K-22 Combat Masterpiece!

[Waveform]

I stopped by a local pawn shop recently just to browse the gun section. These guys have a lot of inventory but are not the most savvy when it comes to old revolvers. Nice folks but they don't always appreciate the older guns and this can make for a good buy every now and then.

I spotted this gem and tried not to appear too interested. Pretty nice Model 18-3 wearing a set of target stocks. I asked them to remove to the stocks to look underneath and found no issues - no rust or pitting. Overall a few handling marks here and there and a faint turn line but in nice shape - a really nice shooter, just the way I like 'em. Great case colors on the target hammer and target trigger.

We haggled a bit and I got them down a hundred bucks to $500. Serials to 1971. The stocks have a date stamped on the inside of one panel from 1984 so I suppose someone swapped out the originals at that time or later. No matter. No box, papers or tools but I don't mind. This is not a collector grade example. Fits nicely in my collection though and compliments my trio of Pre-Model 17s.

 

[Art Doc]

Yup, post 1982 style targets. Likely had Magnas as OEM. You got a good deal.

 

[george_lehr]

That gun looks great. You did very well.
George

 

[Engine49guy]

Nice 18-3 CM,
Football relieved black washer GA or Walnut targets would go nicely with the wide TT/TH combo... Wondering if the TT is serrated or has been smoothed ?

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations, as that's a great find as Model 18's are hard to find because people rarely let them go once they have them.

 

[Firemanjones]

Good for you! Now enjoy shooting it.

 

[Waveform]

Nice 18-3 CM,
Football relieved black washer GA or Walnut targets would go nicely with the wide TT/TH combo... Wondering if the TT is serrated or has been smoothed ?

 

[sodacan]

Nice find, especially with the TT and TH. Not a terribly common combination. Correct target stocks are easy to find, and since targets were generally not numbered to the gun, you'll have a complete package. Enjoy it.

 

[Waveform]

Thanks for nice comments guys. A Model 18 has been on my want list for a while but I've never found one when I was looking. As it usually happens you finally see one when you're not looking for it.

 

[ma deuce]

Very nice. I've seen exactly two 18s for sale in MD in the past 4 years, and I got one of them (a 4-screw pre-18, actually). You paid significantly less than I did.

 

[Engine49guy]

My guess is some swine is hoarding them...

 

[jack the toad]

nice find.
congrats

 

[sandspur6]

Looks just like mine. Mine had TT and TH, but I don't like the way they feel, so I replaced them. I do still have them though, just in case I change my mind. I originally paid about $250.00 for mine about 20 years ago, but let a fellow officer trade me out of it. When he died a few months back, I gave his widow $500.00 to get it back. The next fellow to get it will have to buy it from MY widow, because I'm not letting it get away again.