Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-25-2011, 11:47 PM
Rogue686's Avatar
Rogue686 Rogue686 is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere in Wisconsin
Posts: 211
Likes: 352
Liked 44 Times in 24 Posts
Default May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18

I have to ask...what is the difference between the 17 and 18? Both are K-frame 22s...and am unsure of the difference.
__________________
NRA Certified Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-25-2011, 11:53 PM
TAROMAN's Avatar
TAROMAN TAROMAN is offline
US Veteran
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: The wet side of Oregon
Posts: 6,290
Likes: 8,789
Liked 7,778 Times in 2,375 Posts
Default

Model 17 = Target Masterpiece. Choice of 6" or 8-3/8" barrel. Usually issued with patridge front sight. There are known exceptions, however.

Model 18 = Combat Masterpiece. 4" barrel usually issued with a ramp front sight. There are known exceptions, however.

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 11-26-2011, 12:16 AM
Rogue686's Avatar
Rogue686 Rogue686 is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere in Wisconsin
Posts: 211
Likes: 352
Liked 44 Times in 24 Posts
Default

Thanks for the information!!
__________________
NRA Certified Pistol Inst.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-26-2011, 01:54 AM
P&R Fan P&R Fan is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 5,448
Likes: 1,950
Liked 3,491 Times in 1,286 Posts
Default

The M17 K-22 is more of a target revolver. It is just like the M16 Target Masterpiece in .32 Caliber and the M14 Target Masterpiece in .38 Spl.
The M18 Combat Masterpiece is the same revolver as the M15 Combat Masterpiece except for caliber. The M15 is a .38 Spl. and the M18 is a .22 LR. The M18 was initially designed as a training gun for Police Officers who carried the M15.
Jim
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-26-2011, 02:19 AM
Titan's Avatar
Titan Titan is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: MA - Where the 2nd Amendment is under seige
Posts: 726
Likes: 30
Liked 92 Times in 43 Posts
Default

I wish they'd offer stainless versions of the 17 and 18. Yes, I know about the 63 & 617 - one's a j-frame, and one is an unnecessarily heavy L frame.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-26-2011, 03:14 AM
P&R Fan P&R Fan is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 5,448
Likes: 1,950
Liked 3,491 Times in 1,286 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Titan View Post
I wish they'd offer stainless versions of the 17 and 18. Yes, I know about the 63 & 617 - one's a j-frame, and one is an unnecessarily heavy L frame.
The M617 is a K-Frame. Just a stainless version of the M17 K-22.
Jim
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-26-2011, 03:40 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Titan,

But still your point is well taken; it is a K frame but 617s are too heavy with that lugged barrel. I'm about 'this' close to installing a 17 barrel after having it refinished in one of the plethora of hi tech finishes out there, whichever most closely matches the stainless steel!
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Last edited by Hondo44; 11-26-2011 at 03:43 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-26-2011, 04:56 AM
Robinett_11B's Avatar
Robinett_11B Robinett_11B is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 751
Likes: 83
Liked 142 Times in 54 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44 View Post
Titan,

But still your point is well taken; it is a K frame but 617s are too heavy with that lugged barrel. I'm about 'this' close to installing a 17 barrel after having it refinished in one of the plethora of hi tech finishes out there, whichever most closely matches the stainless steel!
Or you can try and find a factory non-lugged 617 from one of the Ashland runs....might be better off searching for a Unicorn though


Someday, when I'm old and retired, I'm going to buy a pre-lock 4" 617 and send it off to have the lug professionally milled off.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-26-2011, 05:02 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robinett_11B View Post
Or you can try and find a factory non-lugged 617 from one of the Ashland runs....might be better off searching for a Unicorn though

Someday, when I'm old and retired, I'm going to buy a pre-lock 4" 617 and send it off to have the lug professionally milled off.
Ashland model: I didn't even want to go there.

I've had that lug removal in mind as well, but I don't know if someone will taper the barrel as well. I like the sleekness of the early tapered barrels.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-26-2011, 05:10 AM
Robinett_11B's Avatar
Robinett_11B Robinett_11B is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 751
Likes: 83
Liked 142 Times in 54 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44 View Post
Ashland model: I didn't even want to go there.

I've had that lug removal in mind as well, but I don't know if someone will taper the barrel as well. I like the sleekness of the early tapered barrels.
I've thought the exact same thing...it'd probably be tricky for a machinist, even one familiar with revolvers, to taper the barrel. I think I'd live with it though...IIRC, the Ashland guns had heavy barrels and still looked alright. ETA: Your idea of hard chroming a M17 barrel seems like a good fix, but if I was going that route; I'd probably just find a rougher M17 to hardchrome all together.



And, to the OP...sorry for cluttering up your thread; but if you wanna see a cool factory K-frame .22, look up the Ashland 617's.

Last edited by Robinett_11B; 11-26-2011 at 05:13 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-26-2011, 08:11 AM
mkk41 mkk41 is offline
Banned
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South East , PA . USA
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 485
Liked 1,610 Times in 884 Posts
Default

Though I knew the difference , I always wondered WHY the two different model numbers. After all , a Model 19 is a Model 19 (or 27,29,)whether it has a 2 1/2" , 3" , 4" , 6" or 8 3/8" barrel , ramp or patridge front sight.

Also , there have been Mod.18 stamped guns with 6in barrels and Mod.17s with 4in tubes.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11-26-2011, 08:46 AM
Camster Camster is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,795
Likes: 993
Liked 1,923 Times in 956 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mkk41 View Post
Though I knew the difference , I always wondered WHY the two different model numbers. After all , a Model 19 is a Model 19 (or 27,29,)whether it has a 2 1/2" , 3" , 4" , 6" or 8 3/8" barrel , ramp or patridge front sight.

Also , there have been Mod.18 stamped guns with 6in barrels and Mod.17s with 4in tubes.
An 18 with a 6 inch barrel would be a factory error.A 17 with a 4 inch barrel would be a specific model-either with a lugless heavy barrel,or full lug barrel-a different animal than an 18.
Still, I understand your point.

Last edited by Camster; 11-26-2011 at 09:46 AM. Reason: sp
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11-26-2011, 09:35 AM
sunday bill sunday bill is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 303
Likes: 21
Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Default

My 17-6 has the 4" lugless, heavy barrel, that Camster alluded to. In poor light, its ramped front sight is harder for me to see distinctly, but in good light the 4" tube is extremely accurate.....I remember someone saying in a discussion on this forum that the 17-6 resulted when S&W dropped the M-18 and installed left-over 4" barrels on M-17 frames. Don't know if that is true or not.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-26-2011, 09:51 AM
Camster Camster is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,795
Likes: 993
Liked 1,923 Times in 956 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sunday bill View Post
My 17-6 has the 4" lugless, heavy barrel, that Camster alluded to. In poor light, its ramped front sight is harder for me to see distinctly, but in good light the 4" tube is extremely accurate.....I remember someone saying in a discussion on this forum that the 17-6 resulted when S&W dropped the M-18 and installed left-over 4" barrels on M-17 frames. Don't know if that is true or not.
I have one of the full lugged four inch 17-7s.I was almost disappointed when the clerk first brought it out as NOS,as my mindset was for 6 inchers.I bought it,and in time,realized how nice it was,what a bargain it was too-especially since it came with a beautiful set of combats.

Last edited by Camster; 11-26-2011 at 10:18 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11-26-2011, 10:06 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

When the Model 18 was discontinued in 1985. Any subsequent 4" .22s were called 17s or 617s if stainless with different dash numbers.

17-4 was a 4" heavy barrel with no heavy lug,
17-6 was 4" w/full lug,
617 had the full lug 4"
and there was an "exclusive" 617 made only for Ashland Shooting Supply.

None of these 4" models were made for very long.

Most Models do not have a different model # because of a different barrel length. Another was the Model 34 22/32 Kit Gun in 2" and 4". But in 6" it became the Model 35. Go figure!
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 11-26-2011, 10:13 AM
sunday bill sunday bill is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 303
Likes: 21
Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Default

My 17-6 does not have the full-lug barrel.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11-26-2011, 11:10 AM
Engine49guy's Avatar
Engine49guy Engine49guy is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 7,769
Likes: 2,467
Liked 8,294 Times in 2,907 Posts
Default

This topic comes up once in a while,
Here is a link to the last time as it covered alot of the questions at hand.

M-17 4"

( 1985 ) The Model 18 line was dropped with the 18-4 ,(until its recent revival with internal lock).

(1986 to 1989) ...Realizing a 4" K22 was still needed they offered a 4" version of the Model 17-5,
at that time it had a heavier no underlug barrel .

Some transitional late 17-4's , early 17-6s and early stainess 617's ( sometimes marked 17-6)
are found with the heavy no underlug barrel.

Last edited by Engine49guy; 11-26-2011 at 11:21 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11-26-2011, 11:23 AM
wheelgun28's Avatar
wheelgun28 wheelgun28 is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SW CT
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 2,535
Liked 3,024 Times in 950 Posts
Default

4" 17 humm...

so just when you think you have it figured out







This was my dads, he got around 1968. I dont know the history other than this is the way he got it.

My guess is it was rebarreled at some point, I dont know for sure or why?
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 11-26-2011, 03:30 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wheelgun28 View Post
4" 17 humm...

so just when you think you have it figured out
This was my dads, he got around 1968. I dont know the history other than this is the way he got it.
My guess is it was rebarreled at some point, I dont know for sure or why?
wheelgun,
The only way to tell for sure is to get a letter, but I highly suspect that the factory used a 17-2 frame to use up a 4" barrel in inventory. It's not that uncommon. Sometimes they overstamp the model # with the correct # but I've seen cases where they didn't.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11-26-2011, 03:53 PM
mkk41 mkk41 is offline
Banned
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South East , PA . USA
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 485
Liked 1,610 Times in 884 Posts
Default

Obviously not an overstamp. But it is not all that uncommon to find a wrongly marked model as I understand they make and mark frames prior to them becoming complete revolvers. I guess they sometimes neglect to re-stamp the model number.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11-26-2011, 11:25 PM
Engine49guy's Avatar
Engine49guy Engine49guy is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 7,769
Likes: 2,467
Liked 8,294 Times in 2,907 Posts
Default

Wheelgun28 several things occur to me viewing your gun,
First the frame is not mis stamped because it is a 17 frame.

Second its definately an 18 barrel,
Its hard to imagine S&W QC would not to catch a major mistake like that but a letter is the only way to know for sure how it left the factory.

I am guessing the PC Diamond Magnas do not number to the gun?
PC's were usually used on non target frames
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 11-27-2011, 01:45 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Engine49guy View Post
Wheelgun28 several things occur to me viewing your gun,
First the frame is not mis stamped because it is a 17 frame.

Second its definately an 18 barrel,
Its hard to imagine S&W QC would not to catch a major mistake like that but a letter is the only way to know for sure how it left the factory.

I am guessing the PC Diamond Magnas do not number to the gun?
PC's were usually used on non target frames
Well your right of course, the frame was meant to be made up into a Model 17. Lee has stepped in to 'referee' several of these kinds of threads. If original from the factory (and that's a big if) in it's present Model 18 configuration IIRC he contends that it was assembled as a Model 18, therefore is a Mod 18 and has a mismarked frame because it wasn't overstamped Mod 18.

But counter intuitive as it may seem, they have and do leave the factory this way on occasion. And right, it begs to be lettered.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 11-27-2011, 08:17 AM
JimC's Avatar
JimC JimC is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Central FL
Posts: 211
Likes: 434
Liked 151 Times in 46 Posts
Question

I bought a real nice slightly used 18-3 back in '89 from an FFL friend when I lived in NJ. The receipt shows it's an 18-3.
I always figured that they need to make up some 18's and used available 17 frames.
Here is a photo of the over stamp model #. Maybe 15 years ago I called S&W to ask about the over stamp and if my gun was an 18 or 17 and any other info. The woman that I spoke with replied, "I couldn't tell you." I asked if it could be determined by the serial #. She wasn't able to check. ?????
I gave up at that point and have always called it an 18-3.



__________________
JimC

Last edited by JimC; 11-27-2011 at 08:21 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 11-27-2011, 03:23 PM
Engine49guy's Avatar
Engine49guy Engine49guy is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 7,769
Likes: 2,467
Liked 8,294 Times in 2,907 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44 View Post
.......counter intuitive as it may seem, they have and do leave the factory this way on occasion. And right, it begs to be lettered.

I agree with you Jim,
It is a very interesting piece and while I do not letter most of my guns the previous K22 really needs to be lettered to see if the barrel was installed originally or after it left the factory.

JimC
While anything is possible,
IMO Your K22 was mis stamped as a Mod 17 then overstamped as it is clearly a Model 18 frame and barrel.
If I use my imagination I can come up with several scenarios where they might convert a M17 to a M18 at the factory but it doesnt make sense when you consider the Model 18 was still in production at the time.
Again anything is possible with S&W.


Again all this is just my opinion.
Thanks for sharing it.

Last edited by Engine49guy; 11-27-2011 at 03:34 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 11-27-2011, 04:10 PM
wheelgun28's Avatar
wheelgun28 wheelgun28 is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SW CT
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 2,535
Liked 3,024 Times in 950 Posts
Default

Well I guess I will letter the gun at some point.

As for the stocks, I put them on they were cheap via internet auction years ago. My dad being shall I say frugal, had the original magnas from his M 28 on it...

I put them back on the 28 and scrounged the ones that are on it. I guess frugality is a family tradition

Also, it would seem my dad bought this gun used. I think the SN is from around 1961 or so and he bought in in 1968 as best I can tell. This is the only gun he bought that I dont have the receipt for. He lived in NY at that time and the SN is on his permit.

Also, I cant ask dad about the gun (passed on) the store where he bought all the other guns closed up around 1980. The only chance for any history is the factory.

Was there a time in the 1960s that M-18s were hard to find, or M-17s hard to sell?
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 11-27-2011, 10:24 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wheelgun28 View Post
Well I guess I will letter the gun at some point.

Was there a time in the 1960s that M-18s were hard to find, or M-17s hard to sell?
Generally speaking, shooters of that era were beginning to favor the advantages of the shorter barrels on all models. The era of the popularity in formal NRA Bullseye matches was on the wane. Roy Jimks has said many times in so many words, S&W didn't give a wit about collectors. They're goal was to move product out the door and stay profitable and competetive.

So if orders for 18s were coming in that didn't match parts in inventory, they used what they had to fill orders. So I would say yes in answer to your question. I think you hit the nail on the head!
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 11-30-2011, 12:57 AM
roaddog28's Avatar
roaddog28 roaddog28 is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 185
Liked 214 Times in 72 Posts
Default

Well all I know is the 17 and 18 has got the best double action trigger pull I have ever experienced. Its rare that a person can find a 22 double action revolver with a good double action trigger pull. The 17 and 18 has it.
Howard

Last edited by roaddog28; 11-30-2011 at 12:59 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 11-30-2011, 06:21 PM
texagun's Avatar
texagun texagun is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: North Texas
Posts: 426
Likes: 11
Liked 392 Times in 90 Posts
Default

Great thread. I recently picked up a 17-3 and can't find a manual on it anywhere. Is it OK to shoot Stingers and other hyper-velocity ammo in the Model 17?

Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 11-30-2011, 08:13 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,814
Liked 20,510 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Oh heck yes! It's as strong a .22 revolver as ever made.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 03-17-2022, 03:54 PM
FB111Bob FB111Bob is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JimC View Post
I bought a real nice slightly used 18-3 back in '89 from an FFL friend when I lived in NJ. The receipt shows it's an 18-3.
I always figured that they need to make up some 18's and used available 17 frames.
Here is a photo of the over stamp model #. Maybe 15 years ago I called S&W to ask about the over stamp and if my gun was an 18 or 17 and any other info. The woman that I spoke with replied, "I couldn't tell you." I asked if it could be determined by the serial #. She wasn't able to check. ?????
I gave up at that point and have always called it an 18-3.



I ,too, have a 17/18-3. On close inspection you can definitely see the the 8 is overstamped on the 7.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 03-17-2022, 04:49 PM
Beemer-mark Beemer-mark is offline
Member
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 172
Liked 671 Times in 309 Posts
Default

I own both the M17 & M18. Had to buy the M17 to see what the difference is. You got to be a really S&W expert to tell. Barrel length is the obvious giveaway but I'm sure the I've see the M18 with a 6" barrel. Keep thinking I should sell one but....
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 03-17-2022, 05:30 PM
JP@AK's Avatar
JP@AK JP@AK is offline
US Veteran
May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18 May be a silly question...Model 17 versus Model 18  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 14,477
Likes: 5,111
Liked 18,981 Times in 6,862 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beemer-mark View Post
I'm sure the I've see the M18 with a 6" barrel.
We've had a few of them show up here on the Forum over the past few years. Without exception, they have all turned out to have had a barrel change. When asked, Roy has confirmed they shipped with 4" barrels.
__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Tags
617, bullseye, combat masterpiece, combats, k frame, k-22, k-frame, k22, kit gun, l frame, lock, m14, m16, m17, masterpiece, model 14, model 15, model 16, model 17, model 19, nra, patridge, smith-wessonforum.com, target masterpiece

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
NYPD alumni question? GP-NY versus Model 64: dabney S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 10 01-30-2014 10:05 PM
Model 15 versus Model 19 - My quest for a shooter and the results . . . bedbugbilly S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 7 11-17-2013 02:57 AM
NYC Big Gulp Drinks Versus Silly Gun Laws PA Reb The Lounge 5 07-30-2013 03:53 PM
Silly Red Dot Question rraisley Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 14 05-29-2012 08:01 AM
Model 27 old versus new question jazzman452 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 31 09-12-2010 10:07 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:40 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)