Model 18

Lt.Donn said:
…always experienced sticky ejection...seemed to get dirty quickly...maybe the cheap ammo
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This is a very common complaint, sticky chambers. Just get the chambers reamed by a smith. (Or, for a while here a kind forum member was lending his reamer to other members. That might still be available — I don’t know.)

I think the M18 is one of the most fun guns to shoot that I have. I added a yellow insert to the front sight so that I could see it better.
 
I've owned a few Model 18's over the years but foolishly let them slip away from me for one reason or another. This one, from about 1965, is going to stay with me. I had to pay dearly for it, but don't regret it one bit.

1772619194818.webp

It too suffers from the tight chamber aliment. I just cut patches from a lead wipe-away cloth and use them to scrub the chambers. It will take a bunch of them. Then follow up as normal. Not a permanent solution but good enough for my needs. No special ammo needed. I mostly just use bulk pack Federal HP's. They seem to work well enough for my skill level.

You can't have too many 22's.
 
RKmesa said:
Congrats!!! Great gun!!! Great shooters and a ton of fun. BUT be very careful, those cheap to shoot 4" K-22s are very addictive - making them surprisingly hard on the wallet... :oops::rolleyes:

I had my 4" K-22s (and one two incher) out this last weekend for a group shot...

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Please elaborate on the 2” one? I have never heard of a 2” K frame 22 before!?
 
MajorD said:
Please elaborate on the 2” one? I have never heard of a 2” K frame 22 before!?
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MajorD:

A visionary gunsmith took a model 15 (.38 Combat Masterpiece) 2" barrel, sleeved it for .22 LR and mated it with a Model 617 frame, creating a way-cool carry K-22. Here are a few photos of it with some Ahrends finger groove combat grips.













Fun little gun. :cool:
 
RKmesa said:
MajorD:

A visionary gunsmith took a model 15 (.38 Combat Masterpiece) 2" barrel, sleeved it for .22 LR and mated it with a Model 617 frame, creating a way-cool carry K-22. Here are a few photos of it with some Ahrends finger groove combat grips.













Fun little gun. :cool:
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That's cool!! No worries about the caliber stamp either, ain't no way anyone's going to get a 38 chambered LOL! A sort of partial pinto with that blue barrel shroud!
 
For years, I didn't own a rimfire S&W because they were just as costly as a centerfire. (ah, police trade ins) As a handloader, I could light load a .38 or a .357 and didn't fully understand the .22. As I got out of college and time became shorter than money, I got a J Frame .22-32 Kit Gun. Immediately saw the error of my ways! Finally got a Model 18 K Frame and it is one of my most used handguns. After every range session, no matter what I have been firing, I finish it out with a box of 22 Long Rifles. Just to work on the basics, sights and trigger and follow thru. I think it helps iron out a flinch if it was a full house 44 Magnum day as well. While a nice S&W 19 might be the last revolver I would sell, a good 22 K or J would be my second to last to go! J Frame pictured here. Because every post is better with pics!22-32.webp
 
RKmesa said:
Congrats!!! Great gun!!! Great shooters and a ton of fun. BUT be very careful, those cheap to shoot 4" K-22s are very addictive - making them surprisingly hard on the wallet... :oops::rolleyes:

I had my 4" K-22s (and one two incher) out this last weekend for a group shot...

Click to expand...
 
Beautiful! Thanks for showing them off. Mine WILL find me.

Right now I'm jealous of those with ONE! ;)
 
Bruceboy said:
Perfect trainer for the Model 15 or great on it's own. Wouldn't be without one.

Congrats,

Al
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My first and favorite .22's- Model 18s- BUT treat yourself to the ultimate Model 18- the new S&W Mod 617 Mountain Gun- stainless, 10 shots, bearhug grip,s brass bead sight and no lock!
 
My buddy inherited a 617 from his brother recently. Has TT and TH. I cleaned it up for him, painted the front sight and put a set of grips obtained through the classifieds here on it. When it warms up a little we are going to have a .22 revolver day at the range.
 

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I've got a K-22, a 48, a couple of 17's and a 617, but a 4-inch 18 is on my wish list. Also a 63.
 
RKmesa said:
MajorD:

A visionary gunsmith took a model 15 (.38 Combat Masterpiece) 2" barrel, sleeved it for .22 LR and mated it with a Model 617 frame, creating a way-cool carry K-22. Here are a few photos of it with some Ahrends finger groove combat grips.


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That looks like a very fun gun.

The one thing I'd change is the rear sight. The rear sight from a snubby K frame has a longer tang and would fill the gap between the back of the front sight ramp and the rear sight tang.
 
Hondo44 said:
That looks like a very fun gun.

The one thing I'd change is the rear sight. The rear sight from a snubby K frame has a longer tang and would fill the gap between the back of the front sight ramp and the rear sight tang.
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I've been looking for that rear sight and a blue cylinder to make it a full pinto. I bought a cylinder, but it is for an earlier gun, so it does not work with this one. :( I still have my eyes open... blue cylinder and full tang rear sight. :)
 
Was the S/W model 18 ever manufactured with an 8 3/8 in barrel ? :unsure:
 
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