Model 18 22. Rimfire

[GerSan69]

AK, if I were you, I'd get a set of those Crimson Trace laser grips. Good way to get a better "sight picture" without ruining future resale value, plus the cost would be comparable to all the other stuff you were thinking about...

 

[markmodel10]

I'm no expert and I'm still new to this forum, but I can give you my opinion. It's your gun and you can do what ever you feel comfortable with.
It looks like a keeper to me.

 

[gdogs]

While the modifications might lower the collectable value to those looking for a safe queen, or a good original shooter, to me they only increase the value. And if Austin did the work, another big increase in my mind. If it were mine, I wouldn't dream of drilling and tapping that gun.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I agree that laser grips are an excellent compromise that will help your marksmanship while preserving the value of the gun.

 

[k22fan]

I have never heard of an 18 coming from the factory with a red ramp. Considering you had other gunsmithing done we can assume the red ramp is after market. Also its trigger is never going to be replaced with an original because the action job would be lost. The reason there aren't enough 18s for sale is not scarcity. It's just that we old guys won't let go of them. There are a lot of unaltered 18s for serious collectors, so the sigh_t and trigger alterations on this one are enough to take it out of the collector category.

Do not be insulted or weep over the collector premium your heirs might have reaped. Odds are they'd just have squandered the extra money anyway.

Although I've seen exceptions made for senior citizens, at most matches lasers aren't allowed to compete against other sights. At least for me, shooting with lasers doesn't substitute for the satisfaction obtained from firing with normal sights. Have it drilled & tapped and enjoy your 18.

 

[nedlate]

I have to agree, just have it drilled and tapped. Then you can enjoy shooting the gun, you have obviously had it quite a while, no use giving it up now! You won't even notice the holes if you put the rear sight back on.
Just make sure and put the sight in a safe place and mark it as for the Model 18! A lot of people end up loosing that rear sight when they put on a scope or red dot.
Ed

 

[gkitch]

Good that you are shooting again and that is a spledid looking S&W.

A revolver like this is ideal for many applications but target shooting is not exactly what it was designed for. Once a dot sight is installed it is something that one would not take on and off, thus rendering the revolver pretty much only good for shooting paper at the range. After a few years you may have trouble remebering just where you put the original rear sight assembly.

Have you considered trying an auto? Many companies make scope ready 22 pistols that are designed for target work and have loyal followings and very reasonable prices. Buying, say, a Ruger or a Browning and working it up for target shooting would give you a dedicated range gun and you would still have your traditional wheelgun when (not if) you need it.

 

[S.B.]

Good that you are shooting again and that is a spledid looking S&W.

A revolver like this is ideal for many applications but target shooting is not exactly what it was designed for. Once a dot sight is installed it is something that one would not take on and off, thus rendering the revolver pretty much only good for shooting paper at the range. After a few years you may have trouble remebering just where you put the original rear sight assembly.

Have you considered trying an auto? Many companies make scope ready 22 pistols that are designed for target work and have loyal followings and very reasonable prices. Buying, say, a Ruger or a Browning and working it up for target shooting would give you a dedicated range gun and you would still have your traditional wheelgun when (not if) you need it.

I disagree but, would make an excellent squirrel gun? Would still trade for a more modern pistol to install red dot on.
Steve

 

[AKRuss]

I appreciate your thoughts on the model 18. I originally purchased the gun new for inexpensive double action practice. At the time I was shooting a lot of full house .44 magnums for bear protection and survival as I worked summers in remote areas of Alaska. That was a long time ago. I guess I want to shoot the 18 again just to get back into it. If things work out well, I will likely press my old model 29 back into action. Of course it would have to sport a red dot sight too. I have no aspirations to be a competitor of any kind although I use to be able to clear a table of bowling pins pretty well with the 29.

I have managed to get an Ultradot Matchdot II on my old model 41 with a BME mount without ruining anything. It shoots super and I'm now trying to steady things down a bit and get some groups. I'm enjoying shooting again, indoors, and it gives me something to do during rainy Florida afternoons. Old guns and old eyes - what fun!

 

[S.B.]

I still shoot a model 18 & 29 with only factory sights. I too have others that have modern reddot sights on them but, doubt I'll ever go this route with the 18 & 29. Your guns so do as you like with them. Enjoy!
Steve

 

[Green Frog]

I'm coming late to the game, but the answer I would have given was buried in the previous responses. The Weaver and the B-Square "No-Gunsmithing Mounts" would allow you to scope your Model 18 and keep it unaltered (or not altered any more.) I've successfully used one on a Model 19 and couldn't see any damage when it was removed to sell the gun.

The (far sighted) Green Frog
Owner of 64 year old eyes!

 

[cowboy45]

Put the gun down and slowly step back from it. If you drill and tap it, you and the guy that does it, should be beat across the head with a handful of wet noodles.

The 18 is not common anymore. The no drill mounts from Weaver and B-square are the way to go.

Go learn to shoot with open sights.