Need info about the S&W Model 18

[wiski]

I am looking at a S&W Model 18-3, mfg = 1971, 90-95%.  Book states pricing of 90% = $200 and 95% = $225.  Shop is asking $300.  I have a Model 17-2 with a 6” barrel already, and really like it.  This little M18 is quite a bit rougher looking, and has considerable more wear than my 17, but I like the looks of it non the less.  Gotta love those .22s

Question is, do these M18’s have more or less collector value than the 17’s?  Last local gun show that I attended had (5 or 6) M17’s, but not a single M18.   Did they just make less of the 4” barreled revolvers when they were still in production or are people more apt to hang on to them?  I have never seen a used one for sale at a local shop in the past 10 or more years.

Are they as well made as the 17’s?  Do they shoot as accurately (on average) as the 17’s keeping in mind the shorter barrel and sight radius?

Thanks for your time.

[Graybeard]

It really is precisely the same gun as the model 17 except for some strange reason known only to S&W when they attached the 4" barrel they called it a model 18. I've owned several of them. Collector value is nil in the condition you describe it. Just too many mint condition ones out there. To me $300 is too high in the condition you describe. But then I am confused by your grading of it anyway. First you say it is 90%-95% and then you say

"This little M18 is quite a bit rougher looking, and has considerable more wear than my 17, but I like the looks of it non the less."

To me a gun in 90%-95% condition can't have "considerable" wear period. It's dang near like new.

Now if it is almost like new then $300 wouldn't be a bad price around here. Not great by any means but not terribly high either. If it's showing a bunch of wear and perhaps some missing blue I'd sure not want to go over $250 and and perhaps not that.

[wiski]

Thanks GB.

I am confused by ALL grading systems for firearms myself.  Seems like everyone has their own idea as to what constitutes 95% for example.  I know that any gun I try to trade is never better than 90% (most time way less), yet it will “book” at 95-98% the instant it hits the used gun shelf… To me, 90% should mean that it is 10% used up.  10% of the blueing worn, but not thru, but the upside is the action has been smoothed up by the previous owner.

The Model 18 I am considering has wear around the muzzle and has obviously fired quite a few rounds.  All the blue is still there, no spots worn thru.  Compared to my Model 17, which is damn near new, to me it is rough. Well, maybe not “rough”, but used.

Is there a rating book that has pictures showing what 90, 92, 95, 98% really looks like?

Thanks for the info on pricing.  I am going to check a couple of auction sites to see what is available nation wide… but around my neck of the woods, they seem scarce.  I was just wondering about collector value inflating prices because of lower mfg numbers or something like that.  I intend to shoot it, not look at.  I may offer them something less… never hurts to ask.  Did pick up new Ruger Bearcat ($264 OTD) for my youngest daughter while there!

Great site.  Thanks for putting it all together.

[Graybeard]

NRA established the grading system. There is a word definition to go with each. I've seen it printed lots of times but would be hard pressed to tell you specifically where to go look for it. I'm thinking it will be on the NRA site somewhere. Should be listed on auction sites I'd think. Most any gun trading guide likely would also have it.


Prices can vary widely from one area to another.

[blackhand]

the barrel on the model 18 is also tapered, the model 17 is not

[Drilling Man]

I bought a new M-18 in 1974 and i still have it and use it today.

  I carried it all over in the bush in Alaska, and i guess over the years i've shot about a dumptruck load of small game with it.  

  After all the use it's seen, most of the blue finally got worn off, so i had it Armoloyed.  One thing about armoloying, i no longer had to worry about rust, even when i was around salt water.

  Drilling Man

[wiski]

Shop won’t budge on their price.  Stated that “Book” prices don’t apply to S&W revolvers that were built before that company made their deal with the devil. 1994?  Says that they always command a higher price.

Anyway, I am going to let them sit on it for a month or so, and call them back… if it is gone, then I will keep looking for a nicer one.  If I can get it for less $$, then it’s mine.

Thanks for the info on the differences between the 17s and the 18s.  I really like how my model 17-3 shoots, and have recently picked up a 617 (made in 1991) that is growing on me, but have always liked the 18s for some reason.

[wiski]

Called the shop the other day inquiring about the M18 they had, and someone else snapped it up... didn't have the guts to ask what they got for it, as it would only make me feel worse.

Oh well, there are a bunch of show coming up, and now I have a reason to attend them.  Only problem is that some OTHER gun almost always seems to come home instead of what I went after... it's a curse.