Grayfox
US Veteran
I'm a big fan of the S&W .22s. While I dearly love my 4" 34-1 and will never sell it, One of my Model 18-3s goes along on almost every range trip. 
So 34 or 18?? Pros & Cons
- Thread starter 45NUTT
- Start date
I have a 63-5 and 18-3. The 63 is an eight- round cylinder and is fun to shoot. However, the 18 gets shot a lot more often when I go to the range. I like to show it off.
Not much help, but buy what you find at your price-point.
Not much help, but buy what you find at your price-point.
I have had multiple J&K 22’s. Enjoyed them all. I would go for a J as you don’t have one yet. S&W revolvers ( older classics which I prefer anyway) are surprisingly hard to find in my neck of the woods at a not insane top dollar price. The J’s are less common in my experience so that is what I would seek out first, but then again if you stumble over an 18 I could be convinced to jump on a good deal there too.
About 15 years ago I decided I wanted a 34. I really like the 2” versions, and Definitely prefer a square butt. I am also a fan of blue ( can’t stand stainless and only reluctantly will consider nickel) to find a gun that fit my requirements within my price range took 5 years! And at that point, I had to accept nickel. It was right near the top of the price range I was willing to pay, but have been very satisfied with it.
Regardless of frame size or barrel length it is hard to go wrong with a 22 revolver from S&W
About 15 years ago I decided I wanted a 34. I really like the 2” versions, and Definitely prefer a square butt. I am also a fan of blue ( can’t stand stainless and only reluctantly will consider nickel) to find a gun that fit my requirements within my price range took 5 years! And at that point, I had to accept nickel. It was right near the top of the price range I was willing to pay, but have been very satisfied with it.
Regardless of frame size or barrel length it is hard to go wrong with a 22 revolver from S&W
Model19man
Member
I'm a big fan of Model 15's. Were it my decision I would go with the 18 then find a matching condition 15 to go with it. Then search for a 4" 16. Trifecta!
.38SuperMan
Member
I’m amazed at the prices dealers are getting for the J frame 22’s especially the 2”. I’d love a 2” but absolutely refuse to pay their insane prices. -8’s in nice condition won’t bring what a 4” J frame will bring. There’s V2 a dealer that comes to the local shows that has a pretty nice 18 with sn asking price of $900 and has had it for quite a while. $900 will get you a challenged 34-1 4” possible and a nice one for $1,100-1,200.
I would consider a 43c but have read too many nightmare stories. I’m baffled as to why Smith can’t get it together on that gun. It seems as if they could make 34’s and 63’s they could make a 43c that would go off every time.
Colt introduced the King Cobra 22 and both myself and my brother bought them. It’s a midsize frame sim similar to the the Fetective Special or Diamondback in size. It’s between a J and a K frame and is a very nice size and weight. It’s basically a 22 caliber Python and is available in 4” and 6” barrels. Now I’d love to see Colt introduce a 2” in the KC. Colt made a 2” Diamondback but they’re impossible to find and if you do find one you’ll pay $2,000-$2,400 or more to get it. Come on Colt!
I would consider a 43c but have read too many nightmare stories. I’m baffled as to why Smith can’t get it together on that gun. It seems as if they could make 34’s and 63’s they could make a 43c that would go off every time.
Colt introduced the King Cobra 22 and both myself and my brother bought them. It’s a midsize frame sim similar to the the Fetective Special or Diamondback in size. It’s between a J and a K frame and is a very nice size and weight. It’s basically a 22 caliber Python and is available in 4” and 6” barrels. Now I’d love to see Colt introduce a 2” in the KC. Colt made a 2” Diamondback but they’re impossible to find and if you do find one you’ll pay $2,000-$2,400 or more to get it. Come on Colt!
Repeater
Member
Just admit it to yourself...you're gonna wind up with those two PLUS all the others mentioned here!
minconrevo
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If you have small hands or your carry space for a handgun is on the small size, the 34 has things going for it there. Otherwise, the 18 is the winner hands down for 1st to acquire. The 34 will need bigger grips, such as the S&W target wood grips or the S&W banana grips, for someone with any hand size other than petite. I don't like the banana grips for centerfire J's but find them a winner on the 34.
Regardless, whichever of the two you find first, in the condition that you desire is what you should lay out bucks. Of the 2, I think you will shoot the 18 more, by a big majority. The 34 is more akin to a carry much, shoot seldom.
Regardless, whichever of the two you find first, in the condition that you desire is what you should lay out bucks. Of the 2, I think you will shoot the 18 more, by a big majority. The 34 is more akin to a carry much, shoot seldom.
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I found a 34-1, 4” SB w/ box, papers, and tools- unfired. I paid $600, pre-covid. I have left it that way, but that may change.
I bought a 18-3, 95%, no box for $850 at Cabela’s two years ago. What can I say- I wanted it. It will be used regularly. If I had to pick one to own or own first, it would be the 18-3. Good luck w/ your search! I will add that I had been looking for the right 17/18 for a while, the 34-1 just fell into my lap.
I bought a 18-3, 95%, no box for $850 at Cabela’s two years ago. What can I say- I wanted it. It will be used regularly. If I had to pick one to own or own first, it would be the 18-3. Good luck w/ your search! I will add that I had been looking for the right 17/18 for a while, the 34-1 just fell into my lap.
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Rpg
Member
I think handy handguns are particularly useful.
The 34 and its derivatives are wonderful for carrying and using in the field. The K frames are all easier to shoot, but they are clumsy to carry in the field.
My vote goes for a 34
The 34 and its derivatives are wonderful for carrying and using in the field. The K frames are all easier to shoot, but they are clumsy to carry in the field.
My vote goes for a 34
shil
Member
4" Model 34 for me! I'm very fond of mine! The little stocks can be an issue, but I fix mine with a set of the original "target" stocks.
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