I'm considering picking up a rimfire revolver as my first pistol and the model 18 has definitely caught my eye. I love the look of it and figure it could help me learn the basics while using boxes of 22lr I bought when it was still cheap.

What price should I expect to pay for a decent example? I'd be looking to do lots of shooting with it so I don't need a pristine NIB safe queen.

Also, is there anything specific I should know about these? Or is there a pistol of similar size that you feel would be better for my use?

It's perfect. They run between $450.00 & $650.00. When you find one, just buy it. You'll like it.

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Why, I aughta.....

They aren't too common. 17s seem to appear at least 10:1 over 18s. As Mr. McLellan noted, they are a lot of fun. If you happen to find a good deal on a 17 while you are waiting to find an 18 don't miss that either. Too much fun. One common flaw is the timing issues that result in firing pin strikes on the back of the cylinder, avoid guns which show these marks. Matching numbers on the stocks is a value bonus. Around here a $450 model 18 would be gun in seconds. $600 would be a good deal on decent example.

I have a M34 Kit Gun, a five screw pre M18, a four screw M18 no dash, an 18-3, two M17s, a M617 no dash and two M41s. I seem to always have the M18-3 in the bag when it is range time. In fact, it just might be the very last handgun I would ever get rid of...yeah, I like the M18s that much!

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

My everyday shooter is an 18-4 4". Love it.

The only .22 revolver that can compare with the model 18 is the Colt Diamondback. Both are excellent but the Colt will run you $350 or so more than the S&W.

IMO the 18 is the best all around of the Smith .22s.

K-frame like the 10,15,19 so a great place to start with S&Ws.

But fairly hard to come by...... people hold on to them.

Around here a "nice" one will go +$600 maybe $700+.

Just saw a "new in box" (98%) with box/docs and tools... an unfired collectors gun...... asking price $1000.

You are more likely to find a Model 17 same gun but with a 6" barrel.... which I would grab if you can...... they are considered a better range/small game gun than the 18..... and still ok for general field use.....

Mine has the best the best trigger of any handgun I have fired, and it makes me look good at the range. Someday I am going to have someone who can shoot try it out and see what it is really capable of. I got a screaming deal on it a few years back for $350 after shipping and NICS fees. Even a well worn shooter will likely run you in the $400-500 range.


This was right after I got it with some aftermarket stocks. I have since gone back to the factory magnas with a Tyler T-grip.

Since you said "school me" here goes: The K-22 Combat Masterpiece (pre-model 18) and the model 18 were produced from 1949-1985. Original factory nickel finished ones would be rare. Somewhere out there with the Loch Ness monster and Big Foot is a single stainless steel model 18 marked 65 (?). I won't go into the details of their dimensions, measurements or engineering changes. You can find that information in reference books. For one in good shooter's condition (not excellent) you might be able to find one for $500 -$600(?). Prices seem to be going up daily. Good luck finding one. A model 17 is essentially the same gun with a 6" barrel and easier to find and generally less expensive. I've never shot a model 18 though I own a safe queen 18-3. My favorite shooter is a model 17. The obvious answer is that you should have at least one of each. Good luck.

The model 18 is my favorite 22.Very accurate,even with bulk ammo, and it balances nicely in the hand.The old Ruger standard is right there with it and is another favorite for half the price.These two are from the early 50s.

Yeah, prices are the same around here, I dunno what part of the country you can find em for $450.

Thanks for all the replies folks. Exactly the type of stuff I wanted to know.

I didn't realize they were so rare, that might be an issue since the way it works here is that I have 30 days to buy a first handgun and register it with the NYPD or else my permit will get cancelled (don't ask me why).

If a model 17 crosses my path for a good price I could live with the longer barrel. I'm guessing the 17 can also have issues with the timing being off?

I doubt I'd be able to find one locally in the firearm-desert where I live, do you guys have any tips for buying used revolvers like this online since there's no way to check it's function?

You can find/score anything with luck...... about 18 months ago I picked up (read; got lucky being at the right place at the right time) a "nice" +90% 1948 Model 17 w/ box for $450..... but haven't even seen another 17 for sale since.

But the truth of "market value" is something else.....


Unless we are in a "guess how good I did" thread...... I try to post "LGS pricing" or my best estimate of what I think the stores I know would ask for a gun...... doesn't help the OPs asking for advice to get a lot of "I scored a ________ for $19.95 +shipping and handling". Lately even a price from 12 months ago is not really relevant. My favorite LGS's prices are up about 20% in the past year...... still good prices but......not as good.

Brooklynite......was typing this^^ when you posted above..... Didn't realize you were in NYC...my advice on pricing is probably worthless in that market...... sorry!

Given you constraints...... I would add a 34 or 63 to your list these are 4" J-frame .22s. Not as good IMHO as a 17 or 18....... (I do own 2 34s) but they are "good guns" ..........might also look at a Ruger 101 in .22lr..........I've heard good things about them.

Brooklyn,

I just sent you a PM on a model 18 I saw today in NJ.

Thanks for the heads up dajonga!

Sent you a reply, hoping it's still there tomorrow.

I love S&W & Colt revolvers , but if you see you start to run out of time on the purchase,buy any .22 you can find. A Ruger is always good, either a semi-auto or revolver will do.

"...do you guys have any tips for buying used revolvers like this online." When you have one or two specific revolvers you are looking for you will need to invest some time. If you have already exhausted local gun dealers and pawn shops here are some suggestions. Look at Cabela on-line and look in their on-line Gun Library. They can transfer a gun at no charge, as best I remember, from one Cabelas to another. The closest Cabelas to you is Hartford, CT or Hamburg, PA, each about 2 hours away. The advantage for you is that you can shop a larger selection from a well-known retailer and you could see the revolver before you buy. Before you waste your time on this suggestion make sure Cabelas will transfer to a local FFL. I bet they do but I cannot confirm that. Cabelas might be less anxiety inducing for a first purchase. There are various on-line gun auction sites (Gun Broker, GunAuction = Auction Arms, Guns America, Proxibid, AuctionZip). Discussing the pros and cons of these various auction sites is a long topic and would generate a lot of opinions. I am of the opinion that if you employ care and patience you can (probably) safely navigate one of these sites. Beware of Proxibid and AuctionZip, on-line live auctions, because there can be significant extra costs after winning an auction (25% extra on top of the bid price). Gun Broker and GunAuction (Auction Arms) are non-live auctions with some Gun Broker "auctions" a "Buy it Now". For a first purchase do not be impatient. Buy from a seller with a lot of sales and 100% (or near 100%) positive feedback. If they allow you to pay by credit card that may give you some protection. I think it is a good idea to have a FFL (Federal Firearms License) holder picked out before you bid. Contact the FFL holder and verify they will accept a transfer and very they are readily available because the seller will want them to send their FFL ASAP after an auction. I have never used ARMSLIST, somewhat like a local want ad, however a quick look reveals a 17-2 in the Adirondacks area (too far), a 34-1 in Rochester (too far and 2" barrel too short). Maybe you or the owner of the 17-2 travels to Brooklyn or the Adirondacks area and you could arrange to meet? If you find this all too daunting then shop for a NEW gun at many places - one interesting one is Davidson's Guns on-line and use their Gun Genie to shop for a .22 revolver and you might be done by tonight because Davidson's will give the price your local FFL will sell it for and you can order on-line and have them send to the FFL without having to contact the FFL yourself. Caveat emptor.
Good luck

Thank you for the wealth of info g8rb8, that will definitely help me out.

Unfortunately the shop right across the river in Jersey that dajonga saw a model 18 for sale at wound up closing down for good the next day! So I missed that opportunity, it was a good price too.

I've held a couple of k-frames and they fit my hand well (I wear my gloves in size large), how much smaller is a j-frame like the model 34 with factory grips? Is there enough room for an average man's pinky on either the square or round butt variety?

I have 2 four inch 34s ......round and square butts........ the grips are the same as a 36 or 60 if you have held either of those.

Hogue makes aftermarket grips ..... that look good on the 4"guns and allow for a good 4finger grip.

I have a 18-4 as well as a 34. Had the 18 first and shot a really large number of 22s when I was in college. I don't know what a good price is for one these days, but can tell you that after you get one, you are hard pressed to want to let it go. The J frame kit guns are handier, but the 18 is for quality plinking sessions.

You just expanded my definition of "bad timing" which used to be showing up for a good gun at a good price just after another guy bought it.

Based upon such limited information I suspect you would prefer a K frame for plinking and target shooting but if you find a J frame .22 you like don't hesitate to get it and if the grips are too small you can inexpensively obtain larger used grips which should accommodate your pinky finger. I have medium size hands and prefer the size of a K frame with target size grips.

Another resource for you is gunsinternational.com. I have never really used it but it almost appears to be a compendium of firearms listed on the internet from many different dealers, retailers.

I picked up this K22 CM (Pre Mod 18) a couple years ago in a pawn shop, and it was the first one I have ever had the opportunity to purchase. I didn't let it get away, and did not argue on the price.



I also have Mod 17-4, K22 Outdoorsman, Mod 34 and Mod 63. Yes, 22 handguns are very much fun, and great for teaching grand kids to shoot with.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I think the M18 is the BEST .22 Revolver ever made! I own a lot of .22's but have TWO M18's. They are super accurate, have great triggers and are silky smooth. I shoot my M18's as well as I do my M41 Target Pistol. I've shot plenty of the 6" M17's but still prefer the 4" barreled M18 and can shoot it better than I do the M17. You can still find them out there although one in 95% or better condition will be around $600 in these parts.