Just picked up a 4" 18-3 that I bought sight-unseen

[Josh M.]

After a very near miss at a LGS last week on a 4" pre-17, the owner called me to say that he had a nice 4" 18-3 with box and goodies - I said I'll take it.

Fast forward to today, and I made it in just before closing to pick it up.

He bought the gun from the original owner and says it has to be all original, because the owner says it is.

Dark, dark, smooth square butt target grips.
White outline rear sight.
Red insert in the front ramp.
Wide serrated target trigger.
Wide target hammer.

The front of the parts book in the box under specifications says checkered walnut grips, fast draw front sight, and adjustable trigger stop. Were the specs on these parts books specific to the gun, or just general to the model?

What say you? Is this gun in original configuration? Or am I going to have to have it lettered to find out?

Also, I just noticed that the hammer pushes off - bummer, wish I'd had time to check out the gun, that would've been a good haggling point. - JM.

 

[boykinlp]

We need pictures!!

 

[KEN L]

Need I say more?

 

[murphydog]

Congratulations on the find. If you have the original box, look at the end label - it should give you the original configuration. Generally, these had the ramp or Baughman front sight and checkered service or Magna stocks. The trigger stop was a standard feature for a time, and best to have the hammer/trigger looked at if it pushes off. Enjoy!

 

[Smithhound]

Very nice guns, and yes, post pictures. One of the best woods carry guns made, they just feel good on the hip and in the hand.
First thing I would do is take it down and give it a good cleaning internally, that may (hopefully) take care of the push-off. Hope it does.
RD

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the purchase as the Model 18 is a favorite of mine

 

[Josh M.]

Was Smith putting red inserts in the front sights back then?

 

[murphydog]

Was Smith putting red inserts in the front sights back then?

Yes, starting all the way back in the 1950s, I think.