22 Combat Masterpiece

[tshyde]

Put a 22 Combat Masterpiece on hold today at the local LGS today. Four screw, K267xxx sn, relieved diamond targets, finish 97-98%, $650 is asking price - may be able to go lower. No box or papers. Anything I should look for before finalizing the deal?

Scott

 

[Art Doc]

I would need some smelling salts to wake up after passing out from sticker shock. I am so glad I have just about all the guns I want because I couldn't afford to buy them now.

 

[lowhog]

For what I have been seeing lately, I would say that's a good price. Buy it!

 

[Engine49guy]

Do the normal checkout procedure and look for signs of a refinish,
If your not sure go to you tube and watch a video showing step by step how to check a revolvers mechanical function.

IMO $650 is not out of line for a 1956 Combat Masterpiece with diamond target grips which are worth $125 alone.

Make sure to post pics when you get it home.

 

[BigBill]

$650 is nothing from the prices on other 22 masterpieces I have seen. I'd be happy to pay that. I've seen some 22 asking $750++. New in the box for $1,200.

 

[beagleye]

That sounds like a fair price, not a steal. If you want a k22, snag it. They are the best!

 

[chief38]

As much as that seems really ridiculous, that price is the going rate these days for a M18 or pre M18. The good part is that in a few years it will seem like the bargain of the Century and the gun will last just about forever.

The hardest part will be feeding it as .22 ammo has become "collector item" status these days. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd see people paying over $100 / Brick for the stuff!

ONE SUGGESTION: INSIST that the LGS sells you a fair amount of ammo at a fair price when you buy the gun. Buy as much as you can get assuming the price is reasonable.
If at all possible, stick to CCI, Winchester, or Federal and stay away from Remington Rimfire ammo.

 

[Bat Guano]

A M18 was the best and most useful single gun I ever bought. 31 years now and still going strong.

Enjoy it.

 

[Elvis Ray Bob]

Hi, I just purchased a 1955 K22 Masterpiece #K25995x NIB w/tools for $1K (Photos to come) and did really well. This quality and workmanship is no longer available new from the S&W factory. Recently spotted a newer 10 shot M617 with the aluminum cylinders going for $750 Used! If you get this K22 you will likely never sell it. They are hard to find in great shape because K22's shoot so well and are fun too. Oil it and expect the value to increase over the years! You will get a lot of opinions that this is one of the best 22's ever made. I Agree! It will never be made to these mfg. standard again. If you need help deciding, look at a new K617 on GB and compare prices. ERB

 

[mr.jbk79]

In my area, I seldom see 18s for sale. The 4 & 5 screw ones even more rare to come across. The 17s and pre 17s show up more frequently from what I see. $650 or under is a good price for the one described. I wouldn't imagine it lasting long at all.

 

[tshyde]

Update

Put it on layaway yesterday. Actual serial # is K2475xx, which should put it at 1955. 5, not 4, screw. Bright blue finish - dn appear to be refinish, and I understand bright blue was an option at that time. Target hammer, relieved diamond target grips, narrow trigger. Snagged it for $585 + tax.

 

[Green Frog]

YADUNGUD!!

Even if you regard it as a high retail price today (and I'm not sure really is) it is a solid purchase that you can enjoy owning and shooting as you watch its value rise. Congratulations.

Froggie

 

[Cooter Brown]

That's a nice snag. Not a steal but how often do you see steals?

Like others have said the most fun gun S&W has ever made.

By the way, I was in Wally World this morning and they said they had some 22s two days ago. They sell them as soon as they come in.

 

[tlay]

You did very good to get it at that price. If you ever want to make a $100 profit contact me!

 

[Dosgatos]

You did very well. I bought a 1954 K22 Combat Masterpiece about six years ago for $385 with Goodyears. The gun was used but not abused with about 90% finish. Last year I found a 98% K22 from 1955 with Target Hammer and Target Grips for $650, and sold the old one for $650.

BTW: It is one of my favorite guns, one I like even more than my 6" K22 Target Masterpiece. If I had to reduce my gun addiction to three guns it would be this 4" K22, my 38/44 Outdoorsman, and my Model of 1950 .44 Special. With those three guns I get to shoot .22, .38 Special, and .44 Special.

 

[Bluecoat76]

CAREFULLY INSPECT THE CHAMBERS TO SEE IF THEY HAVE 'WOOD PECKERING" DENTS FROM DRY FIRING MAKING HAMMER DENTS. SOME ARE REAL BAD, OTHERS ARE OK. THEY MUSN'T BE DRY FIRED.

WONDERFUL WEAPONS

 

[Bluecoat76]

MAKE SURE AND INSPECT THE CYLINDER CHAMBERS FOR DENTS CAUSED BY DRY FIRING AND HAMMER STRIKES WHERE THE HAMMER STRIKES THE RIMS. THIS CAN BE BAD

A WONDERFUL FIREARM

 

[OIF2]

I bought a really nice 18-3 a few years back for $500.00. It was 98-99%, but without box or papers. Some said I paid too much. Looking at the prices now, maybe not. Plus, I got to own and shoot a superb .22 for the years it took for the price I paid to catch up. Sounds to me like you paid the current going price for a nice one.
Bob

 

[glenncal1]

If you can find good quality 18's or pre 18's under $500 please let me know where, I would buy all I could find. I think the OP did fine at $585 for a high condition pre 18.

 

[kbr1]

Bought a Model 18 about 10 yrs. ago excellent used, no box for 350.00...of coarse it was traded (stupid me) and I haven't found another like it (local) since...Enjoy that "18"...!!!!

 

[BUFF]

I paid $163.23 out the door NIB for mine. I thought that was high for "just a twenty-two" but understood why it cost as much as an equivalent .38. Of course, that was in 1977!

When I get down to just 3 guns, this one, now well-worn, will be one of them!

 

[BlackAgnes]

These are three of my pre-18 .22 LR Combat Masterpiece revolvers.

They are probably the last guns I'd ever sell.

I hope my heirs appreciate them for the gems they are!