Basically an L-frame revolver. I consider the 648 to be one of the very best revolvers S&W ever made. I have owned two of them and an earlier model 48 which was a fine revolver, but I truly believe the 648 to be better. I own three L frames in .357mag, two 686’s (one a Plus) and a 586, and the 648 really compliments all of them. They are all very accurate revolvers….VERY accurate. You’ll be pleased with one if you get it.

 

It’s not an L frame, it’s a K frame with a full underlug. The current version is an eight shot with the internal lock. They are pretty heavy at 46 + oz. My son has one and it is quite accurate for a .22 Magnum. Extraction is very easy as well.

 

Yup a K frame and very accurate. It is identical to the 617 except chambered for the 22 mag.

 

The 648 has a wide target hammer.

 

Its on my radar. I have a Model 17 and and 586 6". I like them both very much.

 

My roughly year old 648 has the target trigger and hammer.

 

Any 22 magnum handgun is LOUD!

 

Very true...

 

Ears should be wore no matter the caliber or gauge which means noise levels are dangerous in all of them. I have a 4" M48 that is a bit noisy when compared to my 4" M34, both are noisier then my 18" 10/22 or 26" M513 Remington.
I shot skeet as a much younger man without ears and never was bothered by my 12ga M1100s blast or that of others. Never ever thought of needing ears when shooting a 22lr.
Today the crickets drown out a lot I'd like to hear. Good protection is available today that lets you hear everything around you and yet muffles reports to a comfortable level from almost every cartridge. Wear them. JMHO

 

That’s a comment I hear a lot...it is way louder than the 22lr for sure but more like a 38 spl to me. I have shot my 2 inch, 3 1/2 inch Smiths and it doesn’t bother me. I either have great hearing protection or...at my age, my hearing is starting to go.
I do shoot at an outdoor range. In the end, I’ve definitely heard louder for sure.

 

I would like the 617, but need to save some money up first

 

I had two 617s, in two flavors. You can't go wrong with those. My 22 mag 48 didn't stay with me very long. Besides loud, it also soon jammed quickly due to debris under the extraction star. It went to a friend at my cost. He knew of the issues, but all that he cared about was the word "magnum".
I loved all of my other K frame 22 lr guns. My J frames were cute, but too small for my paws and I wasn't fond of the pull, due to their use of a coil spring instead of a leaf spring.

22s are more versatile. Anything from cb's to stingers.
When I wanted something with more power, I used my 357s. ( never fired anything but 38s out of them, but also enjoyed the different ammo that I could use, such as mild wadcutters.)

 

I agree with Camster regarding the .22 WMR being LOUD..! I have an old M48 and I have to use plugs AND ear muffs to shoot mine, even on our outdoor range here. (Our new roof just makes it worse, too.)

It does shoot well and is heavy, but it IS loud - no doubt! I'm trying to save what I have left of my hearing in my old age.

 

Well, I have hearing loss now, and I can't shoot anything without plugs and muffs. It just hurts if I don't. That is except for an occasional shot from my .22lr rifle at a ground squirrel that is tantalizing me.

 

No one should shoot any gun without the proper hearing protection.
As I well know, tinnitus is every waking moment.
It can have you wanting to send a bullet down your ear canal.

 

Model 648

I own a model 648. It is mounted with a Leupold 2 1/2 x 8 handgun scope with Leupold base and duel dovetail rings. It shoots the best with Hornady 30 grain v max factory shells. I get a little less than 3 inch groups at 75 yards. No problems with this handgun. It's a keeper.

 

I've got a modern 648, got it about 8-9 months ago. Sadly, I've not shot it yet.

However, I have installed the trigger lock delete kit along with the oversized cylinder release latch. Now it looks like a normal S&W. :bthumb:

I have seen both 6 & 8 shot models listed on GB, so one can make their choice.