Post by tddude on Apr 9, 2004 20:49:14 GMT -5
Ode to the venerable revolver...
I purchased a Smith & Wesson Model 18 Combat Masterpiece a week ago and thought I’d give some impressions. At the Pawnshop where I found it, I went through the revolver testing procedure that is described by a fellow named Jim March as posted on “The Firing Line” forum. Actually, I went through as many as I could remember but it was right on the money with the few tests I gave it. The cylinder lock up is tight, there is no front to back movement, the bore was flawless, the gap between cylinder and forcing cone is right. It basically looked as if it hadn’t been fired all that much. The blueing is flawless and no rust or pitting could be seen. I don’t know how to tell the age from the serial numbers yet but they matched on the frame and cylinder.
I grabbed a sandwich bag full of .22lr & stopped off at the range. My first impression is “WOW”. This has to be the finest .22 pistol I’ve ever handled. Now I know why the model 18 is considered by many to be the ultimate in .22 revolvers. The fit, feel, and action is exactly that of a .38 or .357 and the only tell that I’m holding something smaller is the size of the Bang when I pull the trigger. I was concerned that the SA pull is a bit light and still plan on getting it checked but the break is very predictable once I got used to it. The thing I have to get used to is that the return spring for the trigger pushes harder than it took to pull the trigger. With a gentle squeeze, the trigger then pushes back my finger. It’s not a big deal, just something to get used to. It gives the impression of a super light “hair” trigger. The Double Action shooting is very smooth all the way through the stroke. I may have to change the grips to something else as I do have to reach a bit farther to the trigger than I’d like (in DA) but that is just me and my stubby fingers.
As far as accuracy is concerned, it certainly shoots as well as I my eyeballs can guide it. The adjustable sights give a definite click while adjusting and were pleasingly predictable with the changes I made. When I used my reading glasses to see the front sight clearly, I was hitting the shots on top of each other without any issues.
I fired off about 200 rounds in both double and single action and really warmed that puppy up. It is a blast to shoot and is an excellent training pistol for both my children and myself. Now, if only I could find some speed loaders for it I’ll be set.
I purchased a Smith & Wesson Model 18 Combat Masterpiece a week ago and thought I’d give some impressions. At the Pawnshop where I found it, I went through the revolver testing procedure that is described by a fellow named Jim March as posted on “The Firing Line” forum. Actually, I went through as many as I could remember but it was right on the money with the few tests I gave it. The cylinder lock up is tight, there is no front to back movement, the bore was flawless, the gap between cylinder and forcing cone is right. It basically looked as if it hadn’t been fired all that much. The blueing is flawless and no rust or pitting could be seen. I don’t know how to tell the age from the serial numbers yet but they matched on the frame and cylinder.
I grabbed a sandwich bag full of .22lr & stopped off at the range. My first impression is “WOW”. This has to be the finest .22 pistol I’ve ever handled. Now I know why the model 18 is considered by many to be the ultimate in .22 revolvers. The fit, feel, and action is exactly that of a .38 or .357 and the only tell that I’m holding something smaller is the size of the Bang when I pull the trigger. I was concerned that the SA pull is a bit light and still plan on getting it checked but the break is very predictable once I got used to it. The thing I have to get used to is that the return spring for the trigger pushes harder than it took to pull the trigger. With a gentle squeeze, the trigger then pushes back my finger. It’s not a big deal, just something to get used to. It gives the impression of a super light “hair” trigger. The Double Action shooting is very smooth all the way through the stroke. I may have to change the grips to something else as I do have to reach a bit farther to the trigger than I’d like (in DA) but that is just me and my stubby fingers.
As far as accuracy is concerned, it certainly shoots as well as I my eyeballs can guide it. The adjustable sights give a definite click while adjusting and were pleasingly predictable with the changes I made. When I used my reading glasses to see the front sight clearly, I was hitting the shots on top of each other without any issues.
I fired off about 200 rounds in both double and single action and really warmed that puppy up. It is a blast to shoot and is an excellent training pistol for both my children and myself. Now, if only I could find some speed loaders for it I’ll be set.
