I recently won an estate auction for a model 18-2 4" made in 1964. I had bid simply relying on some poor pictures posted online but sometimes you just take a chance. When I received the gun I was pleasantly surprised to see it was fitted with target hammer and target trigger. This is my third model 18 but the first with the TT & TH options. I have been doing some reading and although not rare these options are highly sought after. What do you think the options do to the value of the gun? If I was to sell the gun would it just sell faster or is there a definite dollar amount I should ask over and above what I would ask for the gun in the same condition absent the options?

Hey John-My first question as a buyer would be if you had a letter or a box that indicated those options came from the factory. Then I could decide if an increased price is justified. As to how much they would add, I’m not sure but others may have a better idea for. I guess I’m not much help. But they are fun guns.

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

As LPD256 suggests, without the box (or a letter) confirming the originality of the H/T I don't think there is much, if any, increase in value. Maybe the opposite given that some of us will immediately suspect the parts have been changed out and wonder what else may have been done. Will it sell faster? Maybe but overall condition would be more important to me.

I have a pre-18 with standard trigger and target hammer. Did it leave the factory that way, no idea but I like it as it is. Would I have paid a premium for it, no.

I have a 18-3 with target trigger and hammer, same thing, factory? Don't know, like it as it is though. Pay a premium? No.

Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I believe a target H & T is always a plus and will bring a better price compared to one without. I have a model 18-3 with TH,TT, RR, WO in box with marked label and feel it is well worth extra $ - but mine is not for sale...

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S&W factory revolver armorer

My 18 changed to suit me!. Was originally blue. Sent back to Smith and nickeled.( Early 70's) Later I added RR & WO to the sights. Later I added target hammer and wide smooth ranger trigger. I don't care about the +/- value. It's the way I like it and will never be sold. Pictured with my pre 18 CM.
I also believe lots of Smith revolvers were "customized after they left the factory to suit the owner's taste.

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S&W Accumulator

This is true. Here's an example.

When my brother passed away two years ago this month, I inherited his favorite revolver. It is an S prefix Model 28-2 with the 6" barrel. He bought it used in January, 1969, when he was the captain of his college handgun team.

According to the box label (yes, he still had the box, tools and papers) it came with Magna stocks. But the stocks on it are "football" targets (no diamond). He re-checkered them by hand to suit his grip. The checkering is downright ugly in my opinion.

He also added a trigger shoe.

But this is the way he had it for competition and he won more than a dozen trophies with it, including a major west coast competition in 1969. I found his trophies too, stashed in a box in his storage shed.

Would I modify a revolver this way? No. But I plan to keep it just the way it is, in his honor. I have not yet taken it out to shoot, but I do plan to do so, probably next summer. It did, after all, belong to my dear brother. It is now a cherished keepsake and will be owned by one of my sons someday.

No pictures yet, either. Sorry.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Speaking of my brother, when I came back from my second year in Viet Nam, he had this waiting for me. It was a gift.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Mine was red