Model 18 vs. Model 17

[aterry33]

I have an 18 that I plink and shoot varmints with. It is one of the guns I learned to shoot on, that and a Ruger Single Six and S&W Model 10.

I owned a 617 and sold it. Fine gun, but I prefer the K to the L frame for a 22. It just felt too big and clunky for a 22 revolver.

Lately I have had my eye on a Model 17 with a 6" barrel. I have never shot a 17 before, but the only real difference would be the extra 2" of barrel length between it and the 18.

I was wondering if anyone would share their experiences with shooting 4" vs 6" K-22s. For you, how does this affect balance, accuracy, range, etc? I would not go over a 6" barrel.

Thanks.

 

[P&R Fan]

Really the only difference would be the 17 would probably have a Patridge front sight, as opposed to the Baughman ramp on the 18.

 

[GF]

I like a 6 inch gun for target shooting, and to let a new shooter use.
It just seems to balance better than the 4 inch revolver. Longer sight radius is easier for my ol' eyes to line up.

I carry a Mod 18 on occasion simply because it is shorter. You can sit down in a vehicle with a belt holstered gun with that shorter barrel. And it conceals better too.

I have a hard time with decisions like these so I try to keep one (or two) of each!

GF

 

[Larry from Bend]

I have a model 17 and an 18. I've shot the 17 for nearly 40 years and the 18 for 7 years or so. I honestly see no difference in accuracy or range between them. I shoot dozens and dozens of Richardson's Ground Squirrels with them each Spring.

I do, however, like the muzzle-heavy feel of the 17 slightly better than the 18 but it's not that big of a deal and that's just me.

I don't carry either one in a holster -- if I did I guess the 18 would be my choice.

If I had to hit a golf ball @ 25 yards for big money --- I'd pick the 17.

 

[aterry33]

Thanks guys. As always, I think I will end up with both

 

[crofoot629]

I, for some reason, prefer the 6” K22’s.

I’ve owned and shot both and always go back to my favorite K22 3rd Model, or “pre 17”. In fact my pre 17 is my most often shot revolver.

Emory

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The 617 is a K frame. The SAME size as the model 17/18.

 

[Smithboomer]

I can understand someone thinking a 6" 617 is built on the L frame. With that underlugged barrel the 617 is a heavy revolver. Heavier than a N-frame Model 28 with the same 6" barrel.

 

[Dosgatos]

I own K-22s in 4" and 6" and would agree with Larry from Bend. The 6" is SLIGHTLY more accurate and balanced, but the 4" is SEEMS handier and more fun to shoot. You definitely should own both.

 

[armadillo]

I have S&W 22 revolvers in 2", 4", 6" and 8 3/8" - they all shoot great. I prefer the 6" and shoot the best with it, but when I head to the brush - it is the beater 4" pre-18 that goes with me.

 

[bellevance]

I own K-22s in 4" and 6" and would agree with Larry from Bend. The 6" is SLIGHTLY more accurate and balanced, but the 4" is SEEMS handier and more fun to shoot. You definitely should own both.

I agree. Any K22 aficionado really should own both. I'm still looking for a fitting partner to my 1947 vintage 6-inch...

 

[Engine49guy]

17 has a longer barrel and heavier barrel rib along the sight line with partridge sight , maybe slightly more accurate with longer site radius, tradeoff is balance is a bit more front heavy, longer draw, Maybe higher velocities?Closer feel to a model 14.

Model 18 has the Baughman site, tapered barrel and raised narrow barrel rib, quicker draw, closer feel to a model 15.

Definately need one of each....
Maybe to be safe get a 4" model 17 and a 617 too
...he he...

 

[aterry33]

I can understand someone thinking a 6" 617 is built on the L frame. With that underlugged barrel the 617 is a heavy revolver. Heavier than a N-frame Model 28 with the same 6" barrel.

Apparently my memory is failing me. I could've sworn the 617 was an L Frame. Oh well. Like the other poster said, the full underlug barrel makes it heavier.

If I want a stainless .22 I will stick with my 4" 63.

 

[wraco]

A person should have one of each. To make certain I have two of each. .

 

[depicts]

How common is the 4 inch Model 17? I have a six inch, and a four inch 18-3. Can't remember ever seeing a 4" for sale. Is a pre-18 actually a 4" Mod 17? If not, what's the difference?

 

[P&R Fan]

A pre-18 is a .22 Combat Masterpiece. It came out, with the .38 spl. version, in 1949. The pre-17 would just be called a K-22.

 

[RdrBill]

Sir.
4 inch K22's can look like this:

or like some of these:

Bill@Yuma

 

[mesabi]

A few years ago I owned a 4-inch Model 17-5, SN AUU37xx.

 

[esterroid]

I've acquired "several" K22s, 17s, and an 18. However, my "go to" plinking revolver is a 617 I picked up a few years back for what I thought was an ungodly price of $400.

Darn fun revolver to use to make the cans "dance.'

My boy keeps wondering if I'd like to part with it. Oh, I will, but not in this lifetime.

 

[Engine49guy]

Model 17 vs 18

Simply put the Model 17 "Target" Masterpiece and the Model 18 "Combat" Masterpiece are the same gun with different barrels.
The two barrels have different shape, contour, thickness and site styles.

Since some older model 17's had 4" barrels and new "Classic" model 18"s, have 4" model 17 barrels,
Barrel Length is NOT the determining factor between the two models.

Older Model 18's have a 4" barrel with a Baughman quick draw front site.
Older Model 17's have a 4" or a 6" barrel with a Partridge front site.

Original model 17's have a slightly wider barrel rib and non tapered barrel like the Model 14 they were supposed to emulate.

Original Model 18's have a tapered barrel and a narrower barrel rib like the model 15 it was supposed to emulate.

I am pasting some pictures of a model 17 and 18 barrel to show the difference between the two barrels.

DO NOT BE CONFUSED.....
New S&W "Classic " model 18's have a 4" barrel with a Partridge front site...

Similar to the new Model 17's

My guess is this was done to simplify production.