Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Pre Model 18

Serial Number: K214258

Year of Manufacture: 1954 (Reference S&W Standard Catalog)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “22 Long Rifle CTG”. The side plate has S&W’s monogram logo and the right side of the frame has the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The yoke cut is marked with inspection numbers. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke and the sides of the grip frame have inspector marks. Inside of grips are marked with non-matching serial numbers.

Barrel Length: 4” Pinned & Ribbed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade fixed to a rise integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The Flat-butt Magna style grips with S&W medallions. There are a couple hard ring marks on the right panel. Checking is still semi-sharp.There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blued with case hardened hammer and trigger.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish and displays signs of operation. The right side of the revolver has lost most of its finish to corrosion and oxidation from poor storage.The left side shows some of the same issues. The turn line is apparent. There are handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. There is finish wiped from the face of the cylinder. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about fair condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is extremely light and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Wooden case with dovetailed corners. The foam inserts inside the box contain a cleaning rod and bore brush. The Box is in fine shape. (We do contend that this boxes ability to store moisture is most likely what ruined the finish of the revolver,and do not recommend extended storage of this weapon in this box)

Our Assessment: From 1910 onward Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector revolvers came in target variations equipped with adjustable sights. Rimfire revolvers built on the .32 frame were considered heavyweights and the first serious effort toward a .22 built on the 38 (K) frame did not come about until 1931. The high velocity .22 long rifle cartridge had become popular and the company advertised the new K-22 “Outdoorsman” as being specifically designed for the high speed round.

It was marketed to hunters and outdoorsmen in a climate that could not have been less ideal. After the Model 17 was deemed the K22 then came the Model 18 which gave the shooter a tapered barrel option not previously designed in the model 17.

This Pre-Model 18 S&W revolver in the case is in fair condition for its age. This is an old revolver that the whole family can enjoy, whether plinking, target shooting, but that’s just my opinion. It has a perfect bore but has lost most of its finish and only retains 65% of it. This will make a great shooter.