Would you pay $475 for this S&W pre 18

[bigtubby]

Trying to talk myself into it but IMHO the condition does not warrant that much cash. Pre 18 5 screw .22LR has a big chip in the grip panel and appears to have a significant amount of blue wear pics can be misleading and may look better in person. How much would you pay for this gun?

 

[Iggy]

In a heart beat.

 

[bikemutt]

No way, $350 max.

 

[rswartsell]

Agreed, if you don't want it, where do I find it?

 

[rswartsell]

bikemutt is spoiled by his many great scores of late. In my neck of the woods;
a) hard to find
b) the photography is what is bad, not the gun
c) fine .22s such as this are going for a premium, no idea why, just is.

 

[bigtubby]

I think that chip in the grip really detracts from the value in my opinion. And I agree that pics can make a decent gun look really bad.

 

[rswartsell]

I have replacement grips right here in my drawer. I would take it. They ain't going to get more plentiful or less expensive.

P.S. I also know a man in Texas that superbly restores classic grips. Let me know if you wanna get hooked up.

 

[bigtubby]

Thank you for the offer RS I may want to get the grips restored if I buy it. I Would want to keep the grips on the gun if they number to the gun.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Target hammer, and smooth (combat?) trigger? Those are upgrades/non standard. Yeah, a little worn, but 99% ones might be $750. I got a similar condition K22 6 inch from a recent widow for $375 with standard hammer and trigger, but I thought it was a steal, as it shoots as accurately as any gun that I have. If I had paid $475 for mine, I'd still be happy.

 

[rswartsell]

My guy is pretty good. Go to the Colt Forum and search swamprat. I Paid $75.00 per to restore Colt snubby and vintage Smith Target grips. I've been very happy.

 

[rswartsell]

My thinking is that with classics like this relatively soon (less than 10 years?) love nor money will get you close to one. Think what you will and act accordingly.

P.S. or even better, search your ass off to try to beat this deal on a Simth pre-war 18 and see what you come up with.

 

[Mauser lover]

Personally, no.
But I am NOT a collector. It seems to be a good value, but it just isn't something that I would buy.

 

[Swing]

Myself, nada, not a big rimfire fan. It is a a nice looking classic wheelgun though.

 

[bigtubby]

I would not buy it for a collectable as the condition is to rough. I think of it just as a vintage old school cool shooter and most S&W 17 or 18's bring at least $450 to $500 I need Bikemutt to come back in and talk me down because I feel like I am going to jump!!!

 

[bikemutt]

OK, OK, I recant.

I'm thinking back to a 5-screw K38 I picked up for $350 OTD a year ago (there may still be an open warrant on that steal, lol).

The grip-chip doesn't matter, I may even have a pair I'll send you for just postage via PM request if you buy it.

Go for it!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Model 17 is probably worth $475 but I wouldn't pay that much for a Model 18.

 

[DurangoKid]

I collect early S&W Handguns. My own rule is I will not pay collector prices for any Smith below 90% condition. Any S&W below 90% to me is an interesting shooter. It seems over the years paying high prices for guns that are well used has been bad investments.

 

[Gordon]

18s are worth more than 17s and are harder to find. They just don't get a better shooter .22 than a 5 or 4 screw Model 18 FWIW.

 

[bannockburn]

Actually, for $475, I would consider it.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

My 18-2 is one of my favorite .22s. Golf balls at 25yds. and shotgun hulls as long as they can be seen keep me smiling at the great deal - 425 - I got on the gun. Mine had been shot a lot as evidenced by the wear and almost total lack of blueing on the ejector rod. So what! Someone just broke it in for me.
I swapped out grips as my bigger hands need the target stocks.







Just my opinion, but how many 5 screw 18s in your price range have you seen, much less had the chance to play with?

The target hammer is a plus you will enjoy - one that I really should explore - and the screws on the sideplate and the sideplate edges are not boogered up.
Tends to make one think a competent person has been under the hood.

The ejector rod looks to have most of it's blue, indicating carried more carry than trigger time.

Honest finish wear consistent with holster wear is not a turn off for me.
So, if the action feels as clean as the gun looks, I'd pull the trigger.

My take, JT

 

[Walkalong]

I'd b sorely tempted. Pre Model 18/Model 18 prices are insane.

 

[snooperman]

I would pay that price for it, if I wanted a model 18 before I would pay the price of the new classic ones.

 

[Iggy]

Model 17's and 18's have skyrocketed in price with the 18 leading the way.

I bought a pristine 18 recently for $575 at an auction, and had two offers of over $600 before I got home.

 

[CajunBass]

When was the last time you saw one for less?

When do you think the next time will be?

Naturally I'd offer a bit less...worse thing they can say is no, but if I wanted it, I wouldn't lose it over a few bucks.

 

[Guillermo]

it seems a little high (400-425 seems right in that condition)...but if it otherwise checks out...why not?

It ain't goin' down in value