Smith & Wesson has just introduced an all-new, very innovative folding rifle — the M&P FPC 9mm carbine. Pistol-caliber carbines are hot right now for good reason. 9mm Luger (9x19mm) ammo is inexpensive — $15-$18 per 50rd box in bulk. That’s a fraction of the cost of .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, or .308 Win ammo. With ample quantities of factory 9mm ammo available, you don’t have to struggle to find powder and primers. And a complete, factory-loaded 9mm Luger round (at $0.30-$0.36 per round) costs less than what you might pay just for the bullet you’d put in a 6mm or 6.5mm rifle cartridge.
Moreover, the “fun factor” is high with 9mm carbines. You can shoot the same ammo in your pistol and rifle. That makes it simpler to do a fun day at the range. Plus, many indoor ranges that prohibit most other centerfire rifles will allow you to shoot a 9mm carbine indoors.
S&W M&P FPC Carbine Folds to 16⅜” and Takes S&W Pistol Mags
S&W’s new M&P FPC Carbine ($659.00 MSRP) has some other major advantages — easy transport and smart on-board storage for full-capacity magazines. The FPC’s buttstock has twin slots that hold 17-rd and/or 23-rd magazines compatible with S&W 9mm pistols. That’s cool. And here’s the notable attraction — when folded, S&W’s FPC Carbine is just 16 3/8″. S&W delivers the new FPC in a cool zippered carry case with four internal pockets. That nice, padded carry case is included in the affordable $659.00 price.
Because it folds at the bolt face rather than behind the action the new M&P FPC is much more portable than most folding stock rifles. And your optics stay in place. Smith & Wesson states: “[Our] side-folding mechanics … deliver a unique compact feature and allow the user to keep their sight system mounted on the gun both in the folded and extended positions. Extra magazine storage in the buttstock, familiar M&P fire controls, and reliable palm swell grip adaptors all make this new pistol carbine a great addition to the M&P family”. The barrel is 16.25″ with a suppressor-friendly 1/2-28 threaded muzzle with thread protector. To reduce felt recoil, the FPC has an integrated recoil buffer system.
Watch this video to see how S&W’s new FPC Carbine unfolds and shoots. You’ll see impressive rapid-fire action starting at the 00:24 time-mark. This is indeed a pretty cool carbine.
The FPC carbine’s compatibility with pistol magazines is a real plus. John Myles, S&W New Product Manager, explained that: “The team at Smith & Wesson aimed to design a pistol carbine that was compatible with various M&P series pistol magazines.”
S&W M&P 9mm FPC Features
The M&P FCP ships with three (3) magazines: one 17-rounder and two 23-round mags. The buttstock can hold two magazines, which are accessible with a handy quick-release catch. Notably the M&P FPC is sold with an excellent, zippered carry bag that transports the folded carbine securely along with magazines and other gear. Check it out:
One reviewer was very impressed with the value of this new carbine: “Smith & Wesson M&P FPC ($659) ups the ante with a few premium touches while staying $100 under the MSRP of the cheapest Ruger PCC model — to get the same features from Ruger’s platform you’d spend over a grand, and it doesn’t fold.” – FreeRangeAmerican.us.
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC Video Reviews
Gun reviewers have released hands-on test videos showcasing Smith & Wesson’s new M&P FPC carbine. Generally the reactions have been very positive. Reviewers noted that the FPC’s folding mechanism works great, the carbine is very reliable, the trigger is decent, and the supplied carry case is excellent. Here are three videos released in the last week after S&W’s official product announcement on February 28, 2023.
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC List of Features
Smith & Wesson’s official product release states: “The new optics-ready M&P® FPC™ showcases our brand new, compact, folding design. Coming with (one) 17-round and (two) 23-round magazines, the in-stock magazine storage w/ quick-release latch makes reloading convenient and quick. The M&P FPC™ is compatible with M&P full-size and compact pistol double-stack magazines, and includes a carrying bag with additional storage and Velcro straps.”
Smith & Wesson M&P FPC Folding Carbine Features:
Compact, horizontal folding design with locking latch
Folding design does not interfere with optics
30 3/8″ unfolded length to 16 3/8″ folded
Flat-face trigger with crisp break
Integrated recoil buffer system
Picatinny rail on top for optics
Reversible magazine catch
1/2-28 threaded muzzle with thread protector
In-stock mag storage w/quick-release tab
Compatible with M&P Pistol magazines
M-LOK handguard slots on handguard
Charging handle doubles as retainer
Carrying case with inside pockets
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Any appearance of this article on a different website is unauthorized and obligates payment of damages.
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Shown is the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm model. The M&P 45 is the same except for chambering.
You’ll hear some shooters complain loudly about the (perceived) lack of accuracy of their handguns. Well, sometimes the problem IS the gun, but other times the problem is “driver error”. At the range, we often hear guys blame their gun for poor accuracy, when in fact the real problem is lack of operator skill. This saga, posted a while back on Facebook, is a case in point.
Here’s the story. A gentleman attending an armorer’s course at Smith & Wesson was loudly dissing a S&W M&P 45, claiming it could not shoot. Very loudly he tells the instructor, “the M&P 45 one of our officers is carrying is sh*t”. He then trash-talks the gun, saying that both he and his officer couldn’t get the gun to shoot decent groups, either with FMJ or duty ammo.
Well it seems that Gregory Grutter, S&W’s Chief Firearms Instructor, happened to overhear these vociferous complaints, so Grutter asked to test-fire the M&P 45 pistol. Grutter put a couple of his business cards up at 15 yards, then shot one with Winchester Ranger SXT and the other with Winchester White Box ammo. Grutter’s best group was about half an inch, measured with OnTarget. Check it out:
We’re told that, after hearing the litany of complaints, Grutter walked over to the loud-mouthed grumbler and asked: “Hey Sir, can I shoot it?
“Have at it, I don’t want that POS back!” said Mr. Negative.
Kharma time baby… In Grutter’s hands the M&P performed superbly. Here are Grutter’s two 5-shot groups, each shot at 15 yards with the .45 ACP Smith & Wesson pistol. Pretty darn impressive:
After seeing this, the complainer asked: “Why did you shoot your cards — Ain’t got no targets?”
Grutter smiled and replied: “Nah… in case you or your officer want to learn how to shoot [this way] you will have the numbers to call.” Badda Bing!
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Here are ten rebate or instant savings programs that can save you $25 to $100 on guns, ammunition, and optics. For example you can save $75 on a Browning Citori shotgun, or save $50 on a new S&W pistol. IMPORTANT: most of these rebate promos expire December 31, 2022, just nine days away. So don’t delay if you want these deals!
Smith & Wesson M&P Pistol Rebate
Purchase a new Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ pistol by 12/31/22 and receive a $50 rebate. CLICK HERE for Rebate details.
Savage Rascal Rifle Rebate
The Savage Rascal is a great starter rifle for new shooters. This compact, single-shot, bolt-action rimfire comes in a variety of stock colors and patterns. Purchase one by 12/31/2022 and get a $25 mail-in Savage rebate. CLICK HERE for details.
Browning Holiday Firearms Rebate
Get up to a $75 rebate on the purchase of a Browning shotgun, rifle, or handgun between November 29, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Save $75 on Citori shotguns, save $50 on centerfire rifles (and other shotguns) or save $25 on rimfire rifles, pump shotguns, and handguns. CLICK HERE for details.
Taurus Pistol Rebate
Purchase a Taurus pistol before 1/15/2023 and save $25 or $50. Purchases of new Taurus GX4 Series pistols qualify for a $50 rebate. Or get a $25 rebate on a new Taurus G2 or G3 Series pistol. CLICK HERE for details.
CZ Pistol Rebate
CZ will provide $50 back with the purchase of any new CZ P-07, P-09, or P-10 handgun. This rebate is good for purchases through 12/31/2022. CLICK HERE for details.
Rossi Rifle Rebate
Rossi rifles are surprisingly good for the price. And now, if you purchase any new Rossi RS22, Gallery, and Rio Bravo Rifle by 1/15/2022 you can get a $25 rebate. CLICK HERE for details.
Heritage Mfg. Rebate on Handguns and Carbines
Heritage Mfg. is offering a $30 rebate on the purchase of a qualifying Heritage Rough Rider revolver, Barkeep revolver, and/or Rancher Revolver Carbine. Qualifying purchases must be made between November 1, 2022 and January 15, 2023. CLICK HERE for details.
Winchester Ammunition 20% Off Rebate
Save 20% on Winchester centerfire FMJ rifle ammo between December 5 and December 31, 2022. Eligible cartridge types are: 7.62x51mm, 300 BLK, 5.56x45mm, and .223 Remington. CLICK HERE for details.
Nightforce 10% Off NXS Instant Savings
Purchase a new Nightforce NXS series riflescope between November 18, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and get 10% OFF the regular price. The 10% savings is show in the listed price. CLICK HERE for details.
Nikon 2022 Optics $50-$100 Instant Savings
Purchase any new Nikon’s Prostaff P3, Prostaff P7, Monarch M5, Monarch M7 binoculars between October 31, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and save up to $50. Or save up to $100 with the purchase a Prostaff 1000/1000i, or Coolshot rangefinder. CLICK HERE for products.
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Jerry Miculek is the best action revolver shooter who has ever lived. Miculek is also a true master with rifle and shotgun. This guy shoots hundreds of thousands of rounds every year in all types of firearms. Through that process, he has discovered common mistakes many shooters make. Those mistakes can harm the guns, or threaten the safety of the operator. Here Jerry offers some vital gun handling and safety advice in his “Never Do This” video series.
Jerry Miculek has won multiple revolvers championships, and has set amazing records for revolver speed shooting (with reloads). Yes Jerry, “Mr. Revolver”, knows a thing or two about wheelguns. In this video, Jerry explains how you can damage your revolver by using the wrong methods to open and close the cylinder and extract ammo. Jerry shows what NOT to do, and then he very carefully explains the proper procedure to release the cylinder, and swing it out of the frame. In addition, Jerry shows how best to swing a loaded cyclinder back into place. If you own a revolver, ANY revolver, you should definitely watch this video.
In this second video, Jerry explains common mistakes people make when handling and shooting three classic, semi-auto firearm types — the M1 Garand, the SKS carbine, and the M1911 pistol. Jerry shows handling faults that can cause out-of-battery detonation or early primer strikes, or cause jams in the Garand and SKS. Then Jerry explains why you should never release the slide on a M1911 pistol with a round already in the chamber. This is a must-watch video for Garand owners.
Here Jerry demonstrates of the most common jams that can happen with AR-platform rifles. Miculek reveals the cause of the issue and then shows how to prevent it. Jerry notes: “This is one of those malfunctions that you won’t see coming! I’ve seen it … on the range and it can be devastating to your time in a match. All ammo used in the video were dummy rounds and intentionally loaded for training without powder or primers.”
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The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is a classic American rimfire target pistol. Beautifully crafted, the Model 41 boasts a superb trigger, comfortable grip, and excellent accuracy. New or used, a Model 41 is a fine addition to any firearms collection. We’ve shot a few Model 41s, and they will spoil you if you go back to a lesser rimfire pistol. First released commercially in in 1957, a special 50th Anniversary Model (shown above top) came out in 2007 (hitting the market in 2008). Perhaps it should have been named the 60th Anniversary edition, as the first prototypes of the Model 41 were crafted way back in 1947. READ American Rifleman article about Model 41.
The Model 41 is one of those classic American designs that has stood the test of time. Many feel the Model 41 represents the apex of American .22 LR pistol design, much like the Colt Python is the “crown jewel” of double-action revolvers. One YouTube poster noted: “After [65] years the Model 41 is still near the top of the game in precision .22s. Very few if any of the current day pistols can match the workmanship, fit, and balance that makes having a Model 41 so enjoyable to own. S&W blew the center out of the 10 Ring with this one when they introduced it and continue to do so today.”
The Stunning 50th Anniversary Edition Model 41
Probably the most sought-after Model 41 is the handsome, machine-engraved 50th Anniversary Model, released in 2007. This was offered in a hardwood, glass-covered case. This would be a prized addition to any gun collection:
The 50th Anniversary Model was machine-engraved with Class A+ coverage, 24 carat gold striping, and special serial number range FYA0001 – FYA0500.
Of course, if you want a superb trigger in a .22 LR semi-auto pistol, look no further than the S&W Model 41. For $2000.00 to $3700.00 you can find the fully engraved, 50th Anniversary Model 41 in presentation case on various auction sights. First released in 2007, the engraved model 41 combines superior accuracy with stunning appearance.
Smith & Wesson Model 41 — An American Classic Rimfire Pistol
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is an American classic — one of the great, iconic .22 LR target pistols. Accurate, well-balanced and built-to-last, model 41s have been in production for over 50 years. The Model 41 remains one of the most accurate pistols ever produced by Smith & Wesson.
Model 41 photo by Mightymoo01, creative commons released CC BY-SA 3.0.
Beautifully crafted, the Model 41 boasts a superb trigger, comfortable grip, and excellent accuracy. Whether an older classic or a newer model, the S&W Model 41 is something every gun owner would prize for target shooting. And “like new” high-grade models are now appreciating in value!
Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks recounts the development of the Model 41: “It was a difficult task to develop a competitive pistol that would meet the various needs of the top shooters. The final design was decided upon in 1956 and the new .22 target pistol was announced in Smith & Wesson’s 1957 Annual Report, stating: ‘Its design includes many advanced features, such as stocks equally suitable for right or left-hand shooters- a clean, crisp, trigger pull that is adjustable to individual preferences. The distribution of weight, together with the angle of the stocks, permits extremely steady off-hand holding. The precise micrometer sights are rigidly mounted on a one piece forged barrel to avoid any possible misalignment even after long usage.’ The handgun featured a 7 3/8-inch barrel equipped with a muzzle brake to help control recoil. The underside of the barrel was grooved to allow the addition of adjustable Olympic Style Barrel Weights. The trigger pull could be adjusted to allow for a 2-pound pull to meet the NRA Gallery Course requirement or increased to 3 pounds to meet the needs of the ISU International rules.
Smith & Wesson Model 41 with two extra slide/barrel assemblies, plus custom holster and mag holders. This sold on Cowan’s Auctions for $2640.00 in 2019.
Sales began in December of 1957 and the Model 41 was first cataloged in 1958. The factory was soon heavily back-ordered and [the Model 41] became the most popular auto-loading pistol offered by the company. In May of 1959 Smith & Wesson introduced a 5-inch lightweight barrel for the handgun to meet the demand of hunters[.] The line of Model 41s was further expanded in September of 1960 with the introduction of the Model 41-1 which fired .22 shorts for the International Rapid Fire Shooters. [I]n August of 1963 the company introduced the 5.5 inch heavy barrel. The last of the major barrel changes occurred in 1965 when the company produced the 5.5-inch heavy barrel with an extendable front sight to provide the shooter a longer sight radius. During the last 50 years the Model 41 has … established many records around the world. Today it is one of the classic target handguns[.]” READ MORE Model 41 History.
Field Test of Current Generation S&W Model 41
So how do modern production Model 41s shoot? Very well indeed, based on the results from popular gun Vlogger 22plinkster. He took a new Model 41 to his test range and tested it for handling and accuracy. Watch the 22plinkster video below:
22plinkster runs of the most popular gun-centric YouTube channels. His videos have been watched by hundreds of thousands of firearms fans. Some of .22 Plinkster’s videos involve trick shots, but he’s actually a very competent marksman who has shot a vast collection of .22 LR/22 WMR pistols and rifles, making him a qualified rimfire expert.
Hickok45’s 30-Year-Old Model 41
Hickok45, a popular YouTube host, has been a fan of the S&W Model 41 since it was first released. In fact, back in 2020, Hickok45 celebrated his 30th year of ownership of this classic American rimfire. In this “Celebrating 30 Years” video, Hickok 45 demonstrates the qualities that have made the Model 41 so popular. He notes that it balances well, has an excellent trigger, and delivers superb accuracy. He observed: “What a great .22 LR pistol!”
Performance Center “Optics-Ready” Model 41
Do you prefer shooting pistols with a modern optic? Well check out the fully “Optics-Ready” S&W Performance Center Model 41. This modernized Model 41 PC has an integral Picatinny Rail mount for optics, plus adjustable target sights with a special skeletonized and removable front blade sight.
The Performance Center Model 41 sports an integral Picatinny-style equipment rail for easy installation of optics. Other standard features include an external thumb safety on the left side of the frame, custom wood target grips, and a blued finish. This full-size, 10-shot .22 LR pistol features a carbon steel frame and slide along with a 5.5-inch barrel. Measuring 10.5 inches in overall length, the Model 41 PC has an unloaded weight of 41 ounces. MSRP is $1763.00.
The S&W Model 41 History from Wikipedia
From Wikipedia: The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is a semi-automatic pistol developed by Smith & Wesson after World War II as a competitive target pistol. It was designed with a 105-degree grip angle, the same as the Colt M1911 pistol, to maintain a consistent grip angle.
Prototype and Production Models
In July 1947, two prototypes, numbered X-41 and X-42, were produced, tested, and improved for the next 10 years. In 1957, the Model 41 was made available to the public for sale when Smith & Wesson produced 679 units. At the end of 1958, they had built 9,875 Model 41 pistols. A lighter 5-inch (130 mm) barrel was offered in 1958 for field use. The Model 41-1 was introduced in 1960 and was chambered in .22 Short for International Rapid Fire competition. Only 1000 were made using light aluminum slides necessary for function with the lower powered .22 Short.
In August 1963, the 5-inch heavy barrel version came into the market. Stoeger’s Shooter’s Bible of 1964 shows a 7 3⁄8″ (190 mm) barrel grooved for Olympic center weights. The cocking indicator and 7 3⁄8″ barrel were dropped in 1978. The 7-inch (180 mm) barrel was introduced in 1978 with no provision for a muzzle brake. A 6-inch (150 mm) barrel was offered for a few months in 1991. In 1992, the Model 41 was dropped from production. In 1994, Smith & Wesson returned it to production as the Model 41 “New Model”.
The Model 41 Military Variant — S&W Model 46
In 1957, Smith & Wesson offered a “no frills” version of the Model 41, designated the Model 46. In 1959, it was selected by the U.S. Air Force for basic marksmanship training. About 4000 units were made in total: 2500 with a 7-inch barrel, 1000 with 5-inch barrels, and 500 with 5.5″ barrels. The pistol lacked the checkering, polished blue finish, and other refinements of the Model 41. It proved to be a commercial failure with consumers who preferred the more costly Model 41, and production ceased in 1966.
What’s old is new again. The metal-framed pistol is making a comeback. Smith & Wesson has just introduced its new M&P9 M2.0 METAL, S&W’s first full-size M&P pistol in an all-metal configuration. Built with a T6 aluminum frame finished in Tungsten Gray Cerakote, this 9mm Luger pistol includes a 4.25″ barrel, M2.0 flat face trigger, and optics-ready slide.
Why go to a metal frame? The T6 Aluminum frame is heavier than polymer. This increases the overall weight of the pistol and lowers the center of gravity considerably. The gun therefore has less perceived recoil (less “snap”) and noticeably less muzzle flip. The new M&P M2.0 METAL is listed at 30.0 oz. unloaded, while the polymer M&P M2.0 is 24.7 oz. unloaded.
New M&P9 M2.0 METAL is 43% More Expensive Than Polymer M&P9 M2.0
The new M&P9 M2.0 METAL has a $899.00 MSRP, making it 43% more expensive than the polymer-framed M&P9 M2.0 which has a $629.00 MSRP. Is the aluminum frame worth the extra money? It depends. With a lower center of gravity and more mass, the M2.0 METAL will definitely be a better “gun games” pistol. But it will also be 5.3 oz. heavier — not so great for all-day carry.
For persons who use their M&P mostly for target work and gun games, the heavier weight and reduced muzzle flip is a plus. Owners may also like the rigidity of the Cerakoted Aluminum frame. S&W has a new enhanced sear for this model, which delivers a “shorter take-up, and cleaner break”. That also should help action pistol competitors.
Full Compatability with Existing M&P9 Magazines and Holsters
The M&P9 M2.0 METAL will accept any M&P9 M2.0 17-round 9mm magazine and will fit any normal M&P9 fullsize compatible holster. Notable features include enhanced sear for lighter, crisper trigger break, an optics-ready slide, and new “flat face” trigger.
M&P9 M2.0 METAL FEATURES
T6 Aluminum Frame with Tungsten Gray Cerakote® Finish
Optics-Ready pistol slide has mounting recess for red dots
Four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts: S, M, ML, L
Textured polymer front strap
Wide slide stop and reversible magazine release
M2.0 flat face trigger for consistent finger placement
Forward slide serrations and Picatinny-style frame rail
Enhanced sear for lighter, crisper trigger let-off
Fits all standard M&P9 compatible holsters
Accepts any 17-round 9mm M2.0™ magazine
Comes with two 17-round magazines.
Jerry Miculek Tests New M&P9 M2.0 Metal Pistol — Says It Shows Exceptional Accuracy
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In response to an unprecedented, partisan attack on the firearm industry, lead by the Democratic administration in Washington, Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. President & CEO Mark Smith responded this week with the following statement:
“A number of politicians and their lobbying partners in the media have recently sought to disparage Smith & Wesson. Some have had the audacity to suggest that after they have vilified, undermined and defunded law enforcement for years, supported prosecutors who refuse to hold criminals accountable for their actions, overseen the decay of our country’s mental health infrastructure, and generally promoted a culture of lawlessness, Smith & Wesson and other firearm manufacturers are somehow responsible for the crime wave that has predictably resulted from these destructive policies. But they are the ones to blame for the surge in violence and lawlessness, and they seek to avoid any responsibility for the crisis of violence they have created by attempting to shift the blame to Smith & Wesson, other firearm manufacturers and law-abiding gun owners.
It is no surprise that the cities suffering most from violent crime are the very same cities that have promoted irresponsible, soft-on-crime policies that often treat criminals as victims and victims as criminals. Many of these same cities also maintain the strictest gun laws in the nation. But rather than confront the failure of their policies, certain politicians have sought more laws restricting the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, while simultaneously continuing to undermine our institutions of law and order. And to suppress the truth, some now seek to prohibit firearm manufacturers and supporters of the 2nd Amendment from advertising products in a manner designed to remind law-abiding citizens that they have a Constitutional right to bear arms in defense of themselves and their families.
We are proud of our 170-year history. We are proud of the commitment of our employees to making a quality product. We are proud to provide law-abiding citizens and law enforcement – our customers – with the tools to provide for their security and independence. We are proud of our responsible business practices.
We will continue to work alongside law enforcement, community leaders and lawmakers who are genuinely interested in creating safe neighborhoods. We will engage those who genuinely seek productive discussions, not a means of scoring political points. We will continue informing law-abiding citizens that they have a Constitutionally-protected right to defend themselves and their families. We will never back down in our defense of the 2nd Amendment.”
A number of interesting jobs in the firearms industry have become available in recent weeks. The NSSF maintains a regularly-updated listing of employment opportunities with gun-makers and shooting sports organizations. On the NSSF’s job board right now there are financial openings, account manager positions, engineering jobs, sales and marketing positions, and media/digital marketing opportunities. Here are some of the jobs we found this week posted on the NSSF Website. CLICK HERE to visit the NSSF Career Center with all current listings
We love Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers. We have put thousands of rounds through S&W Model 617 revolvers, with 4″ and 6″ barrels. These stainless .22 LR handguns are accurate, superbly reliable, and they hold their value. In general we’ve found that Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers may be less fussy with ammo, and more trouble-free than typical semi-auto rimfires. Bottom line, we feel that everyone should have an S&W rimfire wheelgun in their collection.
Along with its .22 LR wheelguns, S&W now offers another very impressive Rimfire Revolver option — the “revived” Model 648 in .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). This stainless Model 648 brings a more powerful cartridge to S&W rimfire revolver fans.
Built on S&W’s medium K-frame, the 8-round Model 648 is designed for small game hunting and target shooting. The .22 WMR is definitely a much more potent varmint cartridge than the .22 LR. You have more downrange energy plus a flatter trajectory. While the 648 does not come with an integral scope rail, it is not difficult to mount red dot or optical sights to this wheelgun.
The Model 648 revolver is built on a stainless steel medium K-frame and includes black synthetic finger groove grips, a black patridge front sight, and adjustable rear sight. This impressive revolver features a full underlug six-inch barrel, eight-round capacity, and is available with an MSRP of $749.
Model 648 History and Features
According to Guns.com: “The K-frame .22 WMR-caliber Model 648 first appeared in Big Blue’s lineup in 1989 sporting a full-lug barrel and stainless steel construction. Retired since 2005, the newest generation of the Model still brings a 6-inch barrel to the party, which translates to a very commanding 11.1-inch overall length. Weight is 46.2-ounces in the eight-shot .22 Mag, making the gun attractive for both those looking to fill pots and smoke targets.” Shown below is a vintage Model 648.
Jan Mladek, General Manager of Smith & Wesson General Manager Jan Mladek reports: “The Model 648 is back in production to satisfy the needs of handgun owners who are looking to achieve greater distance while hunting or target shooting. With a full underlug, six-inch barrel and a patridge front sight, the Model 648 has been designed … to boost accuracy at longer distances. While we currently offer .22 Magnum revolvers in both our J-frame and Classics line, we are excited to add this new .22 Magnum revolver to the modern K-frame lineup.”
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Do you know someone getting started in the shooting sports? Or perhaps you know shotgun or rifle shooters who want to improve their handgun skills because they have obtained CCW pistol permits? Then here is a good resource for those shooters-in-training. Smith & Wesson GUNSMARTS is a new video series that covers the key points of firearm ownership, from purchasing a pistol, to shooting techniques, gun safety, and storage. While this 38-part series does include some rifle-centric videos, it is mostly focused on handgun training, as you might expect from Smith & Wesson.
The GUNSMARTS series has 38 different videos covering gun safety, gun operation, marksmanship, maintenance, and secure storage. There are both general videos about gun handling and very specific videos about topics such as sight alignment, magazine loading, optics and more. Here are six of the best videos in the series. You will find 32 more on the Smith & Wesson Gunsmarts Playlist Page.
10 Tips for Your First Visit to the Range
Shooting Fundamentals — Sight Picture and Sight Alignment
Handgun Skills — Grip Pressure
Concealed Carry Positions and Holster/Belt Options
Considerations When Purchasing Your First Firearm
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Back in 2015, the firearms collection of famed gun writer Elmer Keith went to auction. The Keith Estate auction drew interest from around the globe, and bidding was strong. When the dust settled, and all the individual lots were totaled, Keith’s remarkable collection sold to various bidders for $1,905,458!
High-priced highlights from the auction are shown below. NOTE: You can see more than 60 other Elmer Keith firearms, along with a list of final auction prices. The Guns & Ammo website has a detailed, illustrated report on the Elmer Keith auction with dozens of high-quality photos.
Elmer Keith was an American rancher, firearms enthusiast, and author. Keith was instrumental in the development of the first magnum revolver cartridge, the .357 Magnum, as well as the later .44 Magnum and .41 Magnum cartridges, credited by Roy G. Jinks as “the father of big bore handgunning.” These videos recount Keith’s personal history and his influence on the design of modern Magnum cartridges.
Lot 1038: Colonel Jim Corbett’s .450/.400 “Tiger Rifle” (Sold for $264,500.00)
Dangerous Game Rifles in Collection
The legendary “Corbett Tiger Rifle”, a Jeffery boxlock .450/400 was used by famed hunter Edward James “Jim” Corbett. This rifle was featured in Corbett’s book Man-Eaters of Kumaon. Two of the man-eating tigers Corbett hunted were believed to have killed over 800 humans in the Kumaon Hills of India.
Lot 1005: Colt SAA No. 5 .44 Special “The Last Word in Sixguns” (Sold for $80,500.00)
This famous revolver started as a Colt SAA, but then was heavily modified. The top strap of the frame was welded up into a flat-top target configuration, with an adjustable rear sight added. The hammer was modified with a Bisley-type target spur. The unique grip of the Number Five was created by marrying a modified Bisley backstrap to a Single Action Army trigger guard. His most famous pistol, Keith called this handgun “The last word in fine six-guns”.
This video showcases this rare Colt SAA revolver, as viewed at the auction:
Lot 1060: Pachmayar Custom Model 70 .375 H&H (Sold for $22,425.00)
This may be one of the most beautiful model 70 Winchesters ever created. Listed as “Pachmayar Custom M70 .375 H&H with Full Coverage Engraving and Exhibition Wood” this rifle sold for $22,425.00 at the Elmer Keith Estate Collection auction. Look at the figure in that wood! The detailed engraving on the action and barrel is fantastic, as is the checkering on the grip.
Lot 1041: Westley Richards Droplock .476 NE (Sold for $69,000.00)
Used by Elmer Keith on safari in Tanzania, this was Keith’s preferred Elephant Rifle.
Lot 1020: Smith & Wesson Triple Lock Target Revolvers. (Sold for $39,100.00)
This rare set belonged to Gerrit Forbes and Ed McGivern before being acquired by Elmer Keith.
Photos courtesy of James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine.
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This Sunday, 10/3/2021, we recommend tuning into Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk® Radio, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports. This week’s radio show focuses on Smith & Wesson’s decision to relocate to Tennessee. Tom interviews S&W President/CEO Mark Smith. In addition, Sunday’s show will include a lengthy, informative segment on airguns.
Tom Interviews Smith & Wesson President/CEO Mark Smith
This Sunday, Tom is joined by Smith & Wesson’s President and CEO, Mark Smith, to discuss the just-announced headquarters and operations move from Massachusetts to a brand-new facility in Maryville, Tennessee. Due to current anti-gun legislation being considered in Massachusetts, Smith said “… for the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we feel that we have been left with no other alternative.” S&W’s new headquarters will be located in Partnership Park North in Maryville, TN, in the greater Knoxville area. Production of semi-auto pistols and rifles will be moved to Tennessee, but revolver production will remain in Springfield, MA (for now). S&W plans to break ground in Tennessee by the end of the year, and plans to complete the operational move by mid-2023. An artist’s conception of S&W’s new plant is shown below.
News Report from Tennessee explains reasons for S&W’s relocation to Tennessee
Airguns for Target Shooting and Hunting — Pyramyd Air
Also this week, Tom Gresham talks with Tyler Partner of Pyramyd Air about the growing popularity of airguns. In the video below, Tyler covers some key basics about airgun shooting, stressing the affordability of shooting pellets pushed by air. You can buy 500 pellets for under $20.00. Compare that to the cost of commercial ammo these days ($0.50 to $1.00/round for 9mm pistol ammo), and you can see why airguns are becoming very popular.
Listen on Radio or Stream via your Internet Connection
This broadcast airs Sunday, September 3, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern time on 270+ radio stations nationwide. Listen on a radio station near you or via LIVE Streaming.
NOTE: Past podcasts can be heard online via the GUNTALK PODCAST Site and Apple iTunes. The Gun Talk podcast archive has many informative shows. Check out this August 1, 2021 episode which offers smart Long Range Shooting Tips.
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Of course, if you want a superb trigger in a .22 LR semi-auto pistol, look no further than the S&W Model 41. For $2000.00 to $3700.00 you can find the fully engraved, 
The Performance Center Model 41 sports an integral Picatinny-style equipment rail for easy installation of optics. Other standard features include an external thumb safety on the left side of the frame, custom wood target grips, and a blued finish. This full-size, 10-shot .22 LR pistol features a carbon steel frame and slide along with a 5.5-inch barrel. Measuring 10.5 inches in overall length, the Model 41 PC has an unloaded weight of 41 ounces. MSRP is $1763.00.
T6 Aluminum Frame with Tungsten Gray Cerakote® Finish
A number of interesting jobs in the firearms industry have become available in recent weeks. The NSSF maintains a regularly-updated listing of employment opportunities with gun-makers and shooting sports organizations. On the NSSF’s job board right now there are financial openings, account manager positions, engineering jobs, sales and marketing positions, and media/digital marketing opportunities. Here are some of the jobs we found this week posted on the NSSF Website. 
Built on S&W’s medium K-frame, the 8-round Model 648 is designed for small game hunting and target shooting. The .22 WMR is definitely a much more potent varmint cartridge than the .22 LR. You have more downrange energy plus a flatter trajectory. While the 648 does not come with an integral scope rail, it is not difficult to mount red dot or optical sights to this wheelgun.
