SMITH & WESSON 648
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson Model 648: An In-Depth Review
Smith & Wesson is one of the leading, most trusted firearms and ammunition manufacturers in the world today, and their products are built to last. One of the most popular wheel gun models they produce is the Smith & Wesson Model 648. This revolver is often referred to as the “Lady Smith” due to its slim design, and it is renowned for its light weight and versatility. It is a piece of craftsmanship that is perfect for hunting small game, as well as for home or self-defense.
First Impressions
The Smith & Wesson 648 is a .22LR caliber revolver that is rich in aesthetic quality and is easy to shoot. When you first open up the box, you can’t help but be in awe of the amount of detail that went into the design of this revolver. Its sleek, understated lines give it an almost classic look, while still looking modern and stylish. The wood grip gives the 648 a classic yet stylish feel, and the stainless steel construction ensures that it will last a lifetime. The 648 is sleek and light, making it easy for anyone to handle. The action is smooth and quick to cock, even when wearing gloves. The 648 is truly a work of art, and its high quality can be seen in just one glance.
Ergonomics
The Smith & Wesson 648 is a relatively light handgun at just 1.26 pounds unloaded. It has an overall length of 7.5 inches from the tip of its muzzle to the back of its grip, and the maximum diameter of its grip is just 2 inches. This gives the 648 a sleek design and makes it easy to carry. The 648 has a great balance in the hand, and it has a good recoil managed by its rubber grip, which helps absorb some of the shock and aids accuracy. The gun also has a good trigger, which is smooth and has an adjustable over-travel stop, which further aids accuracy. The 648 is also comfortable to shoot, as its low-profile sights make it easy to line up a shot, and the natural grip angle of the gun helps with both sighting and gripping the firearm. All in all, the ergonomics of the 648 are well-thought-out and make it easy to use and comfortable to carry.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the 648 is fairly good overall. From the factory, it is rated for five-shot groups of about 2.75 inches at twenty-five yards. This is definitely not aiming to impress marksmen, but for the majority of people, it should be more than enough for their purposes. With a bit of practice, shooters have reported that they are able to shoot groups of 1.5 to 2 inches at twenty-five yards with some good, high-quality ammunition. This shows that the 648 is certainly capable of good accuracy, and with a bit of practice, it can be turned into a reliable and accurate firearm.
Reliability
The Smith & Wesson 648 is an extremely durable and reliable firearm. Its stainless steel construction makes it strong and able to withstand the elements, and it is designed to handle a variety of ammo, from high-velocity to standard velocity. Furthermore, the action is designed in such a way that makes it less likely to jam. This means that the 648 will perform well in a variety of conditions and won't let you down when you need it most. It’s also very easy to maintain, as it only requires basic cleaning and lubrication.
Usability
The 648 is very user-friendly and is well-suited for a variety of uses. Its light weight and small frame make it easy to carry, while its smooth action and reliable construction make it a great choice for hunting small game. Furthermore, its ease of use, reliability, and accuracy make it a great choice for home or self-defense. The 648 is a versatile weapon that can be used for a variety of purposes and is a trusted companion for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate tool.
Overall
The Smith & Wesson 648 is a finely crafted firearm that looks good and performs even better. Its stainless steel construction ensures its durability, and its light weight and slim design make it comfortable and easy to carry. Its ergonomics are well-thought-out and make it easy to both sight and grip the handgun. The 648 is also surprisingly accurate, and with some practice, it can be turned into an effective and reliable firearm. Furthermore, its versatility allows it to be used for a variety of purposes, from hunting small game to home defense. The 648 is truly a remarkable firearm, and it is perfect for anyone looking for a trusted and reliable companion.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliability: Smith & Wesson revolvers are some of the most reliable firearms in the industry and the 648 is no exception.
- Durability: Made of stainless steel, the 648 is built to last. It is resistant to rust and corrosion and can hold up to the harshest environmental conditions.
- Versatility: The 648 can shoot both .22LR and .22 WMR rounds, allowing for greater flexibility in shooting scenarios.
Cons:
- Cost: The 648 is a bit more expensive than some of the other smaller revolvers on the market.
- Weight: At approximately 38 ounces in total weight, the 648 is heavier than some of the other options available.
- Capacity: With only 6 rounds, the 648 is not the best choice for high-volume shooting.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson 648 is a revolver designed for competition shooting. Therefore, anyone who wants to compete in competitive shooting sports should consider purchasing the Smith & Wesson 648. In addition, anyone looking for a reliable defensive revolver should also consider the Smith & Wesson 648.
On the other hand, anyone who is not looking to engage in competitive shooting or use the revolver as a defensive weapon should not purchase the Smith & Wesson 648.
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Features / Specs
• Revolver
• Double action/Single action
• 22 LR caliber
• 8 shot cylinder
• 6.5" barrel
• Open adjustable rear sight
• Patridge style front sight
• Square butt frame
• Satin stainless finish
• Target Hammer
• Target trigger
• Synthetic black grips
Popular Accessories
Popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson 648 include a trigger job, speedloader, and scope. Other popular options include a grip, fore grip, muzzle brake, custom stocks, and adjustable triggers.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson 648 is an accurate revolver. The revolver uses a 6-round cylinder with a full-lug, 5” barrel to create a full, solid lock-up. This provides a shorter lock time with less time in battery, which translates to more accuracy. The adjustable rear sight paired with the ribbed shrouded barrel allows the shooter to make precision adjustments and to precisely control shots. With its Rifling twist rate of 1 in 16 inches, the Smith & Wesson 648 is extremely accurate at distances up to and exceeding 50 yards. This makes the 648 an excellent choice for benchrest shooting as well as target shooting, hunting, pest control, or plinking.
