Thoughts on a "pre 18" 4 screw.

[Mbrgr1]

This one is buggin me, a really good shape CMP 4 screw with a serial number just before model numbers were initiated, original grips, in the $850 range before tax, shipping, insurance etc.


I passed on it once, but am having second thoughts.....


Would you? I sold 10 guns so I am downsizing right?

 

[arjay]

I'm clueless on the price,but I have a slightly worn 5 screw that I really like

 

[GSP Fan]

Doesn't sound to bad to me. You don't see as many 18's for sale vs other Smith 22's. What's the condition like?
You sold 10 so you're still 9 to the good.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Doesn't sound to bad to me. You don't see as many 18's for sale vs other Smith 22's. What's the condition like?
You sold 10 so you're still 9 to the good.

Great minds think alike!


Condition appears to be 99%, a great looking gun....

 

[H Richard]

A little on the high side now, but right on the money within a year r two. I'd have already bought it.

 

[JohnRippert]

I bought a mid to late '50s example with mismatched but period correct grips on GB just before the pandemic for $475, which I thought was a good price at the time. In high condition and with today's prices I think that is not too far off. And, when are you going to see a nice one like that again?

 

[Rodan]

At 99%, I'd call that a good price for any 18/ CM22 in the current market.

Our last gun show had a couple of 18-3/4s that were trashed for well over $1k. Other than those, I've not seen an 18/ CM22 for sale locally for a long time. I picked up a very nice CM22 a couple of years ago in the price range of the one you're looking at.

 

[bigmoose]

It's only money. Grab it while you can.

 

[jjfitch]

Nice find!

Math is hard! I'm downsizing and I'm down +2!

 

[MarkHayden]

Model 18s are selling in North Idaho at gun shows for $1250, more if they are pre-18. Matching grips are a plus, take it from one who has been burned!

 

[mh51]

Don't think of it as down-sizing.....think of it as reallocation. More politically correct.

 

[mtgianni]

22's are the new 32's. Go get it.

 

[steelslaver]

If I were ever to drop down to a bare minimum of guns, one of the remaining would be a 4" K22.

 

[GSP Fan]

It's better to have it and not want it than to want it and not have it.

 

[Inland7-45]

I would love to have a pre model number .22 Combat Masterpiece. The older the better. I just picked up a model 17-3 and I also have a 1950 production K-22. But my favorite is the 18-3 that I have had 1972. While I like the 6" Ks the 4" with the ramp front sight has style and balance to it that is just perfect.

I learned DA technique with my model 18 and have lost count of the number of rounds that I put through it. The finish was changed to nickel by the factory and after decades of use the double action pull is as smooth as silk and the single action pull breaks like an icicle at about 3 lbs.

As much as I like the model number K target guns there is something special about the early to mid 50s guns. Hopefully one of these days I will find a nice earl .22 CM

 

[GSP Fan]

Last year I violated my GB rule of placing my max bid and walk away. The auction was for a mint pre M18 with the box and doc's. It is a 98%+ gun. The bidding war started and by the time it was done this beauty was mine but I paid dearly. BUT it rests comfortably in my safe and the money is basically disregarded.

 

[boykinlp]

This one is buggin me, a really good shape CMP 4 screw with a serial number just before model numbers were initiated, original grips, in the $850 range before tax, shipping, insurance etc.


I passed on it once, but am having second thoughts.....


Would you? I sold 10 guns so I am downsizing right?

Mbrgr1, I think what you are really doing is getting rid of the "duds" and building up the "gem" gun balance. If you were to sell 10, and use that money to buy 1 good one, you still downsized, right? That's how I think anyway!
Larry

 

[charlie sherrill]

I think this is a decent price for what you described. I went to a Louisville gun show about 2008 and to my surprise I saw at least six people walking around trying to sell 18's or pre 18's. Before that I very seldom saw one for sale. I picked out a nice 5 screw and bought it using my C&R for $400. I still have it and enjoy it. A few of my friends also bought one.

 

[clang444]

Don't know about price, but the 18/pre-18 is about one of the best guns S&W ever made. My 5 screw pre-18 is a great shooter and one of my favorites.

 

[Hondo44]

I learned the #1 collector rule the hard way many years ago:

"The sting of the price goes away much faster than the sting of passing up a good gun you want, before someone else grabs it!"

The price is right on that one based on your description.