Author Topic: S&W Model 18-3, .22 Long Rifle ?????? (Read 1330 times)

J.Solo · « **on:** December 25, 2003, 03:29:32 AM »

Anyone have any experience with a S&W Model 18-3 in .22 Long Rifle? My local Gun Shop has one that looks New In Box with 4" Barrel, Target Hammer and Trigger for $279. I think it is a "K" frame but not really sure. I buy all of my guns at this shop and I'm sure tht I can get it for $250.

How does it shoot?
Is accuracy anything like a model 17?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
J.Solo

pinduck · « **Reply #1 on:** December 25, 2003, 03:37:59 AM »

The model 18 is an excellent choice for all round use, accuracy is better than most you must however be able to utilize it in consideration of the shorter sight plane, It is the same works as the K frames, and $250.00 for one in that shape is about 100 to 125 dollars less than I would ask for it.

J.Solo · « **Reply #2 on:** December 25, 2003, 04:32:15 AM »

Pinduck:
Thanks for the information. I'm getting the same response over on the RUGER.com Forum. I'll call the gun shop tomorrow. I hope it's still there.
J.Solo

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** December 25, 2003, 05:36:41 AM »

The only difference between the Models 17 and 18 is barrel length. For some reason with a 4" barrel S&W calls it a Model 18. Put a 6" or 8-3/8" barrel on it and they call it a Model 17. Both are the same K frame target quality adjustable sight guns. Accuracy potential is same but for iron sight use the longer sight radius of the Model 17 gives some advantage in actual use.

Price is good but not outstanding for my area.

GB

bigdaddytacp · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2003, 06:45:29 AM »

Quote from: J.Solo

Anyone have any experience with a S&W Model 18-3 in .22 Long Rifle? My local Gun Shop has one that looks New In Box with 4" Barrel, Target Hammer and Trigger for $279. I think it is a "K" frame but not really sure. I buy all of my guns at this shop and I'm sure tht I can get it for $250.

How does it shoot?
Is accuracy anything like a model 17?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
J.Solo

.............RUN back and get the gun.......I love mine....I carried a mod 19 for a duty gun many years and got the 18 with the same sights and stocks-trigger ect and used it for pratice when just plinking.....I have also had a couple of the 6in. Mod 17's and as the other post states they are easier to get super groups with only because of the longer sight radius.....but they are also heavier and show the "wobble" up more........the 18 isn't as touchy about ammo as many auto guns and will shoot more ammo better but like all guns it has it's preferences for super accurate shooting.......get a action smoothing job and some stocks to fit your hand and enjoy a great shooting gun......mine is on my "short list" of last to go guns and I use it to introduce new shooters to pistol shooting before going to more recoil and noise in centerfires........good luck and good shooting!!!!

J.Solo · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2003, 07:46:43 AM »

I did go back and put the gun on layaway. They did let me have it for $250. Still owe $128. I should be shooting it in a few weeks. Thanks for all that replied to my need for information. - J.Solo

By the way.... I would like to give the gun a complete cleaning.
How do I remove the screw that holds the cylinder release thumb tab in place?? Clock wise, counter clock wise, or do I have to remove something inside the lockworks first? Thanks - J.Solo

bigdaddytacp · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2003, 03:39:45 PM »

Quote from: J.Solo

I did go back and put the gun on layaway. They did let me have it for $250. Still owe $128. I should be shooting it in a few weeks. Thanks for all that replied to my need for information. - J.Solo

By the way.... I would like to give the gun a complete cleaning.
How do I remove the screw that holds the cylinder release thumb tab in place?? Clock wise, counter clock wise, or do I have to remove something inside the lockworks first? Thanks - J.Solo

.......All the screws in the gun are normal right hand threads..........use some penetrating type oil and let it sit for a while and get a GOOD square non bevel type gun screwdriver and turn the screw /cap nut out......they are bad about rusting in the hole in the thumbpeice and might split if it is too bad but the penetrating oil will give you the best chance to remove it..........check in the slot after you get the thumbpiece off and clean the grit and lint that collects in the cutout.......replacement thumbpiece nuts are available and a spare is nice to have if you have other Smiths......I don't remove mine unless the gun takes a bath or similar dirty/sandy tumble.....and some removeable loctite or fingernail polish is nice when replacing the capnut as some are bad about loosening over time......just to check you do know how to remove the sideplate by vibration of hitting the grip frame with a nonmarr tool and NOT to pry the sideplate loose!!!!! ....enjoy that great little gun and good luck and good shooting!!!

JohnBT · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2003, 12:00:09 PM »

Good deal on that 18. I think you'll like it a lot.

Graybeard - FWIW - S&W made a 4" Model 17 from '86 to '93. I have a one, a 4" 17-6 with a full underlug. It's a fine gun, but I prefer my dad's 17-4 with the 8 3/8" bbl. and a scope.

John

ironfoot · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2004, 05:35:30 PM »

JohnBT
On your 4" model 17, is the front sight a ramp "combat" sight or a straight up "Patridge" sight?