I just became aware of the existence of the S&W Model 12 Airweight K frame.

I wonder if it could be retrofitted with a 3 inch K frame heavy barrel and a three inch ejector rod? Would make for a great concealed carry revolver.

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otis

As close as I have gotten is a 4" Model 12-3.

wells fargo bank hours near me

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I'm not a gunsmith, but I think that's going to be problematic, at best.

The biggest issue would be rebarreling a Model 12. The airweight frames are prone to cracking under the forcing cone when stressed, whether it's from shooting or just from the torque of having its barrel installed at the factory. I can see the stress of both removing the factory-installed barrel and installing a 3" barrel having a fairly good probability of cracking the frame.

If you really want to go this route, you might be better off getting a 4" 12, presuming you can find one without a frame crack, and having it shortened to 3".

I believe S&W did make some scandium K-frames with a 3" barrel (I keep getting told which model, but I keep forgetting...315?), so that would probably be your best bet if you really want an airweight/airlite K-frame.

Otis! You got my heart all a-flutter!

A Three Inch Model 12 would carry great and shoot better than my present Model 12 snubs. Every range session I get reminded they are Airweights. Forgotten whilst on the belt, but the lack of weight is always obvious even with standard rounds.

A bit more weight up front would be a nice marriage built of compromise. The known fragility of the Model 12, mixed with the nearly 40 years since production does not bode well. I would love to see the outcome, but not giving up my treasured Model 12s.

Smith & Wesson made a few Models 12 with 3" barrels and, oddly, a sliding safety on the opposite side from the cylinder release. I think this was a limited run for a French military or law renforcement agency. One of our members has one. Saw it a couple years ago at the Symposium. I believe very very few stayed in the US. Still kick myself for not buying it.

You might take a look at the Smith 315. It is a Nightguard type .38+P K Frame. It looks to have at least a 2.5 inch barrel, or close to it. You can check the specs. It's ut of production but available for a hefty price on the auction sites and maybe occasionally on here.

EDIT: You could also consider a 3" Model 37. You get one less round than the K Frame but a super concealable Airweight with the extra velocity from a 3" barrel. I've seen the 442 or 642 also with 3" barrels (hard to find).

Wow! Didn't know that the 442/642 were made with a 3" barrel. Probably not something you see every day! I keep forgetting that even .38 rounds out of an Airweight can be punishing.

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otis

Good advice, my 3" 642 heavy barrel is a great shooter and carrier and doesn't require taking out a mortgage. see attached photo.

Attached Images

20 03 19 J Old & New 3 inch.jpg (68.4 KB, 93 views)

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SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

I wouldn't risk it.

My wife had a 3" Model 37 airweight....... would recommend for a "carry a lot shoot very little" gun.

My preference in a carry revolver is a 3" 10,13,65 or 66 round butt.

While a 3" Model 10 heavy barrel would thread into a Model 12 frame you would have to shorten the forcing cone as the Mod 12 cylinder is longer at the front.
Also if you didn't crack the frame the barrel rib likely wouldn't mate cosmetically as the non HB frames are slightly different.
Also a heavy barrel on a lightweight frame kinda defeats the purpose .... (Probably the reason there was no 3" Heavy barrel Model 37 )

I have favored the model 12 many moons.
I have somewhat "retired" this 1963 vintage
model 12-2.

I think a HB on an airweight rather defeats the purpose. For an ideal carry revolver... a 3" 13 or 65.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

My model 12-2 Great EDC


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Personal preference, I suppose, but after carrying a 2" K-frame .38, I found a J-frame far more practical for concealed carry. Of course, a snub nose K-frame gun is far easier for most people to shoot well than a J-frame revolver.

I have talked to more than one gunsmith over the years and been advised by all them that you are far more likely to crack the frame than successfully swap barrels on an alloy frame revolver.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

Steel, always steel!

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LEX ET ORDO

I'd just find a 2" M12. For some reason, they seem to sell at a bargain so it will likely be much cheaper than a 3" M10. A couple of years back I paid around $400 for a 2" M12 in excellent condition. It's so nice I decided not to carry it and just keep it in its box.

I had a 2" pre-Model 12 for a while. Nice gun, light weight. Shot well, but the recoil was kinda stout.
But I never could get the frame cracking problem out of my mind. It just seemed to haunt me every time I shot it. Never did carry it. Finally just gave up and traded it off for something else.
I much prefer my 3" Models 10 & 13 anyway.

The above is actually the second one I’ve owned. Sold the first in 1978 and always hated myself. Looked for one in this shape for years. Found two yrs. ago.!


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I own a Model 12 and Model 10 in 4 inch round butt, tapered barrel. One to shoot and one to carry. I would not trade either for a 3 inch. The 10 has the Herretts custom grips

See photos

Attached Images

	20 03 28 Model 10-5 round butt.jpg (55.4 KB, 16 views)
	Model 12.jpg (44.4 KB, 16 views)

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SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

I would not mess with a barrel that is in an aluminum framed revolver. Way too much risk of cracking that frame, then you have an expensive paperweight.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

This is my 1963 Model 12-2 flat latch with matching grips and a contemporary Tyler T-Grip. It was backup to my duty revolvers (Model 65-1 and Model 686-6) and is now one of my EDCs. I would love for S&W to reissue the 315 Night Guard since they made less than 1000 while I was overseas. Alternatively, they could make a Scandium-framed 312 based on the Model 12-4 or, for people who hate their hands, a 313 in .357 Magnum. Or, they could just start making Model 12-4s again.

It won't happen, but it would be nice.

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I think a 3” heavy barrel might diminish the charm of the wonderful Model 12.

I’ve had two - a snub and this 4” 12-2. I sold off the 2”, but the longer one is such a joy to carry I’ll keep it into geezerhood.

I think the cracked frame thing is a tempest in a teapot. I suspect the cracked ones left the factory cracked and soldiered on just fine until someone noticed, and that most have been repaired with a Sharpie pen. Forum member Osprey did a great thread where he fired a few thousand rounds of +P with no ill effects through his Model 12. I’ll keep shooting mine and if I notice it has cracked I’ll keep on shooting it.

+P Through a Model 12: THE TEST...is done!!!!

Attached Images

54ECF3B4-3180-4D4C-9E48-9BA650BD2014.jpg (57.6 KB, 14 views)

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“What you got, ain’t new.”