I purchased a model 12-2 RB a couple of years ago. It is in like new condition. I loaded it with BB standard pressure loads and have not fired it. It stays in a drawer. Does anyone actually carry and shoot one of these. I know about the frame cracking issues. Mine does not have a cracked frame. Are they safe to shoot?

Years ago a forum member tested a Model 12 he owned by putting 1,000 rounds of +p through it. He reported no problems and no frame stretching if I remember correctly.

I've never owned one but have considered buying one. A good while back I was speaking on the phone with a man in management at S&W. We spoke mostly about a revolver that I was having problems with but I told him of my interest in a Model 12. He advised me to stay away, but didn't elaborate.

My feeling is that S&W made the Model 12 for a good number of years so they couldn't have been that bad.

Personally, if I owned one I would probably carry it. I probably wouldn't buy one. My feeling is that I can carry a 2" Model 10 all day without discomfort so I might as well have the strength of steel over alloy and also not have to deal with the grip issues due to the thinner frame on most of the models.

Bill

I've had a model 12 with 4" barrel and round but for several years. It was used when I got it and I guess that I've put around a thousand rounds of factory and handloaded ammo through it. I stay with standard velocity ammo. It makes a good carry piece for around town or out in the field. Shoot it and you'll enjoy it.

Many of the alloy frame cracks are thought to be due to over-torqued barrels on assembly; if it has been fired, however, there is no way to be 100% sure on the cause. Standard pressure loads should be fine in your model 12.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I would not put a gun into service (loading & putting into a drawer) w/o shooting it first. Even a few rounds just to make sure it works before depending on it in an emergency.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

The Model 12 (Airweight M&P) is a very useful revolver, subject to a few common sense restrictions.

1. The anodized aluminum frame will not stand up well to holster wear. Expect some degradation of the finish if you carry it regularly.

2. Standard pressure ammunition is called for. Use of high velocity or +P ammo may cause damage, either over time or immediately.

3. Desirable piece for collectors of late 20th Century S&W revolvers. Yours is in pristine condition, so it might be best to conserve its value by putting it away and buying a Model 10 or Model 64 for daily carry.

Best regards.

The model 12 has been plagued with its share of bad press and rightly so. I'd probably shoot the M12 with the lightest & wimpiest loads you have and use a stronger Revolver with good +P defense loads for SD. I assume or would at least hope you do practice with your SD gun and loads.

Some shoot their M12's and have no problems - some shoot a few rounds and have cracked frames. Seems like the luck of the draw and since it has become sort of a collectors item, I'd hate to push it. If it is your only SD gun then I suppose you will just have to hope for the best. I would however encourage some sort of practice routine though.......

Since you are a LEO (or a retired one) I would bet you have similar Revolvers to at least practice with. Why take a chance on ruining a M12?

Packed a Model 12 2' RB for along time.
No problems. One of my girls now has it
as a house gun.
Found a 12-3 4inch boxed for a song about 2 months
ago. I think it maybe factory fired only.
I have this one in the safe.

Why not shoot a M12? Nothing last forever. I know everything I have ever bought will wear out with enough use. When something quits working I have found I have 3 choices. Repair, replace or do without. Larry

I received this one used maybe twenty-five years ago and I carried it for concealed carry for a while. I have many other carry guns now, so it would be rare for me to carry this one now, but I may from time to time without any real concerns. I've only fired standard factory loads in it (several hundred total over the years), but I have no idea how many it saw before me. I haven't seen any problems with it.

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My longstanding position is that I would not buy a Model 12 for shooting purposes. To echo an earlier posting in this thread, if I already had one, I would shoot nothing in it except for light handloads or target wadcutters.