|
|
01-02-2017, 10:00 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Bakersville NC
Posts: 402
Likes: 279
Liked 703 Times in 162 Posts
|
|
18-3 drawer find
So my power bill came Saturday, and my power company puts out a little news letter every month. I never read it. But, this time I glanced thru it, and in the classifieds there was an ad for a S&W .22. I called the man and was delighted to find he was just a few miles from me. Upon arriving to his house, he produces a mint 18-3 in the box. The story goes, in 1972, he moved up to the mountains from Greensboro, and being in the scary country, he felt the need to purchase a gun. He said he shot a few times, and put in his bedside table, where it remained for 45 years. Well, I open the box and find a period correct box of .22 shorts with exactly 12 shells missing. We came to agreement at $500 and I'm the proud new owner of another minty revolver.
|
The Following 102 Users Like Post:
|
101Voodoo, 19leben, 3S16, 4barrel, 69HEMI-R/T, adwjc, AlanO, b.guggenmos, bgrafsr, Big Cholla, blackdeuce, BOMBTEC, CajunBass, canoesmith, CatboatWilly, Ceapea, chief38, chud333, cndrdk, Combat, Dennis, DocB, Doug M., Duke44, EricR, Fboyj, federali, FifthWheel, fyimo, g-dad, galena, GerSan69, GJH77, Grayfox, H Richard, hammerfired, hardcase60, Harley Fan, Hunter Keith, Igiveup, Isis1200L, J. R. WEEMS, j38, Jackcpat, JayCeeNC, Jimmyjones, jinx, jmace57, JohnRippert, jringo8769, K Frame Keith, kip595, klind45, kryten67, kthom, lawandorder, LedFowl, LoadedRound, lscocoa, Mike, SC Hunter, Mike1647, Mikebiker, mod29, moosedog, Mr. Wonderful, mscook, Muley Gil, MyDads38, OLDSTER, opaul, panther, pharmer, pinoakflats, ralph7, Ranger514, retiredbadge8091, retnavyshooter, rjm6120, RobertJ., s&wchad, S42N8, Sconnie, sigp220.45, silversnake, Slimchance, SLT223, snake803, snowman.45, Southernboy, steelslaver, SteveA, sureshotbob, Targets Guy, TNZ71, Trooperdan, tug700, Twiki357, VaTom, Vulcan Bob, wetdog, Wingmaster, YeshuaIsa53 |
01-02-2017, 10:11 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 405
Likes: 325
Liked 239 Times in 111 Posts
|
|
Wish I could find something like that in my drawers! Excellent buy. Fantastic price.
|
01-02-2017, 10:14 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Mexico/S.E. Tejas
Posts: 646
Likes: 1,280
Liked 428 Times in 169 Posts
|
|
If you can find one of them around here for sale, it's going to be a lot more than $500.00! Beautiful gun and an excellent buy !
|
01-02-2017, 10:16 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 4,550
Liked 5,572 Times in 1,319 Posts
|
|
I've only seen one of those around here, and that was a year ago. It was too pricy for me.
__________________
Dr. B
|
01-02-2017, 10:29 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SE PA
Posts: 497
Likes: 1,515
Liked 374 Times in 115 Posts
|
|
Great looking gun! I still have a Model 18 sized hole in my collection. Congrats!
|
01-02-2017, 10:32 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,607
Likes: 3,693
Liked 7,176 Times in 2,998 Posts
|
|
You must be living right. That's probably a once in a lifetime kind of
thing. Outstanding!
|
01-02-2017, 10:33 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sadly, Seattle WA
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 22,762
Liked 10,304 Times in 4,263 Posts
|
|
Wow you got a deal There! 850 pretty easy in my neck of the woods!
__________________
Even older, even crankier....
|
01-02-2017, 10:38 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Bakersville NC
Posts: 402
Likes: 279
Liked 703 Times in 162 Posts
|
|
I'm treating it as the deal of a lifetime. I just hope it doesn't cost me a registered magnum for like $250 haha. Up here in the hills, this one would go for $900+ easy. I bought a 1982 48-4 in the box a while back, amd it had beem shot a fair amount. It cost me $800 and i was happy to pay it.
Last edited by Dillyp; 01-02-2017 at 10:39 PM.
|
01-02-2017, 10:51 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Utah
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 2,916
Liked 3,099 Times in 859 Posts
|
|
I've said this before, but the first Smith & Wesson I ever bought was a brand new Model 18-4. I've spent a lot of time with that revolver and would never part with it.
I've shot it and carried it in a holster on my hip. I even dropped it on a rabbit hunt in the snow and mud and had to search for it for about a half hour, and it still cleans up nice.
Yours is a beauty, but I hope you take it out and shoot it. These classic revolvers shouldn't be locked away in a safe or stuffed in a sock drawer.
__________________
Join the NRA today
|
01-02-2017, 10:56 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Bakersville NC
Posts: 402
Likes: 279
Liked 703 Times in 162 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredbadge8091
I've said this before, but the first Smith & Wesson I ever bought was a brand new Model 18-4. I've spent a lot of time with that revolver and would never part with it.
I've shot it and carried it in a holster on my hip. I even dropped it on a rabbit hunt in the snow and mud and had to search for it for about a half hour, and it still cleans up nice.
Yours is a beauty, but I hope you take it out and shoot it. These classic revolvers shouldn't be locked away in a safe or stuffed in a sock drawer.
|
I've got a 1958 no dash that shoot regularly. I always have preferred a 4" bbl over a 6". This one will stay wrapped up except for regular light oiling.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
01-02-2017, 11:23 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,927
Likes: 2,548
Liked 3,838 Times in 1,133 Posts
|
|
That is a great story! And what a lucky find. My model 18 is one of my favorites. Congrats!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
01-02-2017, 11:30 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brooklyn,Ms. 39425
Posts: 4,793
Likes: 2,422
Liked 9,440 Times in 2,048 Posts
|
|
I can't find anything in my drawers anymore.
|
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-03-2017, 12:11 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 813
Likes: 7,785
Liked 518 Times in 281 Posts
|
|
wow...that looks just like the one Dad got for my sister...u did very well at 500.00...what a beauty
|
01-03-2017, 01:06 AM
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 5,062
Likes: 739
Liked 3,271 Times in 1,282 Posts
|
|
I paid $162.23 for my Model 18-3 NIB.
But that was in 1977!
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-03-2017, 10:24 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
|
|
Some people have all the luck. I never seem to have those options. Great guns, do you plan to actually shoot it?
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
|
01-03-2017, 10:30 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Burb of the Burgh
Posts: 14,749
Likes: 1,616
Liked 19,850 Times in 8,772 Posts
|
|
Was offered $1000 for my 98% Model 18 no box or Docs but w/ Executioner's Stag grips.........3/4 years ago!
|
01-03-2017, 10:52 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Bakersville NC
Posts: 402
Likes: 279
Liked 703 Times in 162 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by H Richard
Some people have all the luck. I never seem to have those options. Great guns, do you plan to actually shoot it?
|
No I have a shooter grade m18 already.
|
01-03-2017, 10:56 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
|
|
Great story and very well done. My 18-3 was almost double what yours is.
__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-03-2017, 08:14 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: In transit
Posts: 820
Likes: 1,397
Liked 2,335 Times in 509 Posts
|
|
Outstanding! You sir win this week's episode of "We're all envious and hate you"
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-03-2017, 08:27 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 9,211
Liked 6,389 Times in 2,215 Posts
|
|
You revealed what you paid and that became the highlight of this post.
Wish more folks would do the same.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
01-03-2017, 08:30 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Virginia
Posts: 431
Likes: 655
Liked 1,359 Times in 203 Posts
|
|
DAMN!!! That's the deal of the year.
|
01-04-2017, 12:47 AM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 4,896
Likes: 3,295
Liked 4,962 Times in 1,950 Posts
|
|
Needless to say it but congrats are in order. Thanks for sharing.
And if I can't stumble upon a good deal, at least someone here does.
|
01-04-2017, 01:40 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bartlett, Tennessee
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 2,924
Liked 18,639 Times in 4,777 Posts
|
|
Bubba, ya done good!
|
01-04-2017, 08:38 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 2
Liked 3,403 Times in 971 Posts
|
|
You owe the seller a bottle of his choice.
__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames
|
01-04-2017, 08:40 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 9,143
Liked 5,177 Times in 1,309 Posts
|
|
Very nice. I passed on one at a gun show last year for $700 and have regretted ever since. On my wish list!
|
01-04-2017, 09:03 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 34
Liked 954 Times in 495 Posts
|
|
It amazes me how prices have climbed. My go to model 17 was bought from a local priest mint in the box for $225 about 20 years ago. Gets shot pretty much every week. Since I moved to Arizona from the northeast I see very few used revolvers of any condition for sale, back east it would be easy to find a gun shop with 20 30 or even more used smiths in stock. In the 6 months I have been here I do not think I have seen that many combined in all shop visits ( and there are a lot of shops here)
|
01-04-2017, 10:01 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,627
Likes: 12,744
Liked 39,097 Times in 9,968 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MajorD
It amazes me how prices have climbed. My go to model 17 was bought from a local priest mint in the box for $225 about 20 years ago. Gets shot pretty much every week. Since I moved to Arizona from the northeast I see very few used revolvers of any condition for sale, back east it would be easy to find a gun shop with 20 30 or even more used smiths in stock. In the 6 months I have been here I do not think I have seen that many combined in all shop visits ( and there are a lot of shops here)
|
I also live in the rural western part of the country and don't see very many used Smiths for sale. I think people around here see hand guns more as hunting, blinking and outdoors hand dandies and less as self defense weapons and when they do get a self defense weapon are more apt to pick a revolver, because of familiarity, father or older relative had/has one. etc etc. I know that in my part of the world most people are not in a big hurry to join the latest band wagon. Still a lot of old working 30-30s and the like. Even if that old gun has been replaced by an 06 or something even newer, it doesn't get sold off. It earned its keep and gets an easy retirement and I think the same thing happens to handguns. Most people never sell guns unless they are really up against it.
Nice model 18. The one I have is the revolver I have had the longest, shoot the most rounds out off and packed the most miles by far. Great little guns.
|
01-05-2017, 12:01 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Morgan Co, IN
Posts: 667
Likes: 475
Liked 462 Times in 259 Posts
|
|
Great gun; I have either a -3 or a -4, don't remember. Great companion during squirrel season. I'll lay the rifle down and pull it out if I get one close enough, congrats! They are a fine teaching gun as well.
__________________
K & N S&W revolvers
|
01-05-2017, 12:15 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 18,773
Likes: 6,048
Liked 5,762 Times in 1,992 Posts
|
|
Congratulations on the purchase and like others have said you stole that revolver.
|
01-05-2017, 10:51 PM
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Northern Middle Tennessee
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 3,413
Liked 4,084 Times in 1,449 Posts
|
|
I love these post because if gives us that are a little newer to the hobby hope that just around the corner a deal like this will pop up.
|
01-08-2017, 05:26 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Bakersville NC
Posts: 402
Likes: 279
Liked 703 Times in 162 Posts
|
|
I thought I'd give an update on this piece. Being under about a foot of snow, and living on top of a mountain, I figured I'd kill time by gun cleaning. After a good scrub and polish with renaissance wax, I was impressed by the quality of bluing on this 18-3. This as close to ANIB as you can come. Just the faintest of a turn line, most likely done by me fiddling with it.
|
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
|
|
01-08-2017, 06:39 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Between the Brandywines
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 616
Liked 2,909 Times in 1,065 Posts
|
|
Suddenly paying that power bill doesn't seem all that bad anymore...
|
01-09-2017, 03:44 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,131
Likes: 126
Liked 535 Times in 431 Posts
|
|
Outstanding, well done sir.
|
01-12-2017, 11:35 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,552
Liked 4,271 Times in 1,805 Posts
|
|
I can't remember the last time I saw an M-18 in the wild.
|
01-12-2017, 11:39 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 10,867
Likes: 2,688
Liked 18,968 Times in 5,588 Posts
|
|
That's a doozy, Dilly!
__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065
|
01-13-2017, 01:21 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 157
Likes: 643
Liked 112 Times in 69 Posts
|
|
WOW! You done good!
|
01-13-2017, 02:27 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 852
Likes: 479
Liked 469 Times in 320 Posts
|
|
Great deal and lovely clean up! Well done!!!
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|