[ACP230]

One good thing about participating in the THR e-mail match run by ReadyOnTheRight is that it tends to get me to shoot guns that I haven't taken to the range in a while.

This afternoon I took my Smith Model 18 out. It is the .22 version of the .38 Special Model 15 a.k.a., The Combat Masterpiece. I bought it years ago so I could practice double action shooting but the main spring had been lightened too much and ignition was erratic. I had the spring changed by Cylinder & Slide when they used to haul a trailer to Michigan for the Second Chance Bowling Pin Match. Since then ignition has generally been fine, but I still didn't shoot the 18 much. Some of the time, I didn't shoot it well either. I have been mostly using it to train new shooters, and leaving it home when that wasn't part of the range trip.

Today was an exception. Shooting single action I kept all the shots but one in the 10 and X rings. I got a group of five inside an inch in an arc on the edge of the X ring. I threw one high into the nine ring.

The 18 just felt great today. It has a wide target trigger and a target hammer. I can see why the old revolver target shooters liked the target trigger. It fell right under my thumb and came to full cock without much grip disturbance. The target trigger felt fine too. I tried Bullseye shooting with the 18 once and didn't do well. I'm thinking it might be time to try it again.

I was using Remington Thunderbolts because that's what the gun was sighted in with years ago. They have a bad rep in some circles, but they worked fine today.

I am in a revolver phase right now, and thanks to the THR match the Model 18 is going to be a bigger part of it.

[Brian D.]

Really like my Model 18 too; wonder how many of us on this Forum board own them? I was silly enough to trade off the first one I bought--won't make that mistake again. What a great trainer for those who are new to revolver shooting. Funny story about my M-18: A couple years back, volunteered to help some friends with a group of Boy Scouts doing their marksmanship/gun safety thing. Turned out that we had , without prior planning, brought 5 Model 18s to the event ! None of us knew that the others owned one! Only time I'll ever see that many 18s in one spot, I betcha!

[Cos]

I have a Model 18 I purchased used several years ago. It is a great .22 and shoots better than I can. Good way to spend an inexpensive afternoon at the range and sharpen your shooting ability as well.

I have had only one probelm with the Model 18. The previous owner dry-fired the gun and this pinged the edge of several chambers in the cylinder. I would get a misfire but if I tried 2 or 3 times the round would eventually fire. My gunsmith took one look and said this type .22 should never be dryfired except with empty cases. He reamed the mouth of each chamber and "voila"---no more misfires.

[Dave Markowitz]

I too have a Model 18 and it is one sweet shooting gun. I've used mine for instructing a newbie or two.

[Gordon]

I have an older 4 screw model 18 TYPE gun. Very smooth and pretty accurate , not as accurarte as my Officer's model match target , but accurate enough never the less. ;)

[Bullet Bob]

Picture day, I guess.

http://www.fototime.com/06C6E82642F290C/standard.jpg

[jame]

Wow. I had no idea there were so many of us. I have Pachs on mine , but some quality lumber would be nice. Any ideas?

[Randy63]

My 4 screw pre model 18 gets shot more than all of my other guns. Here's mine.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/048050.JPG

I haven't done much DA shooting until recently. This was done shooting fast DA at 20 yards. Not the greatest shooting but hey, I have a lot of fun none the less.

Randy

[Brian D.]

Jame, I'll bet there's several more model 18 owners to come. We haven't heard from Ike Merwin, C.R. Tam, or Samara yet...:confused: Hmm, haven't been posting over here much lately--did I get those names right??:p

[Coronach]

Love mine.

Mike

[farscott]

I love shooting my M18, but I find it harder to shoot accurately than my K-22 Masterpieces. The longer barrel (actually the sight radius) makes for more precise shooting. But the M18 is a lot easier to tote around the property.

[Hutch]

An 18 and a pre-18. Don't get 'em out often enough, that's true. I have a 617 that is just spooky accurate.

[MR.G]

One of the best revolvers I have ever owned. Verry accurate, and cheap to shoot. Have been looking for another one, in excellent condition, locally for a while now. They are getting really scarce.

[Thirties]

I have a late model M18 -- lovely gun. Can be picky on ammo, so I only use what she likes to eat -- tight chambers.

[DennisE]

I have a 1974 S&W Model 18. Best .22 LR handgun I've ever owned. No trouble keeping 'em in the black shooting DA with Weaver hold at 25 yards. Same shooting DA off the bench at 50 yards. Fun gun to shoot! Dennis

[Trebor]

A friend of mine has one he's selling for his dad. I have first dibs on it, but I still need to get me, him, the gun and the cash all in the same place at the same time. I'm looking forward to it.

[Cactus]

There's one more M18 here. I've had mine for over 20 years and I love it.

[4v50 Gary]

Another vote of endorsement for the M18. 22 LR revolvers rule!

[bubbygator]

I just bought a 4-screw (~95%) Mod-18 (no dash) with serial # DOB 1960. Checked out fine using the "revolver checkout thread" info. $300 (cash only) out the door at the Red Barn in Bradenton. I'm looking forward to getting a good set of grips & getting to the range.