S&W model 18 price check

W

WVsig

New member
I found a 18-3 in a local shop today. Gun was in excellent shape overall except that there was a light bit of rust freckling on one of the side of the frame and the rear strap. Nothing deep but clearly the beginnings of rust. Shop said they had seen it less than 6 months ago and the rust was not there.

So taking that into consideration what is a fair price.
 
I bought an 18-3 in about 95% condition for $500 five years ago, and got a model 17 for $550 at about the same time.

Prices for excellent ones are at a premium in my area. its not uncommon to see a K framed 22 in the $600- $700 range for 95% condition now a days
 
The Model 18's were always hard to find and usually were at a slight premium in price over a similar 6" Model 17. I paid $450 for mine back in 2007 which I would rate at about 98% (no box). I bought a Model 17-6 the same year for $550 in as-new condition. These prices don't really matter much relative to today. But I had a hard time finding a nice M18 back then at shows.

What is the gun shop asking for it?
 
ive been looking for a 18 for the last six years... (old prelock) Ive never seen one in person around here. If it isnt a wreck i'd jump on it.
 
Sometimes I've paid"too much" for a gun.However,that one time pain,was quickly forgotten as I enjoyed my successful search! :D
 
I've been looking local for an older Model 17 and saw a nice 18 a couple months ago, asking price was $700. I thought that was too much, although he probably would've taken $25 -$50 less.
 
I would be happier at $600, but if I wanted it, the extra $ wouldn't stop me from buying. One thing about M18's, they hold their value as long as they aren't beat up.
 
That would be a "grab it and giggle on the way out" price around here. It's been a long while since I've seen a Model 18 on the market so if one was to turn up it's a sellers market.

If one turned up I'd expect to see a price between 700-900, depending on which case it was in.
 
I looked at one at a local gun shop in 98%+ condition in the last year and they were asking over $700 for it. I didn't buy since I already had one. They are certainly not easy to come by 22 revolvers if you limit yourself to shows and gun shops. I rate it as one of the best DA 22 revolvers ever made and prefer it to the 6" M17. I have a 4" M17 that is quite nice too.
 
They are certainly not easy to come by 22 revolvers if you limit yourself to shows and gun shops.
Click to expand...

That's about the only place I look. The hunt for the gun is more fun to me than actually having the gun.

I used to have a five screw "pre-18" from the early 50's that I just wanted to love. Man that was a pretty gun. Diamond Magna's of course, the post war flat finish...I think it was made in '51...maybe it was '53.

But I could not get that thing to eject the empty cartridges to save my life. I cleaned the chambers. I polished the chambers. I changed ammo. I cleaned and polished some more. I finally gave up on it and sold it to a fellow who said he didn't plan to shoot it anyway.

I probably should have taken it to a gunsmith, but I was out of work at the time and needed the money anyway. It just made it easier to sell it.

If I run into another one.
 
$629.00 might hurt today,,,

$629.00 might hurt today,,,
But in a year you could get $729 for it.

The prices of the rimfire K-frames will never again go down,,,
Making pretty much any reasonable price viable,,,
I would offer $575.00 just for the heck of it,,,
But I would be prepared to pay their price.

I bought my 18-2 shooter grade in 2009 for $375.00,,,
I'm so glad I did as they are going for $500.00 plus nowadays.

Four years ago everyone thought I was nuts,,,
I paid $750.00 for a pristine 6" Colt Trooper Mk-III in .22 LR,,,
It hurt me to do it but I have a standing offer for $1,100.00 if I ever decide to sell.

Bottom line is if you want the Model 18,,,
And it is in "excellent" shape,,,
Pay the $629.00.

It will only appreciate in value as the years fly by.

Aarond

.
 
With rust showing up on the gun ....I'd drop the value to no more than 50% of the going price for a gun in similar condition minus the rust...

With rust showing up .....I wouldn't pay over $ 250 for it ... ( but maybe that's easy for me to say - because I've already got a good model 18 )...

but I'd rather pay a premium for a gun in better condition - with no rust / than take a chance on a gun showing rust...( I paid $ 500 for my 18-3 about 3 yrs ago in excellent condition / but today a model 18 in excellent condition is
$ 800 - $ 900 probably....and I still see a few around ...but not many.
 
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