New to world of revolver's (18-4)

[Shawn L]

I just got my first revolver a S&W 18-4 I got from a buddy of mine. He didn't have the original box or paper work. It's still in very good condition being that he didn't fire it a lot and he forgot he had it in a lock box he lost the key to.

So I need to know what kind of accessories I need to buy ie. soft case to store it in while in my safe....what else?

Also I was told it was from 1981 Serial#93K****

Here are some pic's:

 

[HAWKEYE10]

You could put some pretty wood grips on it, but it's great just like it is. The model 18 is a sought after gun these days as are all 22's. This will be a fun gun to shoot. If you keep it in a case don't sip or close it all the way. Air needs to circulate so it won't rust. Don

 

[winchester62]

Don't store it in a rug. More guns are destroyed that way than you would believe.

 

[Shawn L]

^ thanks for the info, I'll just store in in the safe away from everything else.

 

[semperfi71]

Nice sixgun and welcome to the real handgun world of revolvers.

Buy a pair of men's [or women's] thin white dress socks and slip the pistol in one of them to store it. It will breath and it will protect the finish.

Regards.

 

[cptdco]

Very nice gun...my 18 is (I think) a dash 4 also. The best accessory you can buy for that gun is a ton of ammunition. I like the bulk packed Federal. It shoots very well in my 18 and my 17. Have fun with it. Its a great gun for taking new shooters to the range.

 

[Larry from Bend]

Here's a close relative of your 18

also a -4. Born in 1982.

I enjoy it a lot.

 

[Camster]

Don't store it in a rug. More guns are destroyed that way than you would believe.

Mine,all of mine actually,reside in Boyt rugs with not the slightest sign of harm.

 

[winchester62]

Mine,all of mine actually,reside in Boyt rugs with not the slightest sign of harm.

We don't know the climate where the OP is storing his guns. Are you suggesting many otherwise pristine guns have not been damaged by being improperly stored in cases? I keep a few wrapped myself, but they are covered by a thin layer of RIG and stored in a climate controlled, low-humidity area. It is easier to suggest someone leave the gun out of the rug than go through a whole dissertation about how to do so safely.

I know you've been around, Camster. I've seen your posts for a long time. If you want to go through your process of storage, it might be more useful to the OP than simply stating you do so without harm. Or maybe you just live in a dry climate and have gotten lucky.

 

[retiredsquid]

I have had luck with silicone impregnated gun socks with zero problems. I live in a humid area, but also have a golden rod in my safe. Now, the majority of my hand guns are placed on racks in the safe.

All of my blued guns get regular polishing with Flitz Gun Wax and it works.

 

[Shawn L]

Retiredsquid thanks for gun wax suggestion.

Could I store the 18 in Bore-store case?

Bore-Store Pistol Gun Case Revolver with 4" Barrel, Large Auto with 5" Barrel Gray - MidwayUSA

 

[bobelk99]

Whenever I take shooters out of the house, I stick them in an old wool sock leftover from military service before putting them in shooting rig. Works well for me.

 

[k22fan]

It's THE BEST revolver to start with!

You bought a great looking model 18 and its wide hammer and trigger are not common on model 18s.

You'll figure out which stock shape you like by firing with different examples. Most of us change revolver stocks.

Gun rugs are great for transporting guns to and from the ranges. Rugs protect the finish during transport and give you something to lay it on at the range.

Rust is usually only a problem for people who have more guns than they have time for. Since it's your only revolver--and maybe your only .22?--it will get shot, cleaned & oiled often enough.

Best regards;

Gil

 

[Shawn L]

Thanks Gil what make the hammer and trigger uncommon? The guy I got it from said everything is stock, was this some special package?

 

[k22fan]

The wide hammer and trigger which S&W calls "target hammer & trigger" were not usually installed in model 18s because 18s were considered to be trainers for the identical looking model 15 .38 specials. Both were sold as "Combat Masterpieces."

 

[Shawn L]

Thanks for the info k22fan.

 

[bobelk99]

Model 18, and most revolvers of the period, were offered with various options. Target trigger and hammer (the wide ones you have) were commonly offered at some extra cost, and were target stocks. Guns offered for sale with the 3Ts designation have all three.

I have owned 12 or 15 Model 18s.It just so happened they all have target trigger/hammer. G22fan and I just happened to see different guns. That can be attributed to many things. One major reason is that those buying a first gun would buy the cheaper. That was in simpler times I guess.

2 or 3T is definitely a plus at trade time.

 

[Shawn L]

So I take it that I have the 2T? Or are my grips target also.

 

[k22fan]

Whoops! I have to be careful making generalizations on this site. I like target shooting more than collector details. I maby should have written "less common" rather than "uncommon."

I'm standing behind my statement that an 18 is THE BEST revolver to start with.

Post Script: Yes, you have 2Ts

 

[bobelk99]

Link to pic of T stocks
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/products/297380000_large.jpg

Link to pic of Service stocks
Category - Service Grips

You can flip back and forth and compare the two.