I see more 17’s out and about than 18’s if that matters.
Personally I like the lugged 4” 617 or 4” 17 over either.
Personally I like the lugged 4” 617 or 4” 17 over either.
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Which To Buy - Model 17 or 18
- Thread starter pwjp2011
- Start date
Smithboomer
Member
I would get the Model 18 and forget about the Model 17. I can't see owning both.
I have both. My model 17 is more accurate, but it is a pre--17 from 1953. My model 18 is the same year, also a pre-18. There isn't enough difference between them, and I carry either one. The only difference being barrel length and front sight. Either one should make You very happy.
Fishinfool
Member
Have both. Both are pre models 1948 for the long 1952 for short. The 6 inch is a little more accurate mainly due to the sights..The CM 4 inch is what I shoot more. What someone said about tight cylinder is kinda true for both mine. I just brush the cylinders
The bad news is my gun buying days are over (for now, anyway). The good news is I’m closer than I’ve ever been to being completely debt-free (thanks to a frugal wife).
Another vote for the 18. I also have both and I find myself reaching for the 18 more often than not. At the range, with my old eyes, the increased sight radius of the 17 means nothing to me, as I only shoot the closer 7 yard target, and I refuse to put optics on these classic guns. My 18 is also my "go to" yard gun for squirrels and snakes.
LOL... Fishinfool has the exact twin of my 18... or I have the twin of his
LOL... Fishinfool has the exact twin of my 18... or I have the twin of his
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I'm used to shooting with a short barrel, so.....
Bruceboy
Member
I have both 17's and 18's and both are great guns. My most recent .22 purchase was a 4" model 17-6 and it's the best (for me) of the lot.
For those with tight or sticky chambers buy a a box of Federal Value Pack 525 . They chamber fine in all my S&W .22's. Bonus.. they're cheap and accurate.
You can also ream the chambers.
Try them, you might be surprised.
Al
For those with tight or sticky chambers buy a a box of Federal Value Pack 525 . They chamber fine in all my S&W .22's. Bonus.. they're cheap and accurate.
You can also ream the chambers.
Try them, you might be surprised.
Al
Being debt free makes it a lot easier to build up a slush fund for those opportunities that come along. I have been able to pick up some really good pieces since I paid off all my debt.
I probably will try that, I have had very good luck with Federal ammo (and that’s mostly what I use anymore, especially for self-defense).
mikeruns
Member
I grew up around a model 18 and so I am a little biased towards it and bought one many years after I had been very acquainted with one…they are so versatile.e because their accuracy and compact stature makes for a fantastic field gun….I nailed a lot of rattlers on lonely Montana gravel roads with one. I purchased a model 17 and have found it to be about as friendly a field gun as the 18 so I would be hard pressed to choose one to stay….but again, I am biased and own a couple 4” 15’s and a 2” 15 as well, so I wouldn’t want to break up that party family of combat masterpieces’…..cheers!
The main ammo I shoot is the Federal bulk pack. It's still a bit tight. The CCI is usually the worst in the revolvers...accurate but tight. The Federal bulk pack shoots well in my 41's too....as far as the 17 and 18 I like the 4 inch bbls more..just handier. I have a pre 15 4 inch too. They all shoot better than me by far...in my opinion..go into a bit of debt...buy 'em both
I like the 18 better myself, though I do have them both.
What beauties!
My Model 18 is a favorite for woods carry. I have a scoped 617, but it is more a specialized hunting / range gun. A HB 4" model 18 with a patridge front sight would be about perfect.
Larry
Beautiful!
Another vote for the 18. I also have both and I find myself reaching for the 18 more often than not. At the range, with my old eyes, the increased sight radius of the 17 means nothing to me, as I only shoot the closer 7 yard target, and I refuse to put optics on these classic guns. My 18 is also my "go to" yard gun for squirrels and snakes.
LOL... Fishnfool has the exact twin of my 18... or I have the twin of his
Another beauty!
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