SMITH & WESSON 18-3
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson 18-3 is one of those classic old American revolvers that has been around for decades, and has seen use in both recreational and defensive shooting applications. It is a medium frame revolver chambered in .38 Special with a six-round capacity and is built with blued steel for durability and strength. It is highly regarded as being reliable and strong, while also being lightweight and easy to maneuver. The 18-3 is a good choice for a gun to have for self-protection, or for those who just want a basic, no-frills revolver. So let's take a look at the Smith & Wesson 18-3 in more detail.
Design & Construction
The Smith & Wesson 18-3 is a medium frame double action revolver and the “18-3” indicates that this particular revolver was manufactured during the 3rd model cycle from 1977-1981. It has a six-round capacity and is chambered in .38 Special. The 18-3 has a blued steel construction with a traditional double action/single action trigger and an exposed hammer. The frame is constructed from stainless steel, and it has a smooth walnut stock for the grips. The barrel is 4” in length and the overall length is 9”. The revolver has a weight of 30 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The construction of the 18-3 is solid and reliable, and it is no wonder why this revolver has been a favorite of many shooters for decades. The blued steel gives the 18-3 a classic look that you won’t see on many other revolvers, and the traditional S&W design means that there are few parts to replace and maintain. The 18-3 is easy to clean and the components are held together by quality screws and pins.
Performance
The Smith & Wesson 18-3 is a highly reliable revolver and it performs as expected. The trigger pull is smooth and the double action/single action mechanism means that you can easily switch between modes on the fly with the flick of the hammer. The revolver is accurate out to 25 yards with .38 special rounds, and the four inch barrel means that you can get a decent sight picture without too much obstruction. The cylinder locks up tight and has virtually no play or wobble, which is characteristic of quality revolvers. The sights on the 18-3 are fixed and offer a decent sight picture, although some users might want to upgrade to aftermarket options if they are looking for more precision.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson 18-3 holds up to its reputation as being a reliable and accurate revolver. It has been around for decades and has been a favorite of many shooters. It offers classic styling and is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a basic, no-frills revolver.
Safety and Reliability
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a firearm is safety and reliability. The Smith & Wesson 18-3 has been around for decades and is widely regarded as being one of the most reliable revolvers on the market. It has passed extensive quality control tests and is built using quality components and materials. The materials used are strong and durable, which means that the 18-3 is capable of withstanding daily use without breaking down or experiencing failure.
The 18-3 also incorporates several safety features, including a transfer bar mechanism and a manual safety. The transfer bar mechanism prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin without the trigger being pulled, which is great for ensuring safety in a defensive situation. The manual safety allows you to safely store the revolver when not in use. Both of these safety features, plus the quality construction and materials, make the Smith & Wesson 18-3 an incredibly safe and reliable firearm.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining your firearm is important for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The Smith & Wesson 18-3 is a relatively easy revolver to clean and maintain, and in addition to periodic cleaning after use, you can go further and lightly lubricate the components for smoother operation. You can also take the revolver apart and thoroughly clean the individual components if you really want to keep it in top condition.
Mostly, cleaning and maintenance on the 18-3 will consist of swabbing down the barrel with a cleaning rod, using a cleaning solution and a bore brush, as well as wiping down the frame and internals with a cloth and some gun oil. After you have done this, you can reassemble the revolver and you should be good to go.
Overall
The Smith & Wesson 18-3 is a classic revolver with a long history of reliable performance. It is built with blued steel for durability and strength, and has a medium frame size and a six-round capacity. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for self-protection and recreational shooting applications. The 18-3 is reliable and accurate, and incorporates several safety features for peace of mind. Cleaning and maintenance is relatively simple and straightforward. All in all, the Smith & Wesson 18-3 is an excellent revolver that is well worth the money.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and handle.
- Highly reliable and durable due to its stainless steel and forged aluminum components.
- Offers excellent accuracy and an adjustable rear sight for improved shooting performance.
- Ambidextrous safety and interchangeable grips ensure comfortable and customizable handling.
- Popular with target shooters and collectors due to its classic, timeless design and solid construction.
Cons:
- Limited ammunition options due to its .36 caliber
- Barrel length makes it less than ideal for concealed carry purposes.
- Limited availability of replacement parts and accessories.
Who Should Buy
Smith & Wesson Model 18-3 is a double-action revolver that was produced from 1961 to 1973. It is chambered in .22LR, and is dependable and accurate. It is suitable for target shooting.
Those who should buy a Smith & Wesson 18-3 are target shooting enthusiasts, people who want a dependable and accurate double-action revolver, and people who want a revolver chambered for the .22LR cartridge.
Those who shouldn't buy a Smith & Wesson 18-3 are people looking for a concealed carry gun, those not comfortable with a double-action trigger pull, and people who want a revolver chambered for a more powerful cartridge such as .38 Special or .357 Magnum.
Comparisons
| Spec | Smith & Wesson 18-3 | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum | .357 Magnum | .44 Magnum | .45 Long Colt |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 6 Rounds | 6 Rounds |
| Grips | Wood | Wood | Plastic | Wood |
| Action | DA/SA | DA/SA | DA/SA | Lever Action |
| Weight | 36 oz | 42 oz | 44 oz | 39 oz |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .38 Special
• Action: Double action revolver
• Barrel Length: 6"
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Hammer: Exposed
• Sight: Adjustable Rear, Patridge Front
• Grip: Checkered Walnut
• Finish: Blue
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson 18-3 are: holsters, grips, sights, speed loaders, and flashlights. Other accessories that many people use with this firearm include a secondary safety, extended magazine releases, trigger job parts, and different types of lacing.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Model 18-3 is a solid choice for target shooting and competition. Built on the traditional S&W K-Frame platform, it sports a 6-inch barrel for increased accuracy and stability, offering precision shooting at longer distances. The revolver features ramped adjustable sights, and incorporates a trigger and hammer that were engineered to create a smooth, consistent trigger pull. With its adjustable sights and reliable action, the Model 18-3 is popular with competition shooters. It consistently produces tight groupings and solid accuracy, making it an excellent choice for many types of target shooting.
