18-3 on the counter/ Photos in Post #32

m75rlg · #1 11-19-2010, 02:09 PM

I looked at an 18-3, serial 1k78xxx, at a local pawn shop. Blue, 4 inch barrell. She is wearing service stocks with a hairline crack on the upper right shoulder, and two very small specks in the bluing on the left side of the barrell next to the frame. There may be a hint of bluing loss on the end of the barrell (I was examining it in florsent lights in the store, and didn't take it to the sunlight.) Needs a good cleaning, but action felt smooth and tight. Overall, a very attractive k-frame.

No box, papers or tools, but a Federal Man thumb-break holster. Priced at $489 which would make it 529 out the door. I walked away thinking it was too high.

Tell me not to go back and be satisfied with my 34-1 for .22 shooting. Or tell me to go back and make an offer.

Thanks.

feralmerril · #2 11-19-2010, 02:17 PM

If your 34-1 is a 2", you need that 4"!

mike4570 · #3 11-19-2010, 02:23 PM

I would say it's $100 to high. Make them an offer, all they can say is no.

Cooter Brown · #4 11-19-2010, 02:30 PM

Around here that would be a pretty darned good price. Especially if you like the holster.

It would not last long at that price in these parts.

fat tom · #5 11-19-2010, 02:31 PM

Going by what I've seen them selling for lately,I'd say that is a good price. But,what do I know?
f.t.

RdrBill · #6 11-19-2010, 03:08 PM

Sir.
Any Model 18 S&W would cost that or more out here in the Western USA. You can always tell yourself you did good and they will be cheaper next year.
Bill@Yuma

flatpik6 · #7 11-19-2010, 03:32 PM

That sounds like a fairly decent price. I know I have an 18-4 in the safe with the original box/papers/tools and wax paper that's probably had less than 20 rounds through it and I wouldn't let it go for less than $750.

Bat Guano · #8 11-19-2010, 03:40 PM

I've had mine since 1982 and couldn't live without it. If nothing else you'll make up any difference in the cost of cheaper ammo (and more fun).

Your descendants will thank you.

mtime7 · #9 11-19-2010, 03:51 PM

would defiately try to get him down a few bucks, but I would not have left with out it.. Last one I saw, was at a gun show, it was marked $569 and I thought it was to high, now I wish I had tried to negotiate

samwood · #10 11-19-2010, 04:17 PM

I paid $400 for one, but that was six years ago. I'd guess that is a fair price.

H Richard · #11 11-19-2010, 04:49 PM

I've been looking for one, and I haven't found one under $600.

tripledipper · #12 11-19-2010, 04:56 PM

There are no cheap 17/18's around to be had and when shooting them the k's feel so much better in your hand than the j's. You know you want it so get it! Just look at the completed auctions on GB if you think the price is out of line.

bobf · #13 11-19-2010, 05:04 PM

How close to 1K78788 is it?
Bob

m75rlg · #14 11-19-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobf

How close to 1K78788 is it?
Bob

I don't recall the rest of the number. PM me if there is some specific number you'r looking for and I could check.

I think I may go back first of the week and see if I can make the owner an offer. The clerk I was talking with today didn't seem to have much authority to deal.

Some of it may depend on how much money my wife has me spend at the church auction/fundraiser tomorrow!

jpwhel · #15 11-19-2010, 06:39 PM

Any Mod 18 under $500 is a pretty good deal. I have both the k frame Mod 18-4 and a j frame Mod 34-1. While I like shooting the little J frame, the Mod 18 is much more enjoyable.

S&W-Keeper · #16 11-19-2010, 11:29 PM

It may be a little high, but how many have you seen in the last 2 years.

ischia · #17 11-20-2010, 01:26 AM

Keep in mind people are keeping their .22's It's a national trend that began when ammo prices rose and it doesn't seem to be going away. Both the J frame and the K, especially the older ones ( -2 thru -4's) are not real common at local shows. All are at least $500 and up, NIB $600-750 with the 18 the rarest of the lot. I haven't seen an 18 for sale around the Seattle or Tacoma area for years. I've been looking for one as well. I'd say buy it.

Ischia

sw282 · #18 11-20-2010, 09:26 AM

si--------

Vulcan Bob · #19 11-20-2010, 10:08 AM

I will jump on the go and buy it bandwagon. I only ever seen one 18 for sale around here and it's in my safe.

xsexcess · #20 11-20-2010, 03:24 PM

That old saw 'you can never pay too much, only too soon' comes to mind. I think the other comments are correct. Unless it's been bubba'd (the only K frame 22 I've seen lately was a British conversion of a Victory model), it's probably an OK deal.

mag318 · #21 11-20-2010, 06:26 PM

I would jump on it too at that price, you just don't see many 18s for sale.

The Shadow · #22 11-20-2010, 07:07 PM

m75 ........
Everything's negotiable! If it survives the weekend, I'd offer the shop owner $400. total (out the door). This bid may be closer than you think. Negotiating out the door, IMHO, is the best approach. If he doesn't accept that offer, he may settle for $450. or somewhere in that range. It all hinges on what he has invested in the piece. You'll never know until you test him. With that said, the asking price is still reasonable, based on your description. Make the offer anyway.
A good example of this was back around 1970, a casual acquaintance said he wanted to sell his 4" .357 Colt Python that he purchase new a couple years prior, with only a handful of rounds through it. I told him I was interested, and we arranged for a meeting. It was perfectly mint, and Colt's "royal blue" finish back then, was absolutely superb. He was asking $400. and I told him that I was interested, but that it was realistically worth half of that. I told him to think about it, and give me a call. It was worth a wild shot, just to plant the seed I thought, and it worked. He called me the next day and said if I'm still interested, I could have it for $250. Done deal. If you don't negotiate, you'll never know. That purchase began my collection of Pythons in all available factory offered barrel lengths, except the 3".
Attached are photos of the above mentioned Python as it is today, with the addition of genuine Elephant Ivory target grips custom made for me around 1972. It remains as pristine today as when I first purchased it. Colt's "royal blue" finish has held up great, and is still the best "factory" finish I've ever seen. Good luck! Let us know the end result.
Shadow SD

m75rlg · #23 11-20-2010, 07:40 PM

It has been an expensive day!

You guys convinced me that it was a reasonable price and reminded me I haven't seen any K-frame .22 in state lately.

Then nomo posted a Model 17 here last night, long story shortened, I meet him south of Greensboro this morning and bought a 17.

SOLD.....Model 17 (no dash)

Then on the way back to the Church Bazzar, I stoped by the pawn shop and talked to Mackie, the owner. He didn't come all the way down to my offer, but within $50 and I convinced him to throw in some ammunition. With the rebate on my GM card I can claim close to $17 difference, and figured that wasn't worth the regrets.

I told my youngest daughter that now there are three .22 S&W for her to split with her two older sisters when I'm gone!

Just got the truck unloaded and in the house from the auction at Church. I'm going to go fry some tenderloin from the deer I killed Wednesday and eat supper.

No photos of the revolvers for the inventory yet, but here is the buck.

Thanks for forcing me to spend the kids inheritance.

TIMETRIPPER · #24 11-20-2010, 07:46 PM

That price is a good price but I agree with others in that you should offer $400 in hard cash and take their counteroffer. I've seen older models go for less in local auctions but they don't show up much around here. The model 17's are more common and I see them going for between $475 to $700. Good luck!
John

flatpik6 · #25 11-20-2010, 08:26 PM

Congrats on both revolvers AND on that excellent buck. You've had a good week.

Nframe_is_no1 · #26 11-20-2010, 10:38 PM

I think you did well with that 18. I began lusting for a model 18 after looking at numerous pictures of them on this forum. I bought an 18-3 last year for $475. It had no box, but looked unfired. I snapped it up because it is the only one I have ever seen for sale! For whatever reason, they are not seen that often. Beware that K22s are very addictive! I started with an 8 3/8" 17-3, added the above mentioned 18-3, and recently finished the set with one I'm very proud of, a 6" pre-17 5 screw! I was looking for another excuse to show the family. Enjoy your K22s!

cjw3 · #27 11-20-2010, 11:46 PM

I saw one near here a couple of months ago, no special condition. The guy wanted $800 for it, which was the asking price but he's never coming down to the $500 for the one you saw.

I'd get it.

pwhphd · #28 11-21-2010, 12:22 AM

I watched both GunBroker and GunsAmerica daily for almost 2 years to buy a Model 18 in pristine condition under $750. During my search, I saw many as you describe, but all were usually over $500. Below $500 they were usually shooters with significant finish and grip damage. The gun is very likely well priced with the accessories.

Bent Barrel · #29 11-21-2010, 12:52 AM

I think you did well. I have two 18s, a stone mint 18-3, and an 18-4 with target trigger and hammer-which is about a 97% gun. I have fired about 100 rounds through the 18-4, but have not fired the 18-3.

ischia · #30 11-21-2010, 09:21 AM

Just came back from the local W.A.C (Wash. Arms Collector show) Seattle.
Saw a mint 98%18-4 for $550, Box and tools. A regular exhibitor deals mostly in Colt.45 autos, parts and smithing. Said he took this one in on trade for some pistolsmithing. Now I'm trying to figure out what to sell to raise the $ to buy it. First one I've seen in a LONG time. Another table had a ANIB 17-4 8 3/8" for $435 with a bit of wiggleroom I'm sure. It sat there all day,couldn't figure that one. But "not many buying" was the mantra among the table holders and the sea of assualt rifle owners with a "FOR SALE" sign sticking out the barrel.

Ischia

Cooter Brown · #31 11-21-2010, 11:21 AM

[QUOTE=m75rlg;135701785]It has been an expensive day!

You guys convinced me that it was a reasonable price and reminded me I haven't seen any K-frame .22 in state lately.

Nice buck!

You did fine. I guarantee there were folks lurking around here trying to figure out where that shop was so they could go get that model 18!

Enjoy the K22s--my favorites!

m75rlg · #32 11-21-2010, 04:11 PM

Photos. Grips number to gun with black washers. You can barley see the hairline crack in the first photo.

I'm well satisfied after running a couple of cylinders full at the spinner target on my range.

Cooter Brown · #33 11-21-2010, 05:06 PM

Good move going back and getting that one. Very nice!

Engine49guy · #34 11-21-2010, 06:05 PM

CONGRATS on your new K22 Combat Masterpiece!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ischia

.......
Saw a mint 98% 18-4 for $550, Box and tools.....
Now I'm trying to figure out what to sell to raise the $ to buy it.
First one I've seen in a LONG time.

Another table had a ANIB 17-4 8 3/8" for $435 with a bit of wiggleroom I'm sure. It sat there all day,,,,,couldn't figure that one.
Ischia

ANIB 17-4 8 3/8" for $435 ........ and you didnt buy it?

I recently picked up this LNIB Model 18-4 for $550 ,
Strategic placement next to a new 617 wearing a $750 price tag made it an easy decision...