question of model differences

[richrd]

As someone who got into revolvers later in life, I have a couple basic questions.

what is the difference between a m18 and a 17. and what exactly is a .22 masterpiece?

what is the diff between the 13 and 14 and what would be a combat masterpiece.

thanks
Rich

 

[GaryinOKC]

models

I am no expert but have a few. 17s are usually 6" or 8 3/8" with patridge sight. 18s are 4" with ramp front.

Masterpeice as I understand denotes the adjustable sight model.

A 13 is a fixed sight 357 equivalent to a model 10 in 38. A 14 is the same to a 15 as a 17 is to an 18. 15s are generally 2" or 4" where as a 14 is generally a 6" or 8 3/8". Neither a 13 or 14 are referred to as Combat Masterpiece. That is the for the 4" or shorter model 15. The longer bbl versions are usually referred to as the K38 Masterpiece.

I say generally as with S&Ws there are plenty of exceptions and oddball configurations.

 

[rct269]

Well, as someone who got into revolvers early in life----back when they all had names--------and those names were used as the EXCLUSIVE means of identification (never mind each of those names also had a model number which was used pretty much solely by the factory and perhaps also by distributors---or so I'm told), I have come to truly despise the use of model numbers as the common means of identification.

Accordingly, this is going take awhile; 'cause I'm going to have to look up some of these model numbers.

While I'm doing that, consider your reaction if you didn't know beans from apple butter about these things; but were in the market for what I'll refer to as a combat handgun-----------and the store clerk offered you the choice of a S&W Model 19---or a Colt Python----or maybe even a S&W Combat Magnum. And consider your reaction if you were S&W's Marketing V. P.---and you found out about it. As for me, I was a Marketing V. P.----and such romantic names as Model # So&So would be BANNED from use, and those who took exception would be found hanging from a high rack!!

END OF RANT!!

A Model 18 is a .22 caliber Combat Masterpiece.

A Model 17 is a K-22 Masterpiece.

The most obvious difference between the two is barrel length---4" for the Combat Masterpiece, 6" for the K-22 Masterpiece. (although I'm thinking the K-22 Masterpiece can now be had with several different barrel lengths)----which, in my mind, serves to confuse the retail buyers----and confusing buyers is a sure-fire way to the poor house.

The Model 13 is a fixed sight 357 Magnum revolver, which I reckon is a cheap date for municipal treasurers to buy for their Police Departments------which deserve better!

A Model 14 is a K-38 Masterpiece (See K-22 Masterpiece, only chambered for .38 Special ammunition). It is arguably the finest centerfire target revolver ever made-----as is the K-22 Masterpiece in the rim fire category.

A word to the wise considering classic Bullseye competition (by whatever name it may now be known) is forget about revolvers and buy target grade autoloaders------which will simplify your life in the timed and rapid fire portions of the competition---assuming they still have timed and rapid fire---and haven't done away with them to even up the competition so the losers won't feel so bad.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[JBTrucker]

Invest in a S&W book 4th Edition they can be found on Amazon bought mine from local discount store Ollies

 

[growr]

And I have a 17-6 full underlug with a 4" barrel..... another case S&W doing whatever they feel like.

Randy

 

[Krogen]

I always appreciate your posts, Ralph. It would be great fun to sit down and chat with you. Until then, there is the forum. To your point below:

A word to the wise considering classic Bullseye competition (by whatever name it may now be known) is forget about revolvers and buy target grade autoloaders------which will simplify your life in the timed and rapid fire portions of the competition---assuming they still have timed and rapid fire---and haven't done away with them to even up the competition so the losers won't feel so bad.

Ralph Tremaine

Yes, Bullseye. I shoot it regularly - with autoloaders. I have had a Model 17 and Model 14 for some time. Spectacular revolvers in my opinion. Recently, I had an encounter with a wild hair. Not a hare; a hair to be precise. I thought that all I needed was to score a Model 25 and I'd shoot Bullseye with revolvers. No more chasing brass, no more malfunctions. I learned the lesson you mention above. Slow fire went well, timed fire was pretty reasonable. But rapid fire was a disaster. I had a heckuva time recovering from the shot, thumbing back the hammer, re-acquiring sights and then carefully pressing the trigger. Do that 5 times in 10 seconds? Not me. I love my revolvers, but I came crawling back to my autoloaders.

I hope I didn't derail your post, OP. I just couldn't leave Ralph's wisdom without comment!

 

[rct269]

I learned my lesson in my first match after getting my grubby little paws on a Model 41 (.22 autoloader) and a Model 52 (.38 Special Wadcutter autoloader)------especially the Model 52---it was like the bullets were guided by radar!! All of a sudden my name was out of the middle, and WAY up toward the top!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ralph Tremaine

As an aside, way back in 1994, I decided everybody should have at least one custom gun. I bought a new Colt 1911 (.45 Auto), covered it with money, and sent it off to Wilson Combat---build me a Master Grade. Almost six months to the day (which is what they said it would be) it came back. The only thing I recognized was the serial number--everything else was different-----and talk about bullets being guided by radar(!!!!), it didn't make any difference if you held it upside down-----10 Ring----10 Ring----10 Ring---almost boring---almost.

 

[richrd]

I menat to ask the diff between the 10 and 13, but you covered it anyway.

the confusing parts are such as the 17 can be had with a four inch barrel which would make it an 18 except on the third Monday of the month?

pistol shooting to us was nra bullseye and in my neighborhood that meant High Standards and Colt gold cups.