Model 18-4 .22 Combat Masterpiece

[1srelluc]

I picked-up this Model 18-4 today. It came with target grips and a holster but I put a set of diamond magnas and a Tyler T-Grip on it that I had squirreled away.

The stocks are probably too early but it's got more than enough wear to make it just a field gun.

The holster is OK but I never cared for a thumbreak holster for field use. I much prefer a Hunter type holster and I had one that fit it perfectly.

Serial # 92K4011....Any info on the year made/shipped would be appreciated. It's pinned so I guess it's sometime before 1982.

I have a 6" Model 17 but have been looking for a 4" K series .22.

 

[PeteC]

91K6801 - 124K0000 corresponds to 1981. So, your 92Kxxxx just made it under the wire before the pinned barrel faded into S&W history,

 

[k22fan]

I must have bad taste because I prefer the Targets and thumb break holster but I do love Model 18s. Great score!

 

[PeteC]

I must have bad taste because I prefer the Targets and thumb break holster but I do love Model 18s. Great score!

Well, if you love the 18s, then your taste must not be that bad,

I think I may have read one or two of your posts on the subject when I adopted mine earlier this year

(I like to think I put what you have posted to good use)

 

[1srelluc]

91K6801 - 124K0000 corresponds to 1981. So, your 92Kxxxx just made it under the wire before the pinned barrel faded into S&W history,

Whoo, just made it.

Is it true they were made as trainers or is that just some internet lore?

 

[Doc Watson]

Gotta love them, I have a 18-2, I picked up last year for a great price due to not having one of the ears on the rear sight broke off. I just happened to have a spare and had my gunsmith slap it in. One of my favorites

 

[PeteC]

Is it true they were made as trainers or is that just some internet lore?

I have read that the Model 18 was used to train recruits with no firearm experience, but I don't know how one would confirm that.

Summarizing from the SCSW book:

The predecessor of the Model 18 was the K-22 Combat Masterpiece (pre-Model 18). Both have the Baugman "quick draw" front sight, compared to the Model 17 which has the Patridge sight) it was made from 1949-56.

The Model 18 was made from 1957~85, and later as part of the "Classic" series from 2009~11.

The IS a similar revolver in .22 LR, but with fixed (similar to Model 10) sights, round front sight and a rear notch, and that one is documented as being ordered and used for training by the Coast Guard and the Post Office. It is called the "Post Office Model", and described on page 138 of the SCSW book.

It is not that far fetched to think the Model 18 would have been used for the same reason by Police and Military, if they intended their recruits to be carrying a Model 15 or similar as a duty gun. The sights, triggers, stocks, and weight (~36 oz) are almost identical.

 

[fish hunter]

Nice find. I have been looking locally for a M18 as I prefer 4 in barrels. I do have a M63 w/4 in and it fits my hand nicely. But ran across a M 17-3 with box in a good shooters grade and brought it home. Still looking for a M 18 so I can have a picture like was posted of both. Good luck you will love it.

 

[AJ]

I must have bad taste as I traded off my Model 18 about 2 years ago. I kept my Model 17 though. I traded it for a Colt no less, a Model 1909 U.S.Army in .45 Colt.............

 

[JohnRippert]

My 18-3 was supposed to have come from a PD backgound according to Summit Gunbroker who I purchased it from. I suppose I could get it lettered to see if it shows anything but I am just not that curious.

OP:

I bought a late '50s era .22 Combat Masterpiece a couple years ago that came with non matching diamond magnas. Since they were not original I used it as a excuse to get a set of Culina targets for it.

 

[OutWest50]

Congratulations on your Model 18. It will be a great companion to your Model 17. I too have a Model 18 and 17. The 18 is 1958 vintage and the 17 is 1976 vintage. They are my most fun guns to shoot!

 

[swagmeister]

Great looking gun! I had a Model 18 years ago and sent it of to Nitex for their stainless finish. They did a great job and it was an outstanding shooter. One of the many I look back on and should have kept. I like yours alot. Thanks for showing.

 

[glenncal1]

I tried to shoot a coiled rattlesnake in the head one time with a model 18 (my cousin and I were going to do some gun training with his lab and we scared up the snake), my cousin was laughing so hard at me trying to hit the moving snake head from about 10 feet he almost missed it with the shotgun. We made a nice hatband out of it.

 

[gfors]

Model 18 Trainer

Is it true they were made as trainers or is that just some internet lore?

My 1977 M18-3 has CSP stamped on it (Colorado State Patrol). It came in a box, with a Gart Brothers (Denver area sporting goods store, now closed) sticker on it. The manager at the LGS was formerly an armorer for a local sheriff's dept. He told me that for a brief time, CSP used the 18 to train recruits. That story has also been repeated here, by others. I tried contacting CSP, but never heard back from them. Here it is with a 4 screw M18, from 1958.

My 18-3 may well have shipped with target stocks, as it was meant to emulate the weight and feel of the 19/66, which often shipped with targets, for LE use, is my understanding.

 

[PALADIN85020]

That's a nice looking 18. I think ya done good.

My model 18 is probably my "most shot" revolver - it's a great stand-in for centerfire K-frames, of which I have several - models 19, 67, 15, 10 and 66. I appreciate the lesser cost of .22 ammo, and my motor memory keeps being updated economically.

I prefer smooth target stocks on most of my full-size K-frames, so I gifted my 18 with a set, making it duplicate my other guns to a large extent. I have a pair of 17s also, with 6 and 8 3/8" barrels for more precise shooting at longer distances. Hard to beat K-22s for pure enjoyment.

John

 

[Hondo44]

I shoot rock chucks with a pre model 18 using a spare cylinder reamed to 22 MRF.

This 18-4 #228K370 from 1982, is for target work and competition: