Hi folks,

I love vintage revolvers but I'm not an aficionado, so I would appreciate some guidance. I am thinking of taking a model 12 in trade, and I would want to carry it OWB.

All of the usual "holster finder" pages on the web do not show a model 12 as an option, so I suppose that I will likely have to contact a custom maker, is that correct?

I'm good with just a simple OWB along the lines of a Galco Concealable. I have a couple of Lobo enhanced pancakes that I really like, and I'm interested in the "Silver Dollar Pancake" by Simply Rugged, but I'm not sure if either of those is a great option for such a small, light piece as the model 12.

Thanks for any guidance you can provide so I can see what my options would be if this goes through.

Thanks,
Burns

A model 12 is essentially a garden variety M&P or model 10 in a lightweight version.
You should have a plethora of choices out there.
Great gun, by the way, I have one and I would recommend standard pressure ammo for it.

Thanks. I was planning on a 158 swc loaded standard pressure, with Winchester 231. I realize it is a common gun, but I like it!

It's odd how the holster finders don't list model 10 or 12. I suppose I should just select "2 K-frame", you think?

I like this DeSantis Model:

THUMB BREAK SCABBARD - DeSantis Holsters

Thank you. Why the thumb break? To shroud the hammer?

Yeah 2" k frame would work.
Probably the older models 10 and 12 have been out of production too long.
I honestly couldn't tell you the last model 10 dash number or when it was made or discontinued.

Not just any 2" K Frame. It may make a difference if it was made for
a K frame with adjustable rear sight. Look for the holsters that are made
for fixed rear sight. Model 10 for instance. Here are a few shown with
my Model 10 with 2" barrel, left to right:

Ken Null's RSS (Revolver Super Speed) It is from one of Seventree's
patterns, probably borrowed from Chic Gaylord. Ken Null is a Renowned
maker, so I was shocked when I ordered it, and found it in my mailbox
just 8 days later. My favorite by the way.

Another fairly rare one, took me a long time to find it, is this Lawrence
34V Special Agent (pigskin outer cover).

For vintage, you may like to find a Lewis. Mine snaps on and off.

The Bianchi 5B carried the Model 10s for Federal Narc agents way
back when.

Another vintage from the 1950s is this Eubanks Pioneer. The grips
on the Model 10 are by Grasshorn. The knife is a Puma Prince.

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__________________
In Omnia Paratus

The RSS looks interesting - does it hold the gun close to the body like a pancake?

The fixed sight gun would still fit, though.

Your Model 12 is the Airweight Military & Police Model, just an alloy framed version of the Model 10, dimensionally identical to that and the later Model 64.

The Model 12 is not rare, but it is a desirable piece with some collector demand. Anodized finish of the alloy frame is easily worn away by poorly fitted holsters or unlined holsters. I would recommend protecting the finish by making sure any holster selected features a soft leather lining (suede or smooth leather).

If memory serves me, none of the Model 12's were ever factory-approved for +P ammunition. If it were mine I would limit use to standard pressure .38 Special ammunition.

Maybe not as close as a pancake, but close enough.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

That's because they're antiques! The M19 changed all the rationale for the M&P because the same size revolver now could have adjustable sights and the dual-purpose chambering, plus the shroud to better protect the ejector rod. Holster makers then obliged by making ONLY 2-1/2" K frame holsters; it would be very hard to find a 2" K frame fixed-sighted holster and the M19 is measurable 'larger' in holster terms plus a long, thicker barrel; unless one went 'vintage' with the oldies that Phil has shown you (the M&P was dead common in Chic Gaylord's time ['50s] but not since then).

__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian

Red Nichols is correct, as usual. Most of the major holster makers adapted to the new 2.5" Model 19 by dropping older 2" M&P holsters from regular production.

Some smaller producers have continued making holsters for the 2" M&P (Model 10, 12, 64, etc). I happen to be carrying one right now with a 40-year old police surplus Model 64 2" .38 Special, which has met my needs nicely since multiple surgeries to my shoulder, elbow, and wrist have made it difficult for me to use my usual .45 auto.

I am sure that contacting Mark at Lobo Gun Leather would result in a satisfying product for the 2" Model 12 in any one of several holster styles. Lobo continued making these for many years, as well as others such as the 3" K-frames (Model 10, 13, 64, 65) and even dedicated designs for the 3.5" N-frames.

Interesting "niche markets" were created when all the big names stopped producing holsters for many revolvers and concentrated their marketing and production on the more recently popular handguns. Millions of excellent revolvers remain in the hands of those who appreciate them and wish to use them regularly, but very few holster makers seem interested in serving that market segment.