M18 4" should I or shouldn't I?

[cbunix23]

I found a blue model 18 4" in a local shop that I am thinking of buying. I wanted to mull it over some more before I bought it.

I'm not sure what dash model it is or even if that should matter to me. I'm not sure how old it is. The bluing looks excellent, grips aren't the best I've seen but are fine. Grips seem large in my hands and that's a turn off.

No scratches anywhere on the metal. Sights look very good. I believe it has a wide target trigger. Double action trigger pull seemed very heavy. Single action trigger pull is that S&W perfect (you know what I mean). Very faint turn lines on the cylinder, doesn't look shot much at all.

Comes with the original box, not sure about the oil paper since I didn't see the box.

He had it for an excellent price compared to what I've seen online. What are the pros and cons of the M18 4" over the M617 6" which already own.

I have many .22lr semi-autos, it would be nice to have another .22lr revolver.

Take a guess what price he had it marked at. What would you be willing to pay for one?

 

[Avery11]

Sounds like a $600 + gun in this market and I half expect to see you come back here and tell us it was gone when you returned.

I think the difference between the 18 and the 617 was obvious to you when you picked it up. If you have a wife and/or kids, you will find it especially useful.

Now I have to ask, what shop clerk let you try out that trigger on an empty cylinder? I hope you had some manner of snap cap device in the gun. If you are not the first potential customer to perform this test, the firing pin may be damaged.

Be sure to check it out in 20 minutes when you get your tail back to that shop.

Why are you still reading this post?

Well???

GO already!!!

 

[H Richard]

If you do not already have one you need one. There is nothing like a matched pair of 17 & 18 at the range for enjoyment.

 

[RaceBannon]

I think I paid $600 for my five screw version and nobody would ever mistake it for new. I use it so much that I keep it stored in my range bag.

 

[fyimo]

Well if you haven't already purchased it then you made a mistake and I say that because the 4 inch Model 18 is a much more desireable revolver then the 6 inch version of the K22/Model 17.

 

[murphydog]

You didn't mention where you are, as price varies depending on location and laws.

If you like the muzzle-heaviness of your 6" 617, you will not like the model 18. It is not absolutely muzzle-light but is not a full-lug 617 (think Ruger 4 3/4" Standard Auto vs. 6 7/8" bull barrel Target). You can always change the stocks if you don't like the set it has.

As you describe it, anything less than $500 would be a good deal. Hope this is helpful.

 

[peyton]

Quit waiting and buy it!!

 

[Grayfox]

At the gun show this morning there was a guy with two Model 18s for sale. $800 each.
Please tell us you went back and bought it.

 

[Muddyboot]

Go for it, my pre 18-4" is a great shooter. I've loaned this one to a couple of friends to help train their kids to shoot. This one shipped in 1952.

 

[steamloco76]

In the past five years of actively adding to my collection, I have never seen a Model 18 in any gun shop I've visited in PA! To aquire a Model 18 I lucked into one here on the forum classifieds.

True S&W .22 revolver aficionados need a Model 18 in their shooting collection.

 

[gregC.]

So whats he asking ?

 

[Joe Kent]

Buy it now! The Model 18 is my all time favorite 22 revolver. I can tell you I have been shooting one for upwards of 40 years and probably have shot in excess of a couple of 100,000 rds. thru it. Needless to say it is smooth. All my best, Joe.

 

[Camster]

So whats he asking ?

He's asking,"guess the price".He knows it's low,he's seen it,I haven't,so what's the point of that game.
Personally,I wouldn't be "mulling over" the purchase of a nice 18.It will be gone before you know it.
If there's one thing that you don't knock a Smith for,it's the grips,be it their condition,or feel..No other make has so many options in that regard.Sounds like the OP found a full target version-easy enough to find a set of magnas.

 

[gagunner 2]

model 18's have always been in demand.I wanted one bad but the price
was always too much.Finally found a Steal! New in the box.3 months later,found a 5 screw.Talk about luck.Today their prices have really gone up like everything else.If you find a nice one,buy it NOW.A great all around gun and cheap to feed.If it seems a little high buy it anyway.The price will catch up.

 

[bamabiker]

If I had to mull over it I might as well say I don't want it because it would be gone when I went back. Happened too many times.

 

[kudzu3]

It's probably gone by now.

 

[bigtubby]

I found this 5 screw pre 18 on a local forum it is not new or have any goodies with it and has big chip in the grips but it shoots. I feel lucky to have picked it up for $425.00 OTD

 

[cobretti]

I had one in the original gold box, paid $600 for it, but I sold it to buy a Colt Commander. I don't regret it now because I believe the timing was off as it was shaving lead back in my face when I'd shoot it. I do not see them too often.

Is the only difference between the 17 & 18 the front sight?

 

[Retired W4]

Go for it, my pre 18-4" is a great shooter. I've loaned this one to a couple of friends to help train their kids to shoot. This one shipped in 1952.

You are a brave man, and a great friend to loan that out for a kid to shoot!

cbunix23, you need that gun.

 

[Retired W4]

I had one in the original gold box, paid $600 for it, but I sold it to buy a Colt Commander. I don't regret it now because I believe the timing was off as it was shaving lead back in my face when I'd shoot it. I do not see them too often.

Is the only difference between the 17 & 18 the front sight?

With the older guns like the one you had, the diff is 6" vs. 4" (and the sights), I believe.