, but as a rifleman, it is important to understand all variables at play when it comes to terminal ballistics. This guide, from NRA Firearms Sourcebook, will help drill down on what is important.

Preview: BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing—Light Mounted

The Leather Wing from BlackPoint Tactical is a hybrid OWB concealed-carry holster that pairs thermoformed front and rear Kydex shells with flexible leather side panels.

Bringing The 940 Back: Smith & Wesson & Davidson's Revive Classic Revolver

After a 27-year hiatus, the Smith & Wesson Model 940 revolver in 9 mm Luger is finally back, thanks to S&W's partnership with distributor Davidson's, Inc.

Preview: The Life Of Samuel H. Walker

Firearm enthusiasts will recognize the name of Samuel Walker due to his association with Sam Colt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.