How Rare is a Model 18-3

[sandhills writer]

My nephew has a chance to buy a Model 18-3 Combat Master Piece that is supposedly very nice. He asked me if it was worth $800, a widow owns it, and did not even know her husband had it, some one told her it was very rare. He has not seen it yet and asked me if it was worth the money, I am not into Smith 22 revolvers, so all I could do it tell him the Blue Book values. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[rockquarry]

I have an 18-3 that I think was new when I bought it twenty-five or so years ago. It may take a bit of a search to find one, but they are far from rare. I'm not up on prices.

These are certainly desirable revolvers. Mine is noticeably more accurate than my Model 17 with a 6" barrel.

 

[Engineer1911]

A handgun without a paper trail except for Bill of Sale, I believe has extra value. I have an 18-3 and would not walk away from that purchase if the revolver is pristine. A box, documents, and tools just makes it better.

 

[PALADIN85020]

No S&W fan should be without a Model 18. Mine is used a lot as a stand-in for the center fire Models 15, 19 and 66. Cheap practice and keeps the muscle memory active for the more powerful cousins.

The Model 18 isn't rare, but the owners tend to hang on to them. You should get one when you can if the price is right for you.

John

 

[KalamazooKid]

As already pointed out, the M18 is as close to a must have for any revolver guy (or gal) as there is. My ND from about 1960 is on the never sell list. And btw, for one in great shape and maybe the box, $800 is very fair.

 

[petemacmahon]

No S&W fan should be without a Model 18.

As already pointed out, the M18 is as close to a must have for any revolver guy (or gal) as there is.

agh....you two make feel inadequate! I thought I had my bases covered with one Model 17 and one Model 41 as my "must have"s.

But now............dang...................you might have a point to get one that looks just like my Model 15.....it never ends

 

[Grayfox]

As pointed out, the Model 18 isn't rare. What's rare is to find one for sale. Those that have 'em tend to keep 'em.
Absolutely wonderful revolvers. As PALADIN85020 pointed out, they make great training guns for its center fire brothers. I give my Model 18-3 full credit for teaching me to shoot a revolver in double action. Besides, they're just plain fun!
$800 may be just a little on the high side. But if the gun is in very good condition, especially if it has the box and extras, I'd buy it.

 

[murphydog]

These are desirable, especially in nice condition, but not rare.

If your nephew wants to do the homework he can look up recent selling prices for similar model 18s. My guess would be in the current gun market downturn that he will see values in the $600 range, +/- $25 or so, for the gun alone. This can be a negotiating point.

PS Welcome back! 3 1/2 years between posts.

 

[TTSH]

As pointed out, the Model 18 isn't rare. What's rare is to find one for sale. Those that have 'em tend to keep 'em.

These are desirable, especially in nice condition, but not rare.

Bingo and Bingo! It took me forever to find my (pre-) Model 18 and I'd snap up another 18 in a heartbeat in the right condition at the right price.

 

[Narragansett]

If this has the box, docs, tools, and is pristine with no scratches, rust or pitting, 800 is not aa steal, but not a beating either. It is fair enough. 700-750, I would say. They are not rare. Mine below is a nice example for 750 delivered a year ago

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I like my 18-3 so much I bought it twice. First around 1986 used for $185. Though it was the most accurate handgun I ever owned, like a dummy I traded to friend a few years later. Then a few years ago I bought it back for $450. Now it's here for keeps. I made that holster a while back though I'm left handed. Now I just drag it out for pictures if I remember it.

 

[BoCash]

No S&W fan should be without a Model 18.

This is the gospel. Wise words.

A very useful, fun, and accurate model.

 

[Babysitr]

For some reason they just shoot great...my 18-3 is one of my most accurate...

 

[D Brown]

agh....you two make feel inadequate! I thought I had my bases covered with one Model 17 and one Model 41 as my "must have"s.

But now............dang...................you might have a point to get one that looks just like my Model 15.....it never ends

I have three Model 18's. Two are 18-3's, one from 1974 and one from 1977. The other one is an 18-4 from 1982. I like them all, and intend to hang onto them for the duration.

I also have three Model 17's and feel the same way about them!

Here's a couple of group photos.

Now, I also really like the Model 41, but only have one of those.

 

[Narragansett]

I have three Model 18's. Two are 18-3's, one from 1974 and one from 1977. The other one is an 18-4 from 1982. I like them all, and intend to hang onto them for the duration.

I also have three Model 17's and feel the same way about them!

Here's a couple of group photos.

Now, I also really like the Model 41, but only have one of those.

Very nice collection!!!

 

[Engineer1911]

Joy is in my heart! I don't have too many S&W 22 LR revolvers. Maybe M17 with an 8-3/8" barrel without the full lug barrel.

 

[steelslaver]

I agree not rare. A rare pleasure to own and shoot. Therefore, rare to find for sale and a real nice one is worth in the $800 range. I think you would be lucky to find a holster worn one with some use that was mechanically sound for under $600.

 

[bgrafsr]

I have a Pre Model 18 that is near new and it has matching stocks, box, and tools. I also have an 18-3 that gets shot now and then.
I like target hammers and smooth combat triggers, so the 18-3 is adorned with them.

 

[chief38]

I've git 2 so I never thought of them as rare.

 

[Engine49guy]

The Model 18 is a great gun,
Imo unless the 18-3 is lnib with all docs n stocks $800 may be a tad on the high end.

Btw , There is a 5 screw pre 18 (my guess is its a 1953 gun) in the fs forum right now for $650 shipped ,
Although its wearing aftermarket stocks which could be replaced for $80 with period correct Magnas so with tx your close to $800 but a pre model is more desireable IMO.