S&W Model 18-1: The Next Python?

J

Joe_Pike

New member
I've always wanted a model 18 but never had the funds when one was available at the price I would be willing to pay. Tonight I was looking at the local Armslist listings and ran across a model 18-1 with the box and papers. Price? A mere $1, 500. I guess I'll never get to own one of these if people are thinking they are worth that kind of money. Then again, maybe they are.
 
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No doubt about it, some of the classic S&W revolvers have definitely experienced a rise in value over the past few years. Will they come close to what's currently going on with some of the Colt revolvers? Well, time will tell.
 
Peronally . . . I think the price of them will rise . . . some . . . but will they ever get to be like the Python? I guess only time will tell.

I like "vintage" revolvers and have a few of them. I didn't get interested in cartridge shooting until a few years ago - always shot BP. I've had guns come and go according to what my interests were . . but now that I'm reloading and just want a couple of decent Smiths to shoot, I'm surprised at what the price on some of them are. I guess "hindsight' is always better . . . I should have got them when the price was down but who really expected that the gun/ammo thing that's been happening the last couple of years would ever create the shortages that there were/are?

I was able to pick up a really nice 4" blued Python a couple of years ago for a really cheap price. I'd heard all the hype on them - yes, from engineering standpoint, quality, etc. they are nice - but I'd really rather shoot an old 1920's S & W M & P Target that I have. I have had offers on the Python by some pretty "aggressive" guys who all but demand that I sell it to them. I really doubt that I'll shoot it that much but it will stay tucked away. Cripes, I wish some of my investments would appreciate as much as that thing has since I got it.

At my age (I'm an old fart) . . . you begin to realize that this life isn't a "trial run". If you want an Model 18 . . . keep saving your money . . . keep looking . . and when the time is right, you'll run across one. Buy it, shoot it, enjoy it, have fun . . . then if you have kids, pass it on to one of them. . . they'll enjoy it to.
 
I got my 1958 Model 18 about five years back. Took my time and looked a lot until this one showed up - for about $400. Not pristine, but certainly not bad, either. So, they can be found at reasonable prices if one is patient.

I have doubts that they'll become scarce and seriously overpriced like the Python.
 
I am of the opposite opinion,,,

I have doubts that they'll become scarce and seriously overpriced like the Python.
Click to expand...

I'm not saying you are wrong,,,
But if I were a betting man,,,
I would bet they go up.

3.5 years ago I bought Didi (mid 60's 18-2) for $375.00,,,
13-didi.JPG

As you can see,,,
She's not pristine at all,,,
Tight action but lots of holster wear.

Just a few months back I was offered $600 for her,,,
The man had cash and was serious about it.

Anytime a discontinued gun finally gets "popular" with the masses,,,
It's actual value might stay the same as before,,,
But it's selling price will skyrocket.

Due to the general price increase of most centerfire ammunition,,,
Rimfire revolvers have gained in general popularity,,,
Not that long ago S&W Model 17's were $400.00,,,
Now if you find one for less than $600.00,,,
You have found a beater or a bargain.

I doubt that they will ever attain the level of "mythos" the Python has,,,
But they will eventually start demanding python-like prices,,,
I would bet a shiny new nickel on that claim. ;)

Aarond

.
 
In the 17s and 18s ( and a few other models as well) the -1s are about the most rare. They were only in production for about a year (don't have my book with me so going from memory). I still think the seller is about $600-700 high or so. But someone else may not.

Edit- when I was typing my response I was thinking the gun was NIB. Condition would certainly make adjustments to value, although for a collector the box and docs help.
 
I like model 18's a lot ....and I have a model 18-3 that I paid about $ 500 for about 2 yrs ago .../ in almost unfired condition ( spent its life in a file cabinet at a guys office )....

but no, I don't think they're ever going to have the cult following of the Colt Python ...or the S&W Model 27's...
 
Send me a link to the armslist ad so I can flag it 'over priced'. Some people on armslist are nuts and I make it a hobby to harass them mercilessly.
 
Well, he must have had some folks tell him he was overpriced. He now is asking $1,200. Still to high in my opinion but I also saw some H&K P7 PSPs on gunbroker sell for $1,100+recently. It wasn't but about two years ago those were going for $499-$699.
 
aarondgraham said:
I'm not saying you are wrong,,,
But if I were a betting man,,,
I would bet they go up.
Click to expand...

No way I'd bet against that.

Your 18 is in very similar condition to mine. They're a darn fine revolver. And I'm old enough that I like the looks of polished blue and wood.
 
Model 18 in the Border Patrol

When I went through the US Border Patrol Academy in 1976 we started out with Model 18's and then were issued our duty weapons-either a Colt marked "Border Patrol" or a Ruger Security Six-all with 4" barrels.
 
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