Curious if anyone has purchased one of these? I do have an older one,but I drawn to the target features-not so common on the older ones, and the patridge sight....guess I'm looking for an excuse for a new toy/variation too! (and no, not concerned with the lock,- do have a nice older set of spare grips )

I suppose that no responses to my question indicates why Davidson's has them on sale and still has more than a 100 in stock.That said,and for what I see the older ones being offered for,I don't think 725+shipping(and tax) is that unreasonable compared to some other new Smiths.

Do the new ones have MIM parts inside? Lot's of people don't like that, along with the lock. But that is only a concern for resale.

At $725, you will probably have a hard time getting your money back if you have to sell it used. But I don't really know, I'm not in the market.

I'm a huge fan of the M18 but already have one so haven't paid much attention to the new ones. I prefer the ramp front sight, though.

I want to buy one, but the older ones cost less, seem to be made better and don't have the "LOCK".

I bought my model 18 back in 1984, brand new, for $269.25. I wish now that I would have gotten a 6" model 17 instead, but I was a silly kid then.

I don't find it very accurate, but that could be just me. I am probably influenced by shooting Ruger and High Standard auto's though. I've tried several different kinds of ammo, but nothing ever seems to stand out. But everyone "needs" a .22 revolver, so I keep it around.

I saw one at a gun show last Friday for 700-something and had another "Back to the Future" moment. I don't know that I would get rid of mine, but I sure would not re-buy it now at that price.

When S&W comes out with a new Model 18 without "the lock" I'll consider one................not before.

The new ones look good but the lock is a deal breaker for me. I already have a few pre-18's and Model 18's w/o the lock so a new one with it is of no interest to me.

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

The new model 18, with the lock, will do more to make you a good revolver shot than any other revolver made, arguably the model 17 is as good. Buy the gun, shoot it a lot, I mean 5 to 10 bricks, then you'll be a better shot. The basics of sight picture, trigger pull, breathing, etc. will become second nature. The bigger calibers will be easier to hit with after this training

My first Smith was a 686, couldn't hit a barn. My second was a 29, still couldn't hit the barn. I bought a model 18 and shot it exclusively for about 2 years. Now I can hit the barn.

Don't let the lock drive you nuts. Don' go crazy about the price. Buy the gun and shoot it a lot. Maybe keep it for your kids/wife/friends to learn on. If it drives you nuts, sell it or trade it. The value of the gun, if well kept for, will beat the stock market over ten years. Just my two cents.

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beaver

If I didn't already have a 17 & 18 I would buy one each of the new ones and never look back. They are fine guns.

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S&W Accumulator

My model 17 classic 6in. is in the 10 day gun jail. Model 18 not available in Kalifornia.

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Time wounds all heels.

Decided to pass at this time.Rough economy, not to mention an under utilized 18,four inch 17, and four inch 617 sitting around here already,and I have to take two long rides to get it on my license.