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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 05-16-2017, 04:09 PM
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I just picked up this Model 18-4 from the LGS. It's in at least 95% condition finish-wise and mechanically perfect. It came with a set of Eagle Classic rosewood grips. I won a set of square-butt K-frame grips on Ebay and ordered a grip adapter from B.K. Grips. It may be circa 1987-88 (?), the serial number is 203K615 if any of you collectors can give me a more precise figure? I'll do another posting after I get the period-correct grips and do some range work.
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Old 05-16-2017, 04:45 PM
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You bought a winner. I have its older sibling made in 1952. They are terrific revolvers. I can't be more exact on the DOB, but 77-78 appears to be correct. Enjoy it.
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Old 05-16-2017, 04:50 PM
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Oh heck yeah. I don't have a .22 revolver but a buddy of mine let me shoot his 617 and I'm not sure I've ever had as much fun shooting anything as I did that gun. I'm not even sure why.

There is something about shoot double action revolvers that I can't explain, to me becomes so fun. It might partly be the challenge. But it feels so..... American or something. Maybe it's a DNA thing. I don't know. My Dad likes revolvers a lot but most of my shooting has been with Autos. But my first centerfire was a Colt DS and now I shoot them more. I guess I've come full circle.

Anyways.... that is a great gun. I want one.
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Old 05-16-2017, 06:00 PM
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203K615 would be in the 1982 range.
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Old 05-16-2017, 06:08 PM
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I got my now well-worn 18-4 in 1982. Probably the best gun purchase I ever made in terms of just plain enjoyment.
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Old 05-16-2017, 06:49 PM
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Dam it. Now I have to wipe the drool of my keyboard. I saw one of those about five years ago and passed on it thinking that they weren't that scarce. ( It looked new so I thought they were still being made.) Never saw one since for sale.
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Old 05-16-2017, 06:54 PM
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Very nice!
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Old 05-16-2017, 07:10 PM
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WOW, that jewel looks brand new -- good snag.
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Old 05-17-2017, 02:58 AM
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Picked up my 18-3 last year. Its about 98% condition. Almost hate to shoot it because its in such good condition but I cant stop myself !
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Old 05-17-2017, 03:02 AM
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And just out of curiosity why do you need a grip adapter for putting on square frame target grips on a square frame gun ?
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Old 05-17-2017, 03:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sodacan View Post
.... I can't be more exact on the DOB, but 77-78 appears to be correct...
The old style k-frame s/n's can be tricky, but when you don't see a pinned barrel you automatically know it's 1982 or newer.
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Old 05-17-2017, 06:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xuout1 View Post
And just out of curiosity why do you need a grip adapter for putting on square frame target grips on a square frame gun ?
Bill probably bought a pair of K frame Magna/service stocks, which are the type original to the gun when produced. The Eagle stocks on it now won't fit a grip adapter, as you noted.
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Old 05-17-2017, 07:54 AM
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About a month ago picked up a really nice 'shooter grade" 5-screw pre 18.

Nice enough to have pride in; but not so nice that I don't want to shoot it..... already have a 18-3 and a pre-17 that have become safe queens as their values sky-rocketed.

congrats and enjoy....... 95% is at the top of "shooter grade" IMO.
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Old 05-17-2017, 12:42 PM
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Thanks Mike (Targets Guy), that confirms what I was told from a Facebook friend...1982 it is. Good year...I joined the U.S. Border Patrol in 1982.
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Old 05-17-2017, 12:47 PM
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XUOUT1...For target grips I wouldn't need a grip adapter, but for Magna-type service grips that don't cover up the grip frame, I find they help fit my hand better. I get to use factory wood and it feels good too...
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Old 05-17-2017, 03:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden View Post
The old style k-frame s/n's can be tricky, but when you don't see a pinned barrel you automatically know it's 1982 or newer.
You're absolutely right. I didn't look closely at the photo, just the s/n.
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Old 05-17-2017, 08:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LaVistaBill View Post
Thanks Mike (Targets Guy), that confirms what I was told from a Facebook friend...1982 it is. Good year...I joined the U.S. Border Patrol in 1982.
As of 1972 initial revolver training in the Border Patrol Academy (then at Los Fresnos, TX) was done with Model 18s. How long before or after I don't know.

I do know that the only brand of beer you could get at the local cantina was Pearl Beer.
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Old 05-17-2017, 09:13 PM
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You now have one the best .22 revolvers ever made.......Shoot and enjoy!...I have a couple that have provided enjoyment for many years....
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Old 05-17-2017, 11:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xuout1 View Post
Picked up my 18-3 last year. Its about 98% condition. Almost hate to shoot it because its in such good condition but I cant stop myself !
I'm in the same boat, 98% model 18-3 for me, very nice condition. Just need the matching S&W vintage box. Very enjoyable to shoot & always gets a comment or 2 @ the range


LaVista, those are some gorgeous grips on your gun.

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Old 05-18-2017, 11:13 AM
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I think what you mean by grip adapter is called a T grip insert. I belive a grip adapter is the bent sheet metal piece that goes on the bottom of a mono grip. This is my matched set with target grips on them. I'm cheating though the one on the right is a 67 no dash. Left is the 18-3.
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Old 05-18-2017, 11:41 AM
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Bat Guano, sounds like you're an old X-BPer too? By the time I went in the BPA was at FLETC, I was in #148 Session. We were issued Ruger Security Six revolvers in stainless steel. They obviously did away with the Model 18, but FLETC range staff still trained the "police course" with Model 15's.

XUOUT1...the grip adapter I usually use comes from B.K. Grips; it is similar to a Tyler T-Grip Adapter, but is plastic and has two sets of copper strips to hold the adapter on the grip frame beneath the wood grip panels. B.K. Grips is cheaper too and they ship immediately after the order is placed. The photos shows one of these grip adapters on a Model 10-5..
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Old 05-18-2017, 08:31 PM
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I should look into those. I have been wanting to put a T grip insert on my 19-5 snub but can't see paying the price for a Tyler.
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Old 05-19-2017, 01:19 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bat Guano View Post
As of 1972 initial revolver training in the Border Patrol Academy (then at Los Fresnos, TX) was done with Model 18s. How long before or after I don't know.

I do know that the only brand of beer you could get at the local cantina was Pearl Beer.
How tragic... did anybody die?
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Old 05-19-2017, 03:00 PM
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Quote:
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I should look into those. I have been wanting to put a T grip insert on my 19-5 snub but can't see paying the price for a Tyler.
B.K. Grips T-grip adapters are $25.00 each and $6.45 shipping. He puts them in the mail same day and you'll have ten with 1-2 days. I have them on most of my vintage Smiths that have period wood.
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Old 05-19-2017, 03:07 PM
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Congrats on a fine shooting revolver! Mine dates to 1958 and has a couple of finish issues on the side plate. I doesn't bother me one bit and the price was right! It never misses a range trip.

Now I "need" a model 17! Lol!

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Old 05-24-2017, 09:06 PM
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I love my model 18 Combat Masterpiece.
Steve
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