Model 18 accuracy
- Thread starter MP1518
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
For the Model 18, with the ordinary .22 LRs that I usually have on hand (not "match grade"), I expect 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" groups at 25 yards, from a rest. I would expect a machine rest would probably cut that down to 1" or so, but I don't know that for a fact. I am talking about Model 18s other than the current production. I have no experience with those.
Model 63s are more of an unknown. Can't offer much experience there. I only have a little experience with one or two guns. The ones I know about have not been exceptional shooters, but still, they were probably better than I could tell from my hand-held testing.
Model 63s are more of an unknown. Can't offer much experience there. I only have a little experience with one or two guns. The ones I know about have not been exceptional shooters, but still, they were probably better than I could tell from my hand-held testing.
In 30 years I have owned and shot the hound out of six M-18. I had one that would not shoot under 2 inches. It came very close... but it never quite made the cut. The other five all would shoot under 2 inches firing 12 shot groups, i.e., twice around the cylinder, from a hand-held sandbag rest. Back around 2002 I bought a lightly used 18-3 from an acquaintance. Using plain bulk packed Remington Thunderbolt .22 LR ammo, it will put the above mentioned 12 rounds into about 1 1/2 inches at 25 yds. firing without a sandbag, etc. but simply resting my hands on the roof of the car. This past week I spent an afternoon shooting it at the range. Shooting single-action from a standing two-hand hold, I put six shots into 1 3/4 inches. I was shooting at a worn harrow blade that I had painted white. I was aiming at the axle hole. This same pistol fired from a standing two-hand hold at 65 long steps has produced groups of 5 inches using CCI Mini-Mag .22 LR ammo. When my daughters were little, we would collect the large pine cones to make Christmas decorations. I could shoot the pine cones out of the large pine tree in our back yard. I've had a number of Model 17's, and they are fine range revolvers. But in my opinion the Model 18 is the preeminent .22 LR revolver.
tripledipper
Member
Surprisingly, the 18-3 4" outshot the 17-3's, 6" & 8-3/8", at least for today. Also have more shooting experience with the 18 so this may change as I get more familiar with the 17's. A cheap fun day at the range. What more can you ask for.
MP1518, welcome to the forum.
I can't swear the same thing would happen with every trip to the range, but the one time I specifically compared my four-inch K-22 to a 6-inch model, the shorter barrel made a much tighter group for me. I have heard other reports that the Model 18 or its immediate predecessor is inherently a little more accurate than other S&Ws with longer barrels. Of course a serious shooter will work with a specific gun until it does what he wants it to, so I am not sure the "more accurate" judgment would hold up in the long term.
The model 63 is a smaller-frame revolver. I have found that lighter guns are more difficult to shoot accurately than heavier weapons. But others find them extremely accurate and easy to shoot well.
I can't swear the same thing would happen with every trip to the range, but the one time I specifically compared my four-inch K-22 to a 6-inch model, the shorter barrel made a much tighter group for me. I have heard other reports that the Model 18 or its immediate predecessor is inherently a little more accurate than other S&Ws with longer barrels. Of course a serious shooter will work with a specific gun until it does what he wants it to, so I am not sure the "more accurate" judgment would hold up in the long term.
The model 63 is a smaller-frame revolver. I have found that lighter guns are more difficult to shoot accurately than heavier weapons. But others find them extremely accurate and easy to shoot well.
ColbyBruce
Member
If you live in the metro Atlanta, GA area I would be happy to let you shoot my Pre-18 and 4" 63 for yourself. You may or may not shoot better than I do.
roaddog28
Member
Based on my experience with a model 17 which has a longer barrel, the model 18 is more accurate than most people are. I consider the model 17 and 18 as the best 22 lr revolver ever made. And that includes Colts.
My pre18 frequently out-shoots my Mod 17. Keep in mind most 22's aea ammo sensitive, and yo may have to try several types before finding the one that works best in yours. Ironically, I usually have better luck with high velocity bulk ammo than I do match grade stuff. The newer stuff at 1200 fps being made for reliable functioning in the .22 AR Clones seems to shoot well in the 18.
I have both a 17-4 (8-3/8") and a Model 18-4.
Out to 25 yards I generally shoot a little better with the 18.
Past that distance, the longer sight plane of the 18 comes into play.
Back in the day, I used it for IHMSA rimfire revolver silhouette matches, where it really did the business when I did my part.
Out to 25 yards I generally shoot a little better with the 18.
Past that distance, the longer sight plane of the 18 comes into play.
Back in the day, I used it for IHMSA rimfire revolver silhouette matches, where it really did the business when I did my part.
J-FRAME
Member
In my hay-day I could put 5 out 6 or a solid 6 in a 3 lb coffee can at 50 yards two hand standing or corn fed tree squirrels at 35-40 yds pretty regular with my old 18-3 and Winchester ammo.
S&W-Keeper
Member
Mine 18 shoots one ragged hole at 10 yards.
My 18 & pre-18 both shoot "minute of squirrel" in the tree tops.
Similar threads
