Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 18-3, The K-22 Combat Masterpiece

Serial Number: 1K8799

Year of Manufacture: 1970

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: DA/SA, 6 Shot, Swing Out, Fluted Cylinder with Ejector

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade integral to a solid rib. The ramp is painted white at the top. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation, screwed to the top-strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Magna stocks with silver-colored S&W medallions at their tops. The interior of the right panel has "1 8799" and "K" stamped. The grips have even light handling wear. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few tiny losses around the border of the checkering. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9+/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The balance is mostly handling wear in the grip straps. There are a few other scattered small marks and infrequent minor oxidation, primarily under the grips. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson K22 Combat Masterpiece, later designated the Model 18, represents one of the most refined rimfire revolvers ever produced by Smith & Wesson. Developed as a .22 Long Rifle companion to the centerfire Combat Masterpiece service revolvers, the Model 18 was intended to mirror duty gun handling while offering economical training and exceptional accuracy. By the 1970s, the 18-3 variant embodied the mature form of the design, combining classic K-frame balance with pinned barrel construction, recessed chambers, and fully adjustable target sights.

This 1970 example retains approximately 87 percent of its original blued finish, showing signs of responsible use over the last 56 years, retaining a strong bore and mechanics. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, a cartridge introduced in the late nineteenth century and long valued for accuracy and low recoil, the Model 18 earned a reputation as a superb training and recreational revolver with handling characteristics closely matching Smith & Wesson's service K-frames. This example stands as a well preserved representation of the K-22 Combat Masterpiece revolver from the final decades of pinned and recessed manufacture. Please see our photos and good luck!