S&W Model 18 vs Colt Diamondback 22

[41special]

Anyone have both, thoughts on differences or similarities?

 

[glenncal1]

I don't have a Diamondback, but do have a couple of Officer's Model Targets. One in .22lr and one in .22 WMR. To me the biggest difference in the DA trigger. The older Colts really stack toward the end of the pull. S&W obviously doesn't, neither does my new model King Cobra .22. Hard to beat a Model 18 for rimfire fun, but there is nothing wrong with the Diamondback. They are pricey though.

 

[duke2002]

I personally dont like the trigger in the diamond back. Its too small and curved for my finger. But they shoot really good.

 

[cowboy94916]

I have owned multiple Colt Diamondbacks 22"s 2.5", 4", and 6". As well, I have owned Model 18"s and 17's. and 617. The narrow trigger and the trigger stacking in double action were a turn off for me on the Colts.. The Smith's with our without wider target trigger had a far better double action trigger pull. Other then the 2.5" diamondback with smaller grips, I found the Colts muzzle heavy and the grips sucked vs the smith's in longer barrel lengths with target grips. For me the solution was simple kept the Smith's sold/traded the colts. Jump forward to current day, I am working with Colt Kobra 22 and find it more pleasurable to shoot then my 617 no dash Smith. Trigger is great and gun is very accurate. Hope this helps just one mans opinion.

 

[41special]

cowboy, thanks for the comparison. I've looked at a new 4.25" kk a few times locally and have come to the conclusion it's too much like a J frame for me to really like. At almost 1k and needing bigger aftermarket grips it's not really a fit for me

Appreciate the grip & trigger info on the older k frame sized Diamondbacks, I've always had a itch for a 4" er, they are so rare I've only seen one in the wild.

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[walkin' trails]

I had a four inch Diamondback in .38 Special in the early 80s. I have medium size hands and the D frame seemed like a match. Can’t say I knew as much as I know now about shooting and cans recall how accurate it was. Yes, the trigger stacks, I didn’t consider it to be a hindrance. That all being said, I was in college, wanted to shoot, couldn’t afford a lot of .38 Special, and ended up trading for a new Model 18. I still have the Model 18 as well as a 34. The new King Cobras in .22 (as well as .357) have caught my eye, but for .22, I’m sticking with what i have.