Model 18 22. Rimfire

[AKRuss]

I'm getting back into shooting after a long hiatus. I have a blue 4" model 18 .22 rim fire that I'm thinking of having drilled and tapped for a red dot sight. I can't find this model on the S&W web page. Is there any collector's value on this particular model that would preclude me from having it altered? Thanks!

 

[kudzu3]

Probably no collector value, there's a bunch of them out there but they are getting rather expensive. I'd go ahead and get it drilled. I'm not an expert, but I'm sure one will jump in here soon.

 

[perrazi]

nice easy way to devalue your gun, unless it is in bad shape to start with. then it won't matter. this would be an easy gun to sell. then buy a 617 as they are already drilled and tapped and you wouldn't ruin an older gun that way.

 

[Aguila9]

Yikes! Don't drill and tap. Model 18's have been going up in value over the ladt year or two. Unless, like the earlier poster said, it's in bad shape already.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[alde]

If it's in nice condition you will be able to sell it for enough to make a good down payment on a 617 or buy something else ready for scope outright. The 18's are very sought after.

 

[steamloco76]

The Model 18's are very tough to find these days, in fact I've not seen one in a gun store in PA for five years. I would NOT drill it. Find a model 17-6 & up or a 617-2 & up which are factory D&T'd and sell your 18.

 

[DR505]

The Model 18's are very tough to find these days, in fact I've not seen one in a gun store in PA for five years. I would NOT drill it. Find a model 17-6 & up or a 617-2 & up which are factory D&T'd and sell your 18.

I agree...and sell it to me!

 

[smitholdtimer]

K-22, M-18

I believe its "Weaver" who made or makes a mount that clamps on the frame so a scope or Red dot sight can be mounted without any drilling necessary, just conduct a search using Google. I purchased one and learned it was made for a Python so would not work on my M-17. Recommend you use a thin leather or rubber to prevent damage to the finish of the revolver if you find said mount. Your M-18 will hold its own with most .22 caliber handguns if you do your part. Good shooting!

 

[H Richard]

I'm with those that say DON'T drill & tap it. Depending on condition it can be worth up to $750 or so. Average run of the mill with 70% bluing left are going for $450+, Please sell it and get one that's already drilled & tapped. On a .22 the no drill Weaver mounts will work. They don't stand up to the recoil of larger calibers very well.

 

[gdogs]

Please do NOT drill and tap this gun! 18's are collectable, and hard to come by. Even in poor shape it has quite a bit of value.

 

[S.B.]

Why not sell your model 18 and aqiure a model 617 4"? Already drilled and you've not devalued a good revolver.
Steve

 

[Cpo1944]

What all those other smart guys said. 18`s are really one of S&W`s finest!!!

 

[JeepinSoldier]

Please do NOT drill and tap this gun! 18's are collectable, and hard to come by. Even in poor shape it has quite a bit of value.

What he said!

DO NOT drill and tap a nice Model 18!

I just paid $650 for a nice 18-4 last September and was happy to pay it. They are usually more expensive than that on Gunbroker, and you do not see too many of them in Gun/Pawnshops.

 

[k22fan]

Most of the previous posters gave sound advise.

In every case where I've seen Weaver's no-gunsmithing mount used marks were left on both sides of the frame by the mount's front clamp. I doubt you could squeeze anything thicker than brass shim stock or aluminum pop can metal in for a cushion.

If the 18 is shooter grade a couple of tapped holes under its rear sight wouldn't be the end of the world. Member scooter123 posted drawings of the holes to tap so that mounts designed for newer S&Ws can be used on old ones. IIRC after the old rear sight is reinstalled the extra holes only show on the bottom of the top strap.

Also consider taking the 18 into your optometrist and having him select shooting lenses while you focus on the front sight. Many optometrists will do this. If your eyes aren't too far gone It's my first choice.

Incidentally, the only advise given by other members that I disagree with is the suggestion you sell your 18, but I'm partial to 18s. As much as I like the full lug 617s, they don't substitute for a 36 ounce 18. IMO, 4" 617s are so heavy that they serve a different purpose.

 

[mkk41]

Ya wanna shoot it , or sell it?

On a more personal note , I wouldn't put a scope on a 4in gun. The way prices on -18s are going, ya could probably sell it for enough to get a shooter grade 6in gun (Mod.17) , a nice scope and have it drilled & tapped professionally.

 

[long colt frazier]

No NO NO Never !

 

[AKRuss]

Wow, thanks for all the replies - I didn't think I'd get any. My model 18 is in very good condition. However, I had the an action job and the front of the trigger smoothed. I may have had an orange insert put in the front sight, I honestly can't remember if it came that way or I had it done. I use to have all my revolver work done by Austin Behlert in New Jersey but, again, I can't remember if he did the work on this gun. The double action is as smooth as it gets. Does this change the dynamics at all? I'll try to post a picture.

K22fan, I tried the shooting glasses thing and it just didn't work for me. I guess my eyes are too far gone. I could see the sights great in my right eye but just blur beyond. I could see the target just fine with my left eye but no sights. It was all very confusing and frustrating. Getting old is tough work.

 

[AKRuss]

My first attempt at posting photos - my model 18-4.

 

[AKRuss]

Sorry the photos aren't all that good. My dilemma is I already own this gun and it's a shooter with a smooth action. Even if I sold it for $500 to $750, I still have to get another .22 and the 617 and 17s are going from 8 to $900 plus. Then I'd have to get an action job performed and I don't know any pistolsmiths anymore. Are you guys suggesting I preserve the 18 for prosperity despite the cost?

 

[alde]

That is one fine looking 18. If I didn't already have one I would be making a trade offer to you for my 617. That is a very desirable revolver in great condition you have there. If you decide to sell it make sure you get what it's worth. Oh, and I thing the red ramp front sight is original.