The -4 was the last numbered engineering change and it moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. During that time there were five minor engineering changes and the revolvers are stamped accordingly on the frame inside of the cylinder crane (Model 48, 48-1, 48-2, 48-3 and 48-4). The Model 48 Masterpiece was manufactured from 1959-1986. However, swapping cylinders on a double action revolver is not accomplished in seconds without using any tools, as it is with a single action Peacemaker type revolver, and the convertible option was quickly discontinued with very few produced. S&W initially cataloged a convertible M48 with an extra. They came with carefully fitted actions, a double latch cylinder, grooved target trigger, grooved front and back grip straps and checkered walnut Magna grips.
It was offered with a four, six, or 8-3/8 inch barrel, with six inches being the most popular length.Īll S&W Masterpiece models were carbon steel target revolvers with a 1/8 inch wide Patridge type front sight on a raised and grooved, full length barrel rib and a micro adjustable (for windage and elevation) rear sight. 22 Magnum hunting revolver on the market. The Model 48 K-22 MRF Masterpiece was introduced in May 1959 and, presto, S&W had a first rate. 22 cartridges.) The Model 48 was otherwise identical to the Model 17. 22 WMR cartridge and increase the barrel's bore diameter from the. It was only necessary to lengthen the Model 17's cylinder chambers to accept the longer (and slightly fatter). 38 caliber size K-frame, so strength was not an issue. Like the K-32 and K-38 centerfire target revolvers, the K-22 Masterpiece was built on S&W's. USA firm had been building and selling their fine Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece target revolver, chambered for the. However, for years the Springfield, Mass. cartridge to the public in 1959, they apparently did not consult with S&W. 22 LR, it had the punch to anchor larger and tougher animals, such as jack rabbits, marmots, foxes and coyotes, much more reliably and at longer range. 22 Mag's JHP bullet a devastating small game, varmint and small predator handgun cartridge out to around 100 yards, with a flat trajectory to match. 22 WMR ballistics called for a 40 grain JHP or FMJ bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1550 fps and muzzle energy of 213 ft.
22 WMR the "22 M.R.F." (Magnum Rim Fire) and stamped the barrels of their Model 48 revolvers accordingly. Most gun manufacturers do not change model numbers when the same gun is chambered for a different cartridge, but S&W does, creating some confusion about their line. 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 Mag.) cartridge. This article is about the Model 48 K-22 Masterpiece, which was simply a Model 17 chambered for the. A version of the K-22 Masterpiece revolver is still offered today, as the Model 17 Classic. 22, probably the best rimfire target revolver available anywhere. 22 LR revolver was Smith & Wesson's finest double action (DA) rimfire revolver and, along with the Colt Diamondback. Smith & Wesson Model 48 (K-22 MRF Masterpiece).