You guys predicted it

[RevolverCPA]

I bought a pre K-38 between Christmas and New Year's and immediately joined the Forum. I was warned it is hard to only have one older Smith. At LGS today I found something I thought was sweet but I didn't know much about. Looked relatively new. I wanted a 22lr revolver so I bought it. An 18-2. It just seemed right as I examined it. It wasn't until I got home I learned it is vintage 1962 based on serial number. I am anxiously awaiting the 72 hour waiting period here in Illinois. A quick review on the Forum indicates this model is relatively well liked. I think I got lucky. It was "loved but used " by prior owner.

 

[mkk41]

Ya can never have just one K-frame!

Or N-frame ,

or J-frame , ,

 

[DCWilson]

Congratulations on both of your acquisitions. Yes, the Model 18s under any name are well regarded around here, and a lot of people think of them as the best general purpose .22 revolver that S&W (or probably anybody) ever made.

Before model numbers this configuration was known as the .22 Combat Masterpiece. It was introduced in 1950.

 

[fyimo]

Well first off congratulations on buying any SW revolver model that shoots 22LR because it is so popular up here and the Model 18 with a 4 inch barrel is especially loved because it's such a popular barrel length being a 4 inch.

My 18-3 with Kurac grips

 

[Iggy]

I've sed it before and I'll say it agin. Some folks kin go walkin' in the bull pasture and come back with roses. I go out there and come back with stuff on my boots.

It took me 40 years to wise up and grab a model 18. It's a year older than yours.

Your gonna like that gun!!

 

[FatAndy]

I went to two pawn shops, two gun stores, and a gun show looking for an 18 today. You are very lucky and made a great acquisition.

 

[Old TexMex]

I've sed it before and I'll say it agin. Some folks kin go walkin' in the bull pasture and come back with roses. I go out there and come back with stuff on my boots.

It took me 40 years to wise up and grab a model 18. It's a year older than yours.

Your gonna like that gun!!

Iggy, that's a 40 year waiting period! That's too long.

 

[Iggy]

Iggy, that's a 40 year waiting period! That's too long.

Yeah, I'm a slow learner...

 

[H Richard]

Great gun for your 2nd S&W. One of the best. I look on and off for a couple years before I came by this Pre18 about a year ago. You won't be disappointed by how it shoots.
This one is technically a K22 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[Rogue686]

The model 18 is, in my opinion, the best 22 LR out there...father has one that I have shot he acquired last year. Beautiful gun. You will not regret picking that up.

 

[Gunhacker]

Wow... until reading this thread I had no idea that the M18/K-22 Combat Masterpiece was so sought after. Mine is the 3rd "pre" model S&W revolver that I bought after falling into this den of hopeless S&W-holics, of which I'm now a full fledged member.

This is a 5-screw with a ship date of 7/1954, and I was only 11 months old when it left the factory.

 

[charlie sherrill]

I've got a 6" pre 18 that I got in a trade. It has some finish issues but it is perfect mechanically. I don't mind taking this one fishing. I was at a gunshow a few months ago and it seemed like it was raining 4" mod 18's. I bought one of them in real nice shape and ran into several people trying to sell at least three others just like it. It's a good thing I got it, I'll probably never see another at that price. These are perfect when you want to shoot something cheap and don't want to bother the neighbors too much..... paper targets, swinging steel targets, freshly emptied cans. Have you found a N frame yet? They made them in several calibers and.....

 

[Cook74]

So, you 22LR shooters are using them for target practice only with an occasional squirrel or two? I like the looks but don't understand the envy? Maybe I need to check them out at the next gun show and then I can come back here sheepishly asking for forgiveness?

 

[beagleye]

You have to try one!!

So, you 22LR shooters are using them for target practice only with an occasional squirrel or two? I like the looks but don't understand the envy? Maybe I need to check them out at the next gun show and then I can come back here sheepishly asking for forgiveness?

I think K22 plinking is one of and maybe THE most valuable and instructional shooting activities. No kidding. Here's why:

1- 22 ammo is still dirt cheap so you can afford to shoot that k22 a lot and more trigger time, more practice equals better skills.

2- It's back to the basics: iron sight, short radius, field positions, it's the actual skills.

3- Your skills are the limiting factor. The gun can hit the acorn at 20 yards, it's up to you to do it. And after a little while you realize, it's not the bottle you want to shoot, it's the cap.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

Great find, you will love it.

 

[RevolverCPA]

I just got back from shooting the pre k-38. Not only did I have a great experience but a friend with a new RUGER GP100 is now kinda' dismayed he tried it. It is quite a wonderful thing to shoot. Next week I'll take the 18-2 out for our first "date". I was very lucky to find these. Each was put out on display after I made my first pass around the cases. It could have been anyone who grabbed it today. Glad it was me but I sincerely hope each of you find something you are looking for. I honestly did not know about the 18 until today, but I sure have been reading and learning. As my brother in law says, " sometimes even a blind squirrel finds a nut".

 

[RevolverCPA]

I agree with All your comments. In Illinois around the greater Chicago area guns shows are rare so finding treasure there is not often doable. Makes this find especially sweet. And now finding 22lr in the stores is near impossible. Both Bass Pro and Cabelas had a mere couple boxes of shot shells. Nothing else in 22lr. We just get on back order lists to make sure we will be supplied.

 

[Grayfox]

A quick review on the Forum indicates this model is relatively well liked.

Boy, if that ain't the understatment of the year!

 

[owenwd54]

I have a 4" 18 and used it a lot coon hunting and have killed rabbits and grouse and squirrels with it. My children and wife have all learned to shoot with it.
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have mine.

 

[williamlayton]

It is a good thing when you can score on the first date---well, in shooting guns-----in life that is a different story.
Blessings