Is the model 18 Combat Masterpeice as accurate as the 617?

Exact same gun, just a shorter barrel.
Well, and the 18 is blue and the 617 stainless.
And the later 617's are 10 shots.

Jim
 
I believe there equal. The 617 is the newer version and the model 18 is the classic pinned and recessed old school revolver. You have the advantage of 10 rounds with the 617. I believe accurately is equal. Too me these two along with the model 17 are the best out there. I know the Colt fans will disagree but I like S&W revolvers.
Regards,
Howard
 
I have the 10 shot 4" 617, the 18-3 and the 17-3. All are great guns. All are accurate as heck. I went new school on the 617 and put a Burris heads up red dot on it. Older eyes, I shoot the red dot more. Longer sight picture on the 17 and the partridge sight makes it easier for me to shoot than the 18.
 
Why wouldn't it be as accurate? It's going to vary more from gun-to-gun than by each specific model. And each individual revolver will have an ammunition preference as well.

roaddog28 said:
I believe there equal. The 617 is the newer version and the model 18 is the classic pinned and recessed old school revolver.
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Point: All of the .22LR S&W revolvers since the early K-22s are recessed, even through the modern MIM, IL, 617s. I believe the reason this started was the introduction of high velocity .22LR ammo for better case support (same reason behind the Magnums being recessed). However, while balloon head .357 cases are no longer the norm, it doesn't seem the little rimfire case heads are any stronger today than they were 80 years ago. And the Specials were never recessed, though there are millions of pinned barrel Model 10s, 15s, 14s and others in circulation.

My Model 18 is a -4, early '80s production. Non-pinned barrel, but it's recessed and shoots great.
 
Actually the question is.... could you be as accurate with either gun. Both are capable of accuracy far beyond the capability of most people.
 
Both are capable of accuracy far beyond the capability of most people.
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That is a given with any firearm but the fact remains that you will shoot more accurately with a more accurate firearm. So it is really irrelevant how accurate the shooter is in a discussion of the potential accuracy of a particular firearm.
 
That may be a bit optimistic.
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+1 , some probably are but I don't know of any authoritative testing that's established this.

FWIW anyone can post anything on Wikipedia. If someone else doesn't come along and correct it, it's going to stay up.
 
A good sixgun will do 2" at 50yds. I have a few that will. Many that won't. You really need to spend more money if you want one to do better. FA's will usually do 1".
 
All of the .22LR S&W revolvers since the early K-22s are recessed, even through the modern MIM, IL, 617s.
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Correct, and by "early K-22", this means prewar. Recessed rimfire cylinders were introduced c. 1935 and continue up through today's production.
 
It was thought that rimfire cartridges needed the extra support. Whether it was or not, it is no longer necessary and I'm surprised that S&W has not taken this cost-cutting measure. For example, USFA's very premium quality 12/22 does not have recessed chambers.
 
However, while balloon head .357 cases are no longer the norm, it doesn't seem the little rimfire case heads are any stronger today than they were 80 years ago.
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Balloon head .357 cases were never the norm.

The little rimfire case heads are the same today as they always have been,they have to be, or they won't work in many guns.

Recessed rims were a selling point, a little extra quality S&W put in their guns. Useful on the .22, as extra protection in case of a rim failure, and a "custom" touch on their magnums. Standard calibers (like .38spl) did not get the recessed rim treatment.

It was never really "needed" for safety or anything, just a nice touch that gave the guns a bit of extra class that their competitors didn't have.
 
Back to the Op's question. The main difference (besides blued vs. stainless) of the 617 and the 18 is that the 617 has a full lugged barrel. With a .22lr that full lug doesn't do anything for recoil but you may or may not like the balance better. I have a 4" 17-6 (blued full lug) and a couple 18's. The accuracy on all the guns is comparable, buy the version you like best and spend some time trying different ammo to see which your gun likes best.
 
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