Is there any mystique to Model 17 vs Model 18?

cmansguns

cmansguns

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Just wondering why Model 18 (labelled K22 Combat Masterpiece) seems to have a higher price range around here than Model 17 (labelled K22 Masterpiece). Could be supply and demand or lower production numbers but the 18 just seems to be $200 higher in equal condition.

I don't think anyone would carry a 22 into a "combat" situation, they both have adjustable sights, the only potential "upside" appears to be the 18 has a Baughman front site vs the Patridge on the 17.

So the Model 18 has been around 1949 to 1985, but discontinued in 1985 only because the Model 17 was offered with 4" bbl.

I'm not talking rarities here (like a 18-1, 5 screw) rather a simple Model 17-3 against a 18-3 (or 4), and just talking the guns, no accessories, condition 95-97% both guns. What I'm seeing for several years now is Model 17-3 $500 to $750, Model 18-3 or 4 $800 to $950 and these are going prices private sales without LGS or FFL involvement.

I have several K22's old, very old, Model 17-3 and they all shoot so sweet and accurate that I just can't bring myself to pay higher for a 4" bbl with a quick draw front sight that would never be CCW by me or the wife.

So...…..Sellers wishful thinking? Better field carry for woods? I use my old Ruger Single Six with the 22 WMR cylinder for woods carry and plinking fun. If thinking larger woods carry, Model 66 in 357 Magnum (used to be a Model 15 in 38).

Anyway...…...you guys (and gals) are usually way ahead of me on all things S&W so is there any "mystique" surrounding the Model 18, are they worth a premium over a comparable Model 17?
 

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Watching with interest. Just now started my search for a K-22. I don't think I would have a preference but then I know next to nothing. ;)
 
I have both 17s and 18s. As much as I enjoy shooting the Model 17s, I find I shoot the Model 18s much more. The 17 is more of a serious target/ hunting gun. While the 18 is a fun plinker and woods carry gun. It also makes an excellent practice understudy for its centerfire brothers.
Its a supply and demand thing. Model 17s can be found for sale fairly easily. Model 18s, not so much. Its actually kinda rare to find a Model 18 for sale. Those that have 'em, tend to keep 'em. ;)
 
As a general rule in gun dealing the shorter the barrel the higher the price. As far as I know the Combat Masterpiece / Model 18 is exactly the same as the K22 Masterpiece / Model 17 except for barrel length. A 4" M18 laying in a display case will almost always have a higher asking price than a longer Model 17 in the same condition.

Compare prices on a 3.5" M27 and the same gun with a 6" barrel. A 2" Model 10 compared to a 6" Model 10.
 
I finally picked up a K-22 Combat Masterpiece a few weeks ago. Had one on my “to buy” list for awhile. It’s a Pre-18 from 1951 and I finally got to shoot it this past weekend. I got it for $400 due to some blueing loss, but mechanically it’s perfect. Can’t wait to get it back out to the range again. I wish I had found one sooner.
 

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Have had one of each, both at the same time. I enjoyed shooting the 17 much more than the 18. So, the 18 went away to the LGS in a trade for something I wanted more (a M1909 Colt U.S.Army in .45 Colt). The 18 sat in their show case for two years (asking to much, I thought). They sold it at auction and got less than $500 for it and the piece was 95% or better. It is nothing more than a case of what you like better when it comes down to it.
 
I own both a 17 and an 18. First 17 I owned was bought new back in the 70's and sold off; mistake. About 10 years ago I went on a search for an 18 to be a practice gun for my IDPA revolver shooting (686 and 15/67 primary). Hard to come by, even at the big Tulsa gun show. Pricey those days too. I bit the bullet and bought a near new 18-3 in the blue box. That 18 has served its purpose well. Has some blue wear on it now from a kydex holster, but mechanically is great.

Recently I lucked into both a nice condition 17 and another 18, both around 50 years young. Both good condition but not too nice for me to shoot. Priced in the just shy of $500 to a little north of there range. Neither of these will see kydex use.

Get one of each and go enjoy! Start with the more common 17 but don't turn down the more elusive to find 18 if it comes along first. Look for a tight barrel to cylinder gap; something around .0015 is optimal IMO.
 
A 22 k frame is heavier than it needs to be and for me, the 4” barrel balances better than the 6”.
 
Wasn't the "Combat Masterpiece" also/originally chambered in .38 spl.? Way back when.
 
I think the 38 came out in '49 and the 22 in '51.

Think I'm wrong. Both are a couple years earlier.
 
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I like them both. If I had to choose, it would be the 18-3 since it seems to have a better balance in hand.

49789369416_2636050825_c.jpg

17-4

46425260615_988b06fb98_c.jpg

18-3 and 17-6
 
I prefer the 18 for its tapered barrel, especially the 4”.
 
I have both Model 17s and 18s.. and a 4" 617.... the longer barrel 17 is nice at the range or hunting small game.

But for general utility or a walk in Penn's Woods I'd grab the 18. That said.... for just a walk in the woods a 4" 34 or 63 is a smaller lighter choice.

The 18 is also a great understudy for any of my 4" K or even L frame .357/.38s

"Choices" is what S&W is famous for.............

I think a lot more 17s were built after WWII than 18s
 
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Classic victim of the snooze and lose syndrom!

I posted some questions yesterday about the Model 17 vs Model 18 simply because I saw a listing for a Model 18-3 up for sale yesterday locally, contacted the seller, wrote the post to SWCA, set back about 3 hrs...………...figured what the heck I thought it to be about $100 to $200 too high, but in the world of discontinued S&W that difference of opinion is basically nothing...so "hello seller....where can we meet"

Answer: "already gone, thanks tho"

Oh well...……...back in the bank with that stimulus coin.

The Model 17-3 is going out for exercise just as soon as the range(s) open around here......AND I'm willing to bet I see a guy I know remotely with a gun that looks just like my Model 17.....just a tad shorter barrel!:D
 
Mystique? No, not particularly. Rather, utility, convenience, a sort of something that might best be stated as "right." About like a Colt SAA in .45 Colt as opposed to a Hawes SAA in the same caliber. About like a Browning Superposed in 20 ga. vs. one in 12 ga.

I've had a number of 17's. Outstanding revolvers. Never had one that was not excellent. Shoot rings around any other .22 LR revolver ever made by anyone ... except S&W. When S&W came up with the Model 18 ... they produced a revolver that was not simply outstanding and excellent, etc. They produced the ideal .22 LR revolver bar none. In just about every possible use, it excels.

Can one find revolvers that will give better on target results for specific range games, hunting situations, etc.? Yes. A S&W 617 will likely give better results in speed shooting, etc., especially with one of the little speed loaders. A Model 17 may possibly give more consistent on target results. Maybe. A little J-frame .22 LR revolver will be a little lighter to carry and a little smaller in ones pocket or on ones hip. But, the Model 18 simply fills a ... itch ... that most hand gunners have ... a need, a desire, a want for a .22 LR revolver that in every respect fully deserves to be given the title summa cum laude. Sincerely. bruce.
 
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