Been looking at a new model S&W Model 18. I want to get a 22 Revolver to last me and the next generation. Good choice? or are there other S&W "DA" revolvers I should be looking at?

PS--Looked at Ruger but I do not like SA.

Thanks!!

Stash

I would look around and buy an older 18-3 or earlier. Cost you less and worth more. JMO.
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

You find an earlier produced M-18 or even a Pre Model and you will have something you and your Grand children will be able to enjoy, not sure of the new stuff!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

All are good. I have a pre-18 and an 18-2. If I had neither I would buy one of the new ones and never look back. All will give years of enjoyment and outlast several generations of shooters.

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S&W Accumulator

I agree with F.T. get an older one.I shot mine this weekend, they are tack drivers.

The M18 is a 4" barrel with ramp front sight. It is also called the .22 Combat Masterpiece. It was designed as a low cost training revolver for those users of the M15 .38 Special Combat Masterpiece. There is also the M17 Target Masterpiece. It is most often encountered with a 6" barrel, with a Patridge front sight, but could be had with an 8 3/8" one too. The stainless model is the M617, with those two lengths as well as the 4".
The K-22 series are fun revolvers, and the older ones are very collectable, and getting kinda pricey these days.
You have to have at least one K-22 to be an S&W revolver collector. Otherwise we won't show you our secret handshake.
Jim

The first .22 LR S&W revolver I ever bought was a 18-2 in 1984. Since then I've owned five more along with (I think) four 17's. Given a choice, I prefer the 18. I think it is just about the ideal size/configuration for a .22 LR revolver. Anything more is cumbersome. Anything less is just now quite enough. The Ruger Single-Six is a very good revolver. The trigger is a tad heavy, but it responds well to attention from a gunsmith. With the .22 Magnum cylinder it is a very versatile revolver for range and field use. I owned and used them with satisfaction. But in my opinion, the S&W 18 is the ultimate .22 LR revolver... superior to anything else produced by anyone else including Colt, H&R, etc. In fact, there are few if any semi-automatic .22 LR pistols that approach the utility, accuracy and aesthetic appeal of the 18.

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I own a Model 18-3 and a Model 34 Kit Gun. I highly recommend both guns and, frankly, I have yet to decide on an actual preference.

If I were shopping new, Ruger's LCR 22 and their SP-101 22 revolvers would both get a close look. Both are DA and just came out within the last year.

There are plenty of used, older 17's and 18's out there. When well taken care of, these are real gems, and are heirlooms to be proud of. Personally, I don't buy anything new from S&W. The old stuff, keeps alive what Smith once was, and what I had hoped it would always be. Good luck.

I have a Model 18 no dash that I've owned for about 20 years. I'm the second owner. Other than slight, very slight muzzel wear at the end of the barrel, it's in great shape. My non-expert opinion is that the bluing is strong with little or no sign of fading. The serial numbers on the grips match that of the gun. The grips are in excellent condition. I'm in California. Thinking about selling and keeping the two model 17's I have. any idea of the selling value if sold in CA?

I have both a M18 and a Colt Diamondback in 4" 22. They are both excellent shooters, couldn't pick one over the other.

I have a K 22 which is the predecessor to the Model 18. In my opinion there is not another 22 cal revolver made to equal it. If you don't have a problem with the IL and MIM parts I can't believe that a new Model 18 wouldn't work for your needs. Most S&W guys including myself like the older stuff but I've heard good and some bad stuff about the newer models. I have a 442-1 w/o the lock and I am very happy with the way it looks and it shoots pretty darn good for a light weight snubby.