Smith & Wesson Model 18-3 K22 Combat Masterpiece .22LR Revolver, 1976 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: LSB251110RR003
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: K22 Combat Masterpiece
Serial Number: 1K79396
Year of Manufacture: 1976 ( Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition )
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver W/ Recessed Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked, “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked ” .22 LONG RIFLE CTG.” The right side of the frame is marked with the 4-line Marcas Registradas and the S&W trademark logo. The butt of the grip frame has the serial number, “1K79396” The inside of the crane cut is marked with the serial number and model 18-3.
Barrel Length: 4” Pinned
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 adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This revolver has a two piece checkered Magna stocks with S&W medallions at the top. There are few signs of handling wear. The checkering is mostly sharp. The frontstrap and backstrap are serrated. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good to fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Trigger & Hammer
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 96% of its metal finish. There is faint thinning on the leading edges. The action has light wear from use. There is a crisp turn line on the cylinder. There are minor nicks and scratches throughout. There is some wear on the face of the cylinder. The case color has light wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. 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: 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 cylinder, and fully adjustable target sights.
This 1976 example retains approximately 96 percent of its original blued finish, with only faint edge thinning, light operational wear, and a crisp cylinder turn line consistent with careful use. Markings remain clear and legible throughout, and the case-colored hammer and trigger show only light wear. The original checkered Magna stocks with medallions remain intact, showing minimal handling marks and no cracks or chips, preserving the revolver’s classic Combat Masterpiece profile and feel.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9.5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. 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 late production K22 Combat Masterpiece revolvers from the final decades of pinned and recessed manufacture. Please see our photos for a better understanding of conditions and good luck with your bids!-C.M.
