Smith & Wesson is reintroducing the Model 648 double-action revolver. The Model 648 is a full-size 8-shot revolver chambered for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire with a stainless finish and a 6-inch barrel.
The Model 648 is a great option for plinking, target practice and other recreational shooting and also some small game hunting and pest management.
It’s a far cry from being a kit gun. With its full-length underlug and larger frame, the Model 648 weighs just over 46 ounces unloaded. Though not as portable as other .22 WMR revolvers, the extra weight, long barrel and synthetic rubberized finger-groove grips are sure to make the new 648 a very soft shooter.
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The weight and above-average-length barrel will help users shoot tight, accurate groups as well as potentially improve the chances of making those longer shots. The Model 648 comes standard with a target front sight and fully-adjustable rear sight. Overall the revolver measures in at 11.1 inches long.
The frame, barrel shroud, and cylinder all sport a high-polish stainless finish, while the controls, including the trigger and spurred hammer, have a matte finish. Combined with black sights and a black grip the 648 has that nice two-tone look people have come to expect from Smith & Wesson.
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The reintroduced 648 has a suggested retail price of $749 which is in-line with similar Smith & Wesson revolvers. If anything it’s a little less expensive compared to the Model 48, Smith & Wesson’s carbon steel .22 WMR revolver with a blued finish which is priced at $989. And like with most production guns real-world and online pricing should be less.
On the one hand, it is a little above-average for what many might consider to be “just” a .22, but at the same time with Smith & Wesson you are buying a different class of revolver, especially compared to many budget rimfire manufacturers on the market.
Smith & Wesson has been vocally expanding their M&P series of pistols for duty and everyday-carry so it’s nice to hear that they’re still committed to putting new-production revolver favorites back on store shelves.
Finally, S&W resurrects a classic 22M revolver. I’m in line for one already. Will be a great gun.
Now you talking to me, I love 22s and also the hard hitting magnum, there are a variety of bullets on the market to satisfy any need. My first pistol my first love was the Ruger Convertible which I still have, for the magnum to be effective I think one needs a minimum of six inch in front of the wheel. I finally got hold of a H&R 700 and I tell you I can take the nuts from under a gnat at fifty yards. I already have a Ruger Tracker with a seven inch barrel so I may have to pass on the S&W. I have wrecked many varmints day with 22 magnum, I have put meat on the table and I trust it as a defensive weapon with the rite load. Can have tons of fun for about twenty bucks on a Saturday afternoon. I always say a man can’t have 2 many 22.
Yes like Federal 50gr @ 1,600+fps = a serious unit in WRM.
Also be a nice pistol in titanium…tho big $$$…
Remove that Goddamn lock and I’ll buy one!
I must’ve missed something, don’t remember anything about a lock ??
Looks really good and while it might not be a “kit” gun it could surely be a “saddle” revolver. Plus, since it is NOT semi-auto, the Anti’s will probably ignore it. .22 mag is a decent cartridge for carry or varmints since it packs a decent punch and uses soft bullets. If I didn’t already have a good .22 mag revolver, I’d surely be giving this one a hard look.