Model 18, 63 or 34

[Stinger4me]

It is time to add another gun. I am trying to decide which .22 revolver to buy. I have a 617 but now I would like a 4" barrel revolver and would like some input from those who own any of the models listed. Thanks for the help.

Stinger

 

[WNC Seabee]

I have 2 Model 34-1's. They are awesome shooters! Very accurate, feels good in the hand, looks nice, what more could you want?

I prefer the round butt model myself, but the square butt shoots just as well.

I'll hand these over to my boys when they're old enough. Until then, they get used to train new shooters and the occasional field trip.

 

[murphydog]

I gather from your post you have a 6" 617? The 4" model 18 will feel very familiar to you, and will be a little easier to shoot than a 4" model 34. For regular carrying and training, the Kit Gun is a better choice.

 

[Camster]

I own all three(the Js are still unfired),like all three,have a couple of 617s too.For a general purpose gun,best action of the three,with the most grip options,I give the nod to the 18.

 

[ADP3]

Take a look at the sights and weights of these three models as you make your decision. The 34's have a 1/10" black front blade and they weigh in the mid 20 ounce range. The 63 uses a red ramp front on an 1/8" blade and is in the same weight range. The 18 uses a 1/8" Baughman black ramp and moves weight into the mid 30 ounce range. If you are looking for a field gun, a range piece, or a companion to a centerfire J or K frame-these models cover all the bases. Price, future price appreciation or general "feel" of the gun can also drive your decision. You can't really go wrong with any of them.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[Larry from Bend]

You already have a K frame -- like this Model 18

You need a J frame -- like this 34

 

[ischia]

The model 18 is almost impossible to find, a P&R clean 63 is still tough and pricey as well, The 34 is probably the easiest, but are going away as well. .22 LR DA revolvers are the least common at local shows in the Seattle/Portland area,there are so FEW to even look at, and with the cost of ammo it's not likely to get any better. You have them in order of rarity, go for the rarest first---- 18,63 or the 34 The 35(6" model 34) is my all time favorite S&W but never seen for sale. I have found only 2 of these,I purchased locally over a 35 year time span. Good luck in your search.

Ischia

 

[model17]

Although my first love is my model 17, I find myself shooting my model 34 quite a bit these days!

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Although my first love is my model 17, I find myself shooting my model 34 quite a bit these days!

Man that is one nice gun. I love anything in 22LR. Don

 

[pharmer]

18. J frames are great for concealment. Something you wouldn't be doing with a .22. Joe

 

[snowman]

Although my first love is my model 17, I find myself shooting my model 34 quite a bit these days!

17,

Where on earth did you find those gorgeous smooth target grips?!

Andy

 

[model17]

andy, they came on the gun!! I've never seen a nicer pr.

Model17

 

[snowman]

Stinger,

I own the first two, and am looking for a good 34 also.

The 18 is probably the finest-made Smith I own, all things considered. It has a wonderful trigger in both SA and DA, is very accurate, etc., etc.

The J-frames you mentioned are great guns also, including my 63. The last time I had it at the range I shot better groups with it than I had the 18 the previous time out. But that was likely me finally getting the hang of shooting a J-frame. Their smaller size makes it more difficult to keep from moving the sights/barrel as the trigger is pulled.

My reasons for owning these are to train new shooters and to help me review fundamentals of DA shooting periodically in order to better shoot my carry gun and house guns, which are .357s. The J-frames, though more difficult to master, are a better choice for breaking in folks with very small hands; i.e. women and children. The 18 is great for teaching both men and women with average-size to larger hands.

One thing which might be helpful to remember is that 18s typically have tight chambers. Because of this some of them have chronic extraction problems, depending on how dirty the ammo is and how well they've been kept clean in the past. When I first acquired mine, I had to use an electric drill with pieces of lead-away cloth to clean those buggers out in order to avoid the problem just mentioned. I was successful to the degree that I can shoot around 150 rounds(about the most I shoot in one session with a .22) before any of the empties begin to extract with difficulty.

My 63's chambers are bored a tad larger and don't give me any extraction problems. But then that may be the reason 63s aren't quite as accurate, as a rule, as 18s.

Be ready, regardless of which revolver you get, to change out the grips from service to target or vice versa, depending on which you or the primary shooter prefers. My 63 came with service grips, which were entirely too small, not only for me, but also for others with smaller hands than me.

Let us know and see, if possible, what you find.
Andy

 

[RussellD]

I have a pre model 34 J frame. It is a great shooter and excellent training tool for new shooters and those with small hands. With that being said, A k frame .22 is about as good as it gets. That's why I have 2 K 22's

 

[Camster]

18s and 63s can be had from new current production.
While a 617 and an 18 are both K frames,comparing a 6 inch full lug 617 to a Model 18,is about like comparing an 18 to a 34 or 63.Just different critters.My Model 18 with extended Spegel grips is a compact sweetheart.

 

[au2183]

I can't believe all of you have missed what is obviously the only correct answer...buy all 3! 'Nuff said!

 

[gunnerbern]

My choice would be a 63.

 

[Culina]

get which one you can find when you can find it, good luck

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have a pre-18 and a 34 with a 4" barrel and square butt. For feel in the hand, the 18 fits me better. The 34 is a bit small for my hands and I don't have huge mits! They are both very accurate. I have also heard that 34s need more under the ejector star while shooting, since they are smaller frames, while the K frames don't need it as often. I have never had such trouble with my 34, but I did read a post about the sticky cylinder problem with a 34.

 

[H Richard]

I've always wished for a 34 with a 3" barrel. Any J Frame with a 3" barrel seems to be the best all around fun gun I try.