17 vs 18

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nksmfamjp

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I'm looking to get a classic blued s&w 22lr revolver for some occasional shooting and collecting enjoyment.

My plan is to get something most likely made during the 60's- 80's with good finish, maybe no box, papers, etc.

I would like a 4" barrel, but 6" would be ok. Also, I would like one that has a target hammer and sights, it available.

Right now, I'm looking on GunBroker, but prices seem all over the map like $450-$2000. I'm thinking my limit is about $550-$600.

Any thoughts on 17 vs 18 for shootability, accuracy and general fun? Any preference in dash level like -2, -3, etc?
 
The 17 and 18 are pretty much the same gun. Basic differences are the barrel length (4 inch only on the 18), and that most 17's came with patridge type front sight, as apposed to 18's that had ramped "quick draw" type front sights. Either model could be ordered with TT and TH, though standard trigger and hammer was usually supplied on the 18. Both models have adjustable rear sights. Dash 4 and earlier 18's had pinned barrels. Not sure on the 17's. Accuracy is really the same, though some shooters may shoot better with the 17's longer barreled sight radius, and sharper profile Patridge front sight. Both are very nice revolvers, and I still carry my 18-4 quite a bit in the woods.

Larry
 
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I've had both for a long time. Can't tell much difference in handling or accuracy in offhand shooting. Choice would be entirely personal preference, I suppose. If you get one, you may find you "need" the other as well.
 
I have a model 18-3, that is just a ton of fun to shoot. As you are finding out they are not inexpensive to buy, but all in all they are a great value. I did have to ream out the charging holes, once I did that everything was fine.
 
I have both models as well, both for over 12 years or so. I also don't notice much if any difference between them in the categories you mentioned(though I don't really know what 'shootability' means). Fishinfool has summarized well the differences in features. Accuracy with either gun depends somewhat on the ammunition one uses.

I'm guessing that you noticed more 17s available for sale than 18s, which, the last time I looked, is typical.

Best wishes in your search,
Andy
 
As stated basically the same gun.......................

6" barrel is better for range and hunting....... sight raidus

4" for more general use is GTG , easier to carry/draw, good understudy to any S&W center fire k-frame...... such as the Model 10, 13, 14.15,19,64,65,66.

$600 may represent the bottom of the market for either of these guns ..... ya you might find one cheaper... but my guess those are few and far between ..... and/or have been badly cared for!!!!!
 
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nksmfamjp said:
I'm looking to get a classic blued s&w 22lr revolver for some occasional shooting and collecting enjoyment.

My plan is to get something most likely made during the 60's- 80's with good finish, maybe no box, papers, etc.

I would like a 4" barrel, but 6" would be ok. Also, I would like one that has a target hammer and sights, it available.

Right now, I'm looking on GunBroker, but prices seem all over the map like $450-$2000. I'm thinking my limit is about $550-$600.

Any thoughts on 17 vs 18 for shootability, accuracy and general fun? Any preference in dash level like -2, -3, etc?
Click to expand...

There may be some slight regional differences in prices on these guns, but $600 as an upper limit might be a bit of a stretch. Not saying it can't be done, but it might take some time to find someone willing to part with one for that price.

My Model 18-3 is my favorite Smith & Wesson revolver. :)

IMG_0566.jpg


I found this gun in a local gun store on December 9, 2017 and ended up paying a total of $700 out the door for it. It has a Target Hammer and Target Trigger, and is the most accurate .22 L.R. revolver I've ever owned.

Here's a link to my original post back in December, 2017 when I purchased this gun.

I found a Model 18-3 today!
 
I like the six inch better but that's probably because I have two of them and no four inch.

Yes, they are expensive, but what else can you shoot for 5 cents a round or less?

A top end 22 and a 5,000 round case of shells is about the most fun $900 bucks will buy and it will entertain you for YEARS.

But YMMV on how long a case lasts.
 
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Typically the M18 has a ramp sight and the M17 usually comes with the Patridge style. The main difference other than that is the M18 has a 4" bbl. vs the 6" bbl. pf the M17. PERSONALLY I own 2 M18's and no longer own the M17. I simply shoot better with the 4" barrel which might be counter intuitive, but it is what it is. Either one is in the top tier of best .22 Revolvers ever made. A gun that you will never wear out and is just a perfectly made .22 Revolver.
 
Mostly a matter of price and personal preference. I have Masterpiece series revolvers with 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrels. They are all very accurate and a pleasure to shoot. The 6" Model 17 with Patridge front sight and target hammer & trigger would be an excellent choice if you can only have one.
 
The good news is you can't make the wrong choice given those two weapons. It sounds like you'd be happier with the Model 18 4". You might find one at $600 so keep looking. I couldn't wait and paid $800 but got the box and tools for a 1959 Model 18 no dash.





It goes nicely with my 1947 K-22.

 
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Depends on what you want to do with it. For straight up target work the Model 18's longer barrel and patridge front sight would be better. For casual plinking, fun or carry I find the shorter Model 18 is perfect. As Bam-Bam mentioned the Model 18 makes a great understudy to .38 or .357 K-frame. Its a great way to sharpen your DA skills cheaply and have fun doing it. ;)
You will probably find that most of the time Model 18s tend to be a little higher priced than Model 17s. 17s are fairly common and priced accordingly. The thing with 18s is that those who have 'em tend to keep 'em and they don't show up for sale as often. :rolleyes:
 
In my humble opinion, there are more Model 17 versions for sale because most people that buy one end up buying another, and another. Maybe they feel it easier to part with one of their Model 17s or Pre Model 17 Target Masterpieces.

Four screws make a nice addition to an old gun, and the correct numbered grips are icing on the cake. Might cost a bit more than your budget when you find a nicer one that feels right and looks great. My opinion would be to pay the extra if you find one as such. They don't appear to be getting cheaper.

Then again, looking is a lot of fun.
 
Bought my model 18 shot it on 2 trips to the range and had to have a 17 they are both great shooters. Can't believe how accurate they are.
 
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I gave three 17's / pre 17's to my sons. Got 7 left and bought one today. All 6". Looking for an 8 3/8's.

Charlie
 
OMG! This is killing me!

Found an 18-3....bidding on it.

Then I find a 17 with target trigger and hammer! Looking to bid on that now!

Budget is blown, it looks like $550-$700 is more reasonable! Oh well, I might end up with both. OUCH! Maybe somebody will save me!

shootability
Click to expand...
Means my kids will find it easy to aim, light in the hand and easy to hit with.
 
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You really can't go wrong either way. My 1st was a m17 6" way
back in 60s. That gun changed my whole outlook on handguns.
I think the 17 a bit easier to shoot because of 6" barrel. M18 is
4" with ramp sight, same gun. Boils down to personal preference
Really. Both the best you can get in 22 Revolvers.
 
Found a 617ND, missed out on it by trying to get a deal. Still kicking myself over it.

Later found an 18-3, paid asking price and secured it. Easily 98% revolver.

Talk about soft shooting and accurate!
 
I was in a similar quandary in deciding between a 17 or an 18. I wanted a SW revolver to plink with and practice my DA. In my area most 17s were in the $900 range for a decent used one. So I went looking for a 18 and immediately found a nice 18-2 at a LGS for $500! Bought and have shot it a bunch over the last 2 months. Shoots very well.

I have since replaced the grips.

IMHO, either is a good option.
 

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nksmfamjp said:
Went for a 17-3 with target hammer, trigger and grips. Pretty cool, I think. $655 + $25 transfer.
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That's actually an excellent deal. I have a 17-3 with TT and TH which I LOVE. Mine did not have the target stocks, and the price was higher at $700. Since my 17-3 is about the best $700 I ever spent, I think you did very well.
 
I have both models and also a 2" J frame model 34 and I tell ya, it would be a difficult decision if I had to give up one of the k frames just to keep one...I love 22 handguns and have more of them than any other calibers...I'm sure you will have lots of fun soon!
 
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