The Model 18, sometimes referred to as the .22 Combat Masterpiece, is a K-frame revolver that, while hard to find, is a worthy add to a collection—whether as a true collector gun or a shooter-grade revolver. (Photo courtesy of Bob Campbell)
April 01, 2025
By Bob Campbell
A favorite revolver from Smith & Wesson’s glory days is the Model 18 .22. This is a four-inch rimfire revolver intended as an understudy to the Model 15 .38 Special Combat Masterpiece. It must be noted that while every cop of my generation called the Model 18 “the .22 caliber Combat Masterpiece,” this was slang and not an official designation.
Introduced in 1949, the Model 18 is based on the K-frame size. The K or medium frame is among the most popular handguns of all time, with millions manufactured. Originally produced in .38 Smith & Wesson Special, the K frame was later offered in rimfire calibers including the .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum.
It took several decades before the K frame was offered in .22 rimfire, and the first .22 K frames had six-inch barrels. Some shooters wanted a four-inch barrel, though, because by 1949 the great majority of holster guns on police belts had four-inch barrels.
The Model 18 covered all the bases: a super-smooth double-action trigger; a crisp single-action trigger; excellent adjustable sights; target grips; and a ramp front sight more suited to holster wear than the sharp-profile target sight of revolvers with six-inch barrels.
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Robust Features These revolvers feature recessed chambers in a six-shot cylinder to ensure safety in case of a case head rupture. Whether necessary or not, this feature is nice to have. The barrel is pinned in place. The “pinned-and-recessed” collector market usually refers to centerfire revolvers, but the Model 18 is certainly a pinned-and-recessed revolver.
The Model 18 is well suited to some types of competition and small game hunting , but according to Smith & Wesson sales figures it was never as popular as wheelguns with six-inch barrels, and folks don’t like to pay top price for .22s. The Model 18 cost just as much to manufacture as the centerfire guns and came with an equal price tag. The Model 18 “Combat Masterpiece” .22 was discontinued in 1986.
My history with the Model 18 .22 began in 1979. When obtaining a degree in criminal justice we had a course of fire using the Model 18. The revolver in the accompanying photograph was coined in 1981. It features the typical Micro Click sights and nicely checkered wooden stocks.
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The stocks have seen much use, and the ejector rod exhibits considerable finish wear. A few dings are found on the cylinder, and the cylinder face shows wear. The chambers are clean; thankfully the previous owner didn’t dry-fire the gun.
Accuracy I found the wide trigger not the best for rapid double-action fire. In single action I could group five shots into 1.5 inches at 15 yards. Some high velocity 40-grain loads were a bit more accurate, producing 1.25-inch groups.
The Model 18 is a classic in every sense—not rare but uncommon—and good for daily use. I purchased the gun for $700. Revolvers a little nicer cost more. A specimen approaching 90 percent finish with the original box will command $1,000.
Parts supply is not an issue, and replacement stocks and sight assemblies—both factory and aftermarket—are plentiful. There’s no reason at all not to purchase a shooter-grade Model 18.
