I was looking at the model 18 and was wondering what everyone thought of them. I like that vintage look and don't mind just 6 shots. Let me know...

Thanks

I have one that I will never part with. I like it better than my M17 6", one sweet gun with great balance.

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Dick

Brian I just love mine. They are good shooters at the
range and good in the woods for small game. Here is my
18-3. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

Model 18s are very nice. Are you referring to the newly re-introduced version? I have not seen or handled one of these yet, but I'm betting by your location you may not have trouble finding one

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have a 1954 vintage 4" K .22 Combat Masterpiece (Pre-Model18) I bought in 2006, I've since put over 15,000 rounds through since I bought it. I run about 350 rounds a week through it. Absolutely trouble free, I have been having fun introducing my friends children to shooting handguns with it.

I have also been practicing point shooting with it, just draw and point the revolver at the target as if you were pointing your finger, not using the sights. I can keep all my shots in the center of an IDPA target, about an 8" circle, out to 7 yards. This practice carries over to my carry piece, a 2" Model 64.

I also practice a drill where I point shoot while retreating, draw, fire three shots while running backwards, still facing the target.

Point is, all of this defensive training can be done with little cost with a .22 revolver, and one similar in size to your normal defensive handgun. Practice wouldn't be the same if your .22 revolver was a 6" or 8".

Murphydog, it is one of the newer versions and I hope they have one I can check out in person at the sport center. They don't always have all their catalog items on display. But just by these few reviews from you guys, I think Im sold and might pick one up if I like it...

Don, that is a very nice 18-3. I love that vintage look, especially for a range gun. I just got into guns and shooting last year and don't have a nice 22lr. I had a 622 but just didn't care for it and Im not really semi-auto guy. Currently Ive got a 340MP, 432pd (which Id like to move soon) and an MP9 FS, so a 22 is all that's missing for me .

BrianE,

I have a 22 Combat Masterpiece Pre-18 from 1954 and it shoots like a dream. I also have a 22 Masterpiece Pre-17 from 1948 and it shoots great too, but the trigger pull for some reason on the Pre-18 is better and a bit smoother. They are a blast to shoot.
Kit Gun 22s are a lot of fun to shoot as well, but they are on either an I or J frame. so a bit smaller and lighter then the K frame ones.

My 18 was made in the 80's, non pinned and all. I had the action tuned up and it is my favorite of my Smith .22s. That includes several 6" K22s and a 4" 617. They're all good but the 18 is my fave.

A friend of mine has the 617 6" and Ive shot it a few times, but something about the weight... Im sure the weight helps with accuracy, but its like shooting a toy. So, then I thought about the 317 and I was pretty set on that, until I seen they offered the 18 classic... Still has some weight but not as much as the 617 and it has that classic look, which I like.

And again, with what youve all said, it even makes the decision that much easier... . Hopefully they have one at the center so I can hold one and see how I like it. Maybe even fire a few rounds at the range there.