New from S&W: Model 57, 17, 18 "CLASSICS"

[flat top]

The IL's: I removed mine on the one Smith that I have. It never failed, but, I was not going to assume that it would not fail. Go to the gunsmithing section and read the post "Flat Tops IL fix...pictures and all" (posted by MickStix). My fix cleans up the looks when the lock is fully removed, but, of course it does not look as good as a Smith with no IL!!!

Those K's are still "out there" for decent prices. I just picked up a Mod 18, 4" (made in 72/73), for 435.00, plus the shipping, insurance, and FFL fee...total was 488.00 It is "conservatively speaking" in excellent condition. so, they are out there, and remember, something is only worth what someone will pay for it!!!

I have never dealt with Fugates, but, I will bet that they do not sell too many of their guns for their asking prices which do seem a bit higher than the going market value. If Fugates had something that I was looking for, I would not be bashful about trying to obtain one of their guns. One thing I try to keep in mind is, that if a dealer doesnt sell guns, he wont be in business very long. A sale and a satisfied customer is important to a businesses longevity, and whether they will admit that or not, they know that is a fact! I think that most dealers are ready to deal, if you approach them as a serious buyer.

Many years ago, I used to deal with the "most expensive" gun dealer in town. Many shooters called him a rip off (amongst other things), but, I always got the best price available on any gun I bought from him...he would undercut every other gunshop to get that sale! He did me a big favor by giving me a break, and I did him a big favor by continuing to do business with him. "One hand washes the other". I was really dimayed when he finally retired!!!!

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by flat top:
If Fugates had something that I was looking for, I would not be bashful about trying to obtain one of their guns. One thing I try to keep in mind is, that if a dealer doesnt sell guns, he wont be in business very long. A sale and a satisfied customer is important to a businesses longevity, and whether they will admit that or not, they know that is a fact!

Oh crap!

IBTL

 

[flat top]

Wyatt; Are they really that bad? LOL!!!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Originally posted by duckloads:
What is the difference between M17's (Masterpiece) and M18's (Combat Masterpiece)?

about 2 inches of barrel of course

.

 

[ladder13]

Originally posted by flat top:

Those K's are still "out there" for decent prices. I just picked up a Mod 18, 4" (made in 72/73), for 435.00, plus the shipping, insurance, and FFL fee...total was 488.00

Great deal...$300 or more less than a "classic". Congrats.

 

[Ops Officer]

Classic, eh? Sorry, the ILS makes them diamondoids.

 

[flat top]

ladder13; Damn...and I thought it was a classic....It doesnt have the lock....doesnt that make it a classic?!?!?!

 

[ladder13]

Originally posted by flat top:
ladder13; Damn...and I thought it was a classic....It doesnt have the lock....doesnt that make it a classic?!?!?!

You can sell that 18-3 to me and get yourself one of those new "classics", lock and all.

 

[flat top]

Ok...I will go to Fugates and get the "sale price" and let you know where to send the check.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by SJshooter:
Just checked the S&W homepage and they have a few new products up. First is a re-issue Model 57 in .41 magnum, available in 4 or 6 inch barrel and blued or nickel:

Next up is the Model 17 Masterpiece and Model 18 Masterpiece, blued 22's in 4 and 6 inches, respectively

S&W just never seems to get them "just quite right." For example, odd front sight on the Model 18, which were usually seen with Baughman ramp on ramp base. Oh well, they get good marks for trying.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by rmw:
Crap - all of them. When will S&W get a clue?

Who up at S&W is in charge of specs for these things?

I mean, couldn't they just get pics out of Roy's book to see how these "classics" are supposed to look?

And who out there REALLY likes the odd PC comp barrel with a huge hole in the front of the barrel so you can set yourself on fire and the corresponding front sight set back to accomodate for the mostly unnecessary comp?

 

[ladder13]

Those M57's look acceptable, just get rid of the weephole and those junk pieces of wood. Better yet, do a M58 the same way. THEN, I'm a buyer once again.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Originally posted by Sportsterguy:

Originally posted by BLK08ROCKERC:
They are nice but "Classic" and internal lock just do not go together in my book.

+2 I'll take my no dash 57 over all the others combined and that is a no s------!!!!
To heck with Ca. S&W need's to get rid of that hole! Holy crap, I'm getting old and grumpy!

As much as I hate to defend CA, it has NOTHING repeat NOTHING to do with the internal lock. The internal lock does not qualify for the mandatory lock requirement so a seperate trigger lock, or other approved lock must be used when picking up the gun from and FFL. Ruger revolvers and many other firearms sell in this state without internal locks.

 

[Duke426]

I don't have as big a problem with the lock or MIM parts as some and I like the almost black color of the bluing...however, the incorrect profile of the barrel on these new model 17 really turn me off. I never cared for the barrel on the 18 or the 15/67...I like the heavier barrel.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Duke426:
however, the incorrect profile of the barrel on these new model 17 really turn me off. I never cared for the barrel on the 18 or the 15/67...I like the heavier barrel.

How can the profile be incorrect if the very first K22 Masterpieces had tapered barrels?

?????????

S&W reserves the right to change configurations whenever and however it sees fit. M&Ps became Model 10s at the stroke of a pen and they sported rounded and squared butts, half moon and half ramp sights, service and magna stocks, diamong and non-diamond stocks, and tapered and heavy barrels. Yet they are all Model 10s.

So if S&W decides that Model 17s will revert to the original tapered barrel of the earliest K22s, then the Model 17 has tapered barrels. If S&W decides that Model 18s will come from now on with Patridge sights instead of Baughman sights, then the Model 18 has a new configuration according to its designer and maker.

This whole argument of some is as stupid as saying that the Beech Bonanza A36 is not a real Bonanza because it does not have a V tail or a throw-over yoke.

 

[Duke426]

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:

Originally posted by Duke426:
however, the incorrect profile of the barrel on these new model 17 really turn me off. I never cared for the barrel on the 18 or the 15/67...I like the heavier barrel.

How can the profile be incorrect if the very first K22 Masterpieces had tapered barrels?

?????????

S&W reserves the right to change configurations whenever and however it sees fit. M&Ps became Model 10s at the stroke of a pen and they sported rounded and squared butts, half moon and half ramp sights, service and magna stocks, diamong and non-diamond stocks, and tapered and heavy barrels. Yet they are all Model 10s.

So if S&W decides that Model 17s will revert to the original tapered barrel of the earliest K22s, then the Model 17 has tapered barrels. If S&W decides that Model 18s will come from now on with Patridge sights instead of Baughman sights, then the Model 18 has a new configuration according to its designer and maker.

This whole argument of some is as stupid as saying that the Beech Bonanza A36 is not a real Bonanza because it does not have a V tail or a throw-over yoke.

Do you have a photo of a 6 inch model 17 revolver with tapered barrel? Never seen a model 17 like that. Thanks.

PS: Still looks like a POS with that barrel

 

[Gunhacker]

It looks like the front sights on these new 17/18's is what makes them look so funky... the barrel profiles appears to be basically the same on the original 17/18's, except for the big honking front sight base and longer patridge sight blade.

I wonder why they had to mess with that?

 

[18DAI]

The recontoured frame around the hammer (to accomodate the zit work) contributes to the funky/fugly look as well. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Duke426]

Gunhacker,

Thanks for posting that photo. I think you are right, perhaps it is the sight that makes it look odd/ugly to me because the photo you posted is a nice looking gun.

18DAI,

I think you are right as well about the recontoured frame as well.

 

[longarm]

Originally posted by SJshooter:
And then there is this new one, calibered in .327 magnum!

"Model 632"

I have been holding out for something truly ugly. Is this the best S&W can do?