S&W Model 18 Questions

[reloader357]

Model 18

Just joined this forum to get some insight.

In about 1977 or so, I bought a Model 18 with 3 Ts, used, for I believe, 215.00. Shot a jillion rounds through it, then traded it to my Dad, probably for something bigger.

Didn't take long, I wanted it back, but old Dad said sorry.

Fast forward to 2001. Dad passes away. A few months later, Mom is ready to clear out his stuff, and I'm thinking, of all the guns I know are there, I just want the 18. Unfortunately, it was gone who knows where and when.

I post this because I now want one for my son and grandsons, but dang, the price! Have to save a while longer.

Just want the grandsons to have what in my opinion is the finest revolver I know of.

 

[TTSH]

get any model 18 you can and shoot, shoot, shoot!!

Amen! I've been searching for a decent one for quite a long time. They are extremely hard to find in my highly restricted nanny state. Sometimes I think I'll have to settle for the more common Model 17 instead... but the truth is that I'll always want a Model 18.

 

[weatherby]

Model 18's are great, 3rd down from the top is an 18-4 with factory .500 TH and .400 TT,
never seen a Model 18 with an original RR/WO though.
[/IMG]

I haven't lettered this one and don't have the box so it is up in the air on this one.I think I recall some in another thread that did letter that way though.

 

[BAM-BAM]

FWIW if you can find a 18 buy it......generally the only time you see an Model 18 these days is when someone dies!!!!!

Locally in the last ...........8-10 years I've seen maybe 5-6 17s for sale and only 1 Model 18-4 (77).....last time I had it at the range I was offered $1000......... and he wasn't kidding!!!!!!

 

[Dillyp]

Gah, I had a 18 no dash, box, papers and tools about 90%. Traded a 629-6 for it and 75 bucks. I traded it for a rare winchester 1892... don't have it anymore either. I'm still kicking my own @$$ for letting the 18 go. I wasn't serious about collecting then...

 

[Old cop]

My 18-3 came w/a target hammer & trigger when I got it used, shooter ++ condition. Does anyone know if they came from the factory equipped that way (I didn't think to ask the seller)?

 

[GaryS]

They seem to be much more rare than the Model 17. I lucked into one about five years ago. Double lucky as I got it for $425.00 plus tax from a dealer.

It's a dream to shoot. I've taught a number of people to shoot using it and they've all loved it. My son wants me to sell him mine, but I've told him that it's my daughter in laws once I'm no longer able to use it. She's shot his Taurus 94, but refuses to shoot it now that she's shot the 18.

I've told my son he'll just have to keep haunting the gun stores and pawn shops on the chance he comes across one. One place had a matching set of revolvers in .22LR and .38 Spcl, but wanted about $1,600.00 for the pair.

FWIW if you can find a 18 buy it......generally the only time you see an Model 18 these days is when someone dies!!!!!

Locally in the last ...........8-10 years I've seen maybe 5-6 17s for sale and only 1 Model 18-4 (77).....last time I had it at the range I was offered $1000......... and he wasn't kidding!!!!!!

 

[darren.66]

First Post on this Forum

Hi, I've been reading this forum for a while now and decided it was time to register after having lucked out and purchased a mint model 18-3 s/n 6k73xx for US$475.00 (A$650) today.
I also have a 17-3 from the mid seventies so is the 18-3 a similar age?
I will post some pics when I get it in a couple of weeks ( its from another state - our annoying transfer laws in Australia)

Thanks
Darren

 

[jack the toad]

Darren,
You revived a semi-aged thread but all good info and the only thing that likely is not current is prices that were posted in 2012, etc.
Welcome to the forum and congrats on the M18. It appears it's a 1975 vintage and sounds like a good deal.
Your M17 may be around the same time frame but without the serial #, it's a guess. The 17-3 ran from 1967 -1977, same as the M18-3.
ETA: Yes, pics are required.

 

[darren.66]

Thanks Jack,
The model 17-3 s/n is 8k14xx
Darren
ps any rules / etiquette issues regarding old threads I should know about?

 

[jack the toad]

No rules that I'm aware of regarding old posts/thread. I didn't know if you were aware and wanted you to know prices posted may not be current market.
Congrats, it appears your M17 is also 1975.

 

[bigtubby]

buddy of mine wants to trade a mint 5 screw pre 18 for my boxed 66-1 snub plus a $100 cash my way. His gun is missing the original grips. Not sure if it is a good deal for me but I would like another 5 screw 18. Here is my 66-1 and my K22 collection

 

[jack the toad]

I'm not an expert but I'd have to think on that deal. With $100 added money, it may be a fair swap.
Does the pre-18 come with box, etc?
ETA:
Nice trio of 22's

 

[bigtubby]

He is probably getting the better end of the deal but I do want another 5 screw .22

 

[H Richard]

I think value wise it is a fair trade, but it all depends on what you want/need. Do you want/need a 3rd 4" K22? ( I know, "need" has nothing to do with it.)

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

I would have to think long and hard about the trade. It may be a fair trade, especially with the money added, but, if you have a Model 18 already, ..... well, I love snubbies and would be hesitant to make the deal.

That said, here is a picture (posted before) and it is certainly a sweet shooter. Gonna have a hard time getting this one from me!

 

[backer]

Recently picked this one up. All original with magnas, th and tt as evidenced by the box. Had the targets laying around which completed the package.
Had to pay around 4 times the original price but couldn't happier.

 

[hoser]

1957

So would a k22 made on 1957 be known as a pre-18 or an 18? Is 18 marked in usual place inside crane?

 

[GF]

"Is 18 marked in usual place inside crane?

yep.

'57 and after would be a model numbered revolver.

GF

 

[usm1rifle]

So would a k22 made on 1957 be known as a pre-18 or an 18? Is 18 marked in usual place inside crane?

My opinion is if it says Mod 18 inside, then it is a Model 18 irrespective of when it shipped.

Even if it shipped in 1958 or later but does not have Mod 18 inside, it is still a pre-18.

Only a factory letter will tell you when it shipped since they were not in strict serial number order. No one cared in the 50's.