S&W Model 17 vs 18

bowbrad

February 01, 2011 11:10

What is the difference between the S&W model 17 verses the model 18 besides the name and model number?

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  Laredo Lefty

  February 01, 2011 11:18

  The front sight. The model 17 has a Patridge (target) front sight and the model 18 had a Baughman Quick Draw (combat) front sight. Other than that the 18 is just a model 17 with a 4" barrel. The model 18 was discontinued in 1985 and replaced with the 4" model 17.

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  nmyers

  February 01, 2011 11:21

  Lefty is correct; the M17 has a "target" FS, & the M18 has a "combat" FS.
  
  All M18's have a 4" barrel. The M17 has a number of barrel lengths.
  
  Neal

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  CapnMidnight

  February 01, 2011 20:36

  Pre 17s, meaning built befor 1957 where refered to K 22 Masterpeice
  Pre 18s where refered to as K 22 Combat Masterpeice.
  It all had to do with barrel lenth and front sights, the same nomenclature was applied to the K 38.
  W.D.

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  beantownshootah

  February 02, 2011 04:36

  To reiterate,
  
  The Model 18 combat masterpiece was intended to work as a trainer for the standard Smith K-frame .38/.357 service type revolvers (eg models 14/19) that were THE standard police issue guns for years. It shares the same barrel length as a service gun (4") and has the same snag-resistant ramped "combat" front sight.
  
  The Model 17 is "just" a medium frame .22 revolver.
  
  There were different variants in terms of barrel lengths and features, but these have more snag-prone target front sights with a squared off rear edge. Many (maybe most) have longer 6" barrels. Some of them also have wider "target" type hammers and triggers (IMO nice features, if you can get them).
  
  Both of these are excellent guns, among the best production .22 revolvers ever made. You can't go wrong with either.

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