s&w model 34 vs. model 18

[n8dawg6]

posted this on another board, figured i'd see what the folks here have to say as well. i have an opportunity to purchase either a s&w model 34 or model 18 revolver, both NIB and <$500. i'll probably end up getting both, actually, but i'm wondering what the pro's and con's of each model are from practical experience. the model 34 is a j frame, and is smaller and weighs less than the model 18, which is a k frame. the model 18 is an 18-5, so i guess that means its a newer model. not sure about the model 34. model 18 is $25 less (not enough to make a difference). i expect that i'll use the model 34 more just because it weighs less and is easier to carry around, but i suspect the model 18 might edge it out in the accuracy department.

well, like i said, ill probably end up w/ both . but just curious as to what the pro's and con's are w/ each. thanks

 

[Will5A1]

Looks like you've given it some thought, both are great revolvers, but each model is ideally suited for different applications as you seem to be aware of - that kit gun is easy to carry and makes a great companion gun, the K frame 18 is a superb target gun. Here's something else to consider - a NIB Model 34 or 18 makes a better investment gun than shooter, consider guns in lesser condition as shooters/carrying guns. NIB Kit Guns seem to have quite a following and it will do nothing but go up in value if you keep it that way, IMO.

 

[n8dawg6]

well, i really had planned on shooting the gun ... a lot! i hope that shooting a new model 34 isnt an abomination . there just isnt anything like either one of these guns on the market right now. the smith/wesson 617 looks like a great gun, but its heavier than i'm interested in. the taurus 941 is the ONLY other option in a new gun ... i dont have anything against tauruses, i just want the quality and smooth trigger of a smith.

 

[sm]

I recommend buying both in this order.

1. Model 18 being a K frame will fit many roles from teaching new shooters, quality practice for yourself, to small game hunting.

2. Model 34 being a J frame is more difficult for new shooters to learn on.

Yes it does fit smaller hands better, just learning on a J frame is not something I recommend, the K frame is the gun to learn on.

Where the Model 34 really shines is being the excellent quality tool to use to get really good with a J frame 38spl.

Affordable ammunition, less perceived recoil, and one can really focus on correct basic fundamentals on shooting a J frame.

Related:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=4610&highlight=gunsmith

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a S&W 35-1 and it is a great gun, the trigger stacks a little but it is sweet.

 

[Starter52]

I own both models, and use both models in training new shooters. I believe (personally) the J-frame 34 is too light for really good shooting, but my novices love these little guns. I've had to buy two J-frames; a 34 and a 63, and I'm looking for a third.

For myself, I shoot the Model 18. I much prefer the larger K-frame gun. I also have a 6" 617 and agree it's a heavy gun with that full-length lug.

 

[shep854]

When I bought my M34, I also picked up a Pachmyer grip that gave the gun the feel of a K-frame. It looked like it had been made a while back, but was in what looked like original packaging. Obviously, it makes a BIG difference when shooting. I don't know if those grips are still being made.

 

[Ala Dan]

I haved owned (or own) both, the S&W model 18 and 2x of the 2" barrel
model 34's. Currently, I only own a pristine factory nickel 2" barrel, square
butt model 34-1 that has seen only limited use. I do not intend to shoot
this weapon; as I consider it one of the "prized pieces" in my collection.
And, I'm still look'in for another pristine model 18~!

 

[FPrice]

And, I'm still look'in for another pristine model 18~!

Would you settle for a S&W Model 48?

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd like to have a 48.

 

[[email protected]]

Get the 34, it is much more fun to shoot. I have owned a few K-frame S&W 22s but I always seem to sell them. My 35 snubby will never leave me however. It is a blued 2" sq butt with target sights and trigger job. I can shoot very well with it and it is a good gun to train with as I carry a S&W 642.

 

[XavierBreath]

I wrote a review on the S&W Model 34 here.

If the truth be told, nobody is making any revolvers that come close to these two guns anymore. I would buy them both if possible.

 

[Ala Dan]

I want to acknowledge the fact that it was very nice for my friend
Mr. Frosty Price to offer the S&W model 48 too me; but
unfortunately my "Gun Fund" [as I call it] is running close to empty
right now. I'm sure this firearm is a nice piece from Frosty's vast
collection; and owning it would give me a great sense of not only
nostaliga, but a sense of satisfaction of owning one of my friends
firearms. A memory I would treasure for the rest of my life~!

So, Frosty if you would please offer this remarkable firearm to our
fellow THR membership~!

 

[earplug]

Don't get mad

I own a M-34 and have shot other .22LR revolvers.
Now, I don't see the point of a .22LR Revolver.
For the same money and less effort you can shoot and enjoy many SemiAuto's in .22 LR. Many are more accurate then the revolvers.
The idea of practicing with one to shoot a center fire revolver has not worked for me. Different springs rates, weights and trigger let off points.

 

[Starter52]

earplug's got a point. As much as I love revolvers, a .22 autoloader is a good gun for beginners.

 

[n8dawg6]

well, to answer the autoloader question ... my first handgun was a s&w model 422. that was purchased about 12 yrs ago. still have it. i have fired thousands of rounds thru it at this point, probably more than any other gun i own. still my most fired gun. i am not a "beginner." so ... i'm just not interested in a .22 autoloader ... at this point . my current fancy is well-made revolvers, and since my dad taught me how to shoot on a s&w model 17 (and further help from my uncle on a colt diamondback .22), i'm looking at these revolvers right now its looking like i'm going to go w/ the model 18

 

[22-rimfire]

The Smith Model 18 is an excellent choice. Your father and uncle taught you with good guns. Take a look at the Colt Trooper Mark III in 22 also.

Earplugs' point was he doesn't see the "point" of a 22 revolver due to a difference between guns. Well, every gun has a different feel and people have their opinions about triggers and so forth. A 22 is a great gun to develop many of the skills used with higher recoiling and higher ammunition cost firearms. I guess it depends on your priorities and the thickness of your wallet. I have never seen the point of shooting thousands of rounds of ammunition and calling it necessary practice. It doesn't take that long to develop shooting skills. It just depends on how good the skills you seek are and what your purpose is. My shooting is primarily for enjoyment and hunting, and to a lesser degree self defense. How much skill does it take to hit the torso of a person at 15 feet? But humanely taking a groundhog, deer, rabbit or squirrel with a handgun is usually a different matter as you are likely not often taking 5 yard shots.

 

[n8dawg6]

yeah, i'd say the primary purpose of it definitely isnt practice for bigger guns. for me, plinking w/ a .22 is an activity in and of itself. my primary purpose for firearms really is just target practice and plinking. i own a glock .40 s&w which i use as a home-defense weapon (i have spent a lot of time really developing proficiency w/ it), and i have a concealed carry permit. that being said, i view shooting really as a hobby ... something relaxing to do in my free time. and the slow pace of a revolver is perfect for that

 

[Master Blaster]

Don't get mad

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I own a M-34 and have shot other .22LR revolvers.
Now, I don't see the point of a .22LR Revolver.
For the same money and less effort you can shoot and enjoy many SemiAuto's in .22 LR. Many are more accurate then the revolvers.

You are right, I will trade you a LNIB Ruger MKII 4" Blued straight up for that nasty 34. PM me if interested. I hate to see a fellow TFLER with an inferior gun like that 34 inpeding his/ her practice and proficiency.

 

[Master Blaster]

Let me further opine that the j frame sized .22lr revolver is an excellent firearm for young shooters and women. I have a model 43 made in 1973 the last full year of production for that gun. The 43 is the airweight version of the model 34 and its a jewel. Mine has a 3.5" barrel, my son and daughter love to shoot it as does my wife. We also own a Taurus 94 made in 1997, and it is also an excellent shooter, and perhaps my favorite for new shooters.
My 8 year old son also loves it, since it holds 9 rounds of .22lr.

BTW, I also own a 18-5, a 617, and a 1956 K22. The K frame guns are large and heavy, and potentialy more accurate, but I can shoot my 94 and my 43 just as accurately with the iron sights, and they are much lighter, and more appropriate for hiking.