Model 18-2 changes

[alcotune]

I recently purchased a Model 18-2 but it has a 6" barrel. From anything I can find online the 6" doesn't belong on a M18 so I assume it was changed out at some point. In Canada a 4" barrel would be prohibited so that could be a reason to have a 6" barrel added.

The bluing is almost perfect on the whole gun and there are no rings on the cylinders so my guess is it has barely been used.

So if my M18 has a 6" barrel, would that make it the same as a M17?

Also and input on the ship date with serial K6366xx?

He she is in a crappy iPad picture (in the middle of my 10-7 & 19-3).

 

[jack the toad]

I'm not aware of any 6" M18's but that's not to say they didn't exist from the factory. A letter would confirm it.
Made app. 1965.
ETA:
Your theory on the barrel swap is probably a good assumption.

 

[crsides]

More likely a mis marked Model 17. It happens.

charlie

 

[chud333]

My guess because of your locale is the 6" barrel swap
to make it Canada legal.
Love those HE .22's ....Here's a few of mine.





Left to right--model 13-1 four inch .357 (sorry about the fixed sight magnum)...It was in the photo.
Model 18-2 with Targets
Pre 18 with original grips and box (1953)
Model 17-3 with 8 3/4" barrel and full Target conf.
Model 17-2 with Diamond magnas (incorrect) but chipped so i shoot em' on this gun
All of these get shot. Some might not get holstered....
I got no use for safe queens.
Have fun with those K-frame .22's
They are a blast !!


Chuck

 

[Engine49guy]

The Model 17-2 and Model 18-2 have different frames and different barrel profiles,
Plausible theory that the barrel was swapped but also could be a mis marked Mod 17,
If you want to know for sure post a picture of the top of the gun from above the rib looking down where the barrel rib meets the frame.

Would also help to have one looking at the muzzle

 

[jack the toad]

My guess was also based on the Canadian minimum length but Charlie is right too about mismarks.

 

[alcotune]

Here is a picture of the top view. I'll try to get one of the muzzle next time I have it out.

 

[Engine49guy]

No need for the muzzle shot, you have a Model 18-2 frame with a Model 17 barrel,
The Model 18 had a tapered barrel and the frame was machined back so it would mate to its narrow rib barrel nicely,
The 17 has a wider rib barrel that did not require the frame to be notched to mate to the rib.

Here is a shot comparing the pre war K22 (Left) to the early post war K22 (same as Model 18) and Model 17 (right)


On a side note while the 6" K22 made prior to 1954 has the correct narrow rib barrel that would mate properly to your frame
it would be satin blue not "Bright" polished blue that was standardized in 1955 so wouldnt match.

 

[alcotune]

Excellent info. My guess is the barrel was changed by a pretty good gunsmith. I can't wait to shoot it to see if it shoots as good as it looks.

 

[jack the toad]

I can't wait to shoot it to see if it shoots as good as it looks.

Let us know.

 

[Engine49guy]

Im guessing the Canadian code mandating handgun barrels be longer than 4" went into affect sometime after 1968 or the original owner would have bought a 6" Model 17 .

 

[824tsv]

Im guessing the Canadian code mandating handgun barrels be longer than 4" went into affect sometime after 1968 or the original owner would have bought a 6" Model 17 .

Our inane short barrel law passed in 1996.

 

[Engine49guy]

Wonder how the geniuses determined that 4.1" is safe but under is not... would have made more sense to have it read barrels should be longer than 3.99" or 4" including the chamber which would have grandfathered in all of the 4" guns...

 

[824tsv]

A little off track, sorry O.P....
The only good thing to come of that law is that if you owned something with a barrel length of 4" or less before the law passed, you were grandfathered into the proper licence to keep it and also able to buy other short barrelled handguns. Anyone who wasn't grandfathered at the time can't purchase or possess one.