Model 18-2

[Snorkel]

I have a Model 18-2 I bought used when I was in high school in 1976. Actually, my dad had to buy it, but I paid for it. I'm more of a Colt 1911 type, so I don't know much about these. I do know it's a 3 screw and it's in good condition except for some wear at the end of the barrel. The grips are the same ones that were on it when I bought it. The serial number starts with K641XXX. I guessing it's worth about $500-$600. Does that sound about right?

 

[Retired W4]

I believe you could get the $600 around here. That's a fine looking .22. And a popular gun.

 

[Retired W4]

I just noticed the stocks are probably not original. That will knock the value down some.

 

[JP@AK]

Nice looking .22 Combat Masterpiece! As much as I like GA, I just think walnut looks good on these guns. I recently put a pair of walnut targets on my M48 and am very happy with them.
And yes, I for one, would gladly give you $600 for this gem, if offered the opportunity.
It's neat that you still have it. I bought several Smith revolvers when I got back to the World in the early '70s. Still have all the boxes and all but one of the guns (one was captured by a grown son, so it didn't go far - maybe one of these days I'll let him have the box).

 

[JP@AK]

I just noticed the stocks are probably not original. That will knock the value down some.

Are you sure?

The grips are the same ones that were on it when I bought it.

 

[Snorkel]

Thank you. I have no intention on selling it. My kids would kill me if I did. They love to shoot it.
I was just wondering what it was worth. I only paid around $100 for it.

 

[Snorkel]

I just noticed the stocks are probably not original. That will knock the value down some.

I bought it used, so I don't know what came on it when it was new. All I know is, I haven't changed them.

 

[Retired W4]

He said it was bought used. I believe the gun is from around 1965. I definitely agree on the walnuts.

 

[JP@AK]

Thank you. I have no intention on selling it. My kids would kill me if I did. They love to shoot it.
I was just wondering what it was worth. I only paid around $100 for it.

Sure. And I'm glad to hear it. Just letting you know that, yes, it could be sold for that kind of money.
In about '73, a Model 18 could have been had new for right around $110. List price in 1976 was $135. I guess you got a bargain.

 

[JP@AK]

He said it was bought used.

Yep. Sorry. I missed that!

I guess I should also have noticed it is a dash 2!

 

[Retired W4]

I too would give $600 for it. You have a nice one there.

 

[Snorkel]

Yep. Sorry. I missed that!

I guess I should also have noticed it is a dash 2!

What does the dash 2 signify?

 

[Retired W4]

The dashes are engineering changes. The -2 came about in 1961 and -3 was 1967. I type slow so Jack may have already answered your question.

 

[Retired W4]

Snorkel, FYI the main thing you would see on th-2 as opposed to the -1 is the elimination of the screw in front of the trigger guard.

 

[Snorkel]

Ah, I see. I was wondering why it was a 3 screw instead of a 4 screw. That explains it.

I appreciate all of the info.
Thank you!

 

[beagleye]

I just noticed the stocks are probably not original. That will knock the value down some.

Why not original, the diamonds went away during the dash 2 era, didn't they?

 

[Retired W4]

I believe the gun is from 1965 and the diamond went away during the 1967-1968 time frame, during or right after the -3.

 

[Retired W4]

Just for fun, here is my 18-2. Serial number K 541xxx) would indicate 1963 but letters as shipped in May 1964 with factory 3T's.

 

[JP@AK]

Just for fun, here is my 18-2. Serial number K 541xxx) would indicate 1963 but letters as shipped in May 1964 with factory 3T's.

That's a beauty! And . . . . . . walnut . . .

 

[JP@AK]

Ah, I see. I was wondering why it was a 3 screw instead of a 4 screw. That explains it.

Yes. Here's what happened, in a nutshell.
In 1905, the company redesigned the cylinder stop and it included a bored-through hole from the front of the trigger guard for the plunder and spring - held in place by a new frame screw (screw number 5 in order of adoption). The design remained the same until the late 1950s, early 1960s when it became evident to the engineers that the same basic design and function could be accomplished without the bored-through hole. This, of course, reduced a production step or three (?), in turn reducing production costs. So the trigger guard screw was eliminated and the 3 screw frame was born. It's been that way ever since.

 

[welldoya]

Sure. And I'm glad to hear it. Just letting you know that, yes, it could be sold for that kind of money.
In about '73, a Model 18 could have been had new for right around $110. List price in 1976 was $135. I guess you got a bargain.

I paid $145 new for my Model 17 in 1975. Were the 18s cheaper or did I just get rooked ?

 

[Snorkel]

Yes. Here's what happened, in a nutshell.
In 1905, the company redesigned the cylinder stop and it included a bored-through hole from the front of the trigger guard for the plunder and spring - held in place by a new frame screw (screw number 5 in order of adoption). The design remained the same until the late 1950s, early 1960s when it became evident to the engineers that the same basic design and function could be accomplished without the bored-through hole. This, of course, reduced a production step or three (?), in turn reducing production costs. So the trigger guard screw was eliminated and the 3 screw frame was born. It's been that way ever since.

That is interesting. Thanks for the education.

I've had several people offer to buy it at the range. That along with a 2.5" Model 66-2 I have. But I'm not parting with either one.

 

[Retired W4]

That is interesting. Thanks for the education.

I've had several people offer to buy it at the range. That along with a 2.5" Model 66-2 I have. But I'm not parting with either one.

I don't blame you. Mine's not going anywhere either.

 

[ma deuce]

Very sought-after gun. Around here, it would go for nearer $700 than $600, even without the original magna stocks. You have an example of the best .22 revolver ever made, along with the M17 series.

 

[lowriderfxr]

I have 2 18-3s and I was considering selling one. These posts are making me think I need to keep both of them.

 

[JP@AK]

I paid $145 new for my Model 17 in 1975. Were the 18s cheaper or did I just get rooked ?

The list price for the Model 17 and the Model 18 in 1976 was exactly the same, unless you wanted the 8 3/8" barrel on your K-22 Masterpiece, in which case the price went from $135 to $141.50.

But, these were MSRP. Depending on where you were in the country, the price could go up or down a little. And, of course, retailers were free to jack up the price if they could get people to pay more. Some did.

Heck, in 1975, I bought a brand new Model 17-3 and paid $137.50, including tax. Somewhere around here I still have the Monkey Wards receipt. Still shoot the gun, too!

 

[JP@AK]

I have 2 18-3s and I was considering selling one. These posts are making me think I need to keep both of them.

No, no, no! That would be unethical behavior. The fact that you even had that thought was a serious sin! The only way you can cleanse yourself is to ship me one of them immediately. I'll send you two crisp, new $100 bills in return . . .

 

[BIG J]

Just for fun, here is my 18-2. Serial number K 541xxx) would indicate 1963 but letters as shipped in May 1964 with factory 3T's.

Here is my 18-2 that i picked up about 10 years ago. Don't have it lettered but the serial number is real close to Retired W4's. Mine is K 5418xx.

It's a great shooter and will stay with me until the very end.

 

[Retired W4]

Here is my 18-2 that i picked up about 10 years ago. Don't have it lettered but the serial number is real close to Retired W4's. Mine is K 5418xx.

It's a great shooter and will stay with me until the very end.

That is close. K 541456 (no more X's). They could have been done on the same day, at least the frames. No telling with S&W. Nice gun Big.