Pre model 12 airweight questions

LDP · #1 05-19-2015, 10:10 PM

I recently acquired an airweight with serial # C237XXX from a friend. It has the alloy cylinder. My question is this: Can I put a steel cylinder on this model? If I can put the steel cylinder on it would it be suitable to fire standard pressure 38 special loads? Thanks for any info and this site has already been a great help getting me this far with identifying this pistol.

murphydog · #2 05-19-2015, 10:22 PM

Welcome! The answers to your questions are yes and yes; that is what the factory recommended to do after discovering the alloy cylinders were too brittle. Hope this is helpful.

LDP · #3 05-19-2015, 10:29 PM

thank you Alan. Will any K frame cylinder work or only certain models?

-db- · #4 05-19-2015, 10:33 PM

You would want to find a Model 12 cylinder as it is dimensionally different from other K-frame .38 Spl. cylinders. See this thread: Model 12 cylinder same length as 19-5

murphydog · #5 05-19-2015, 10:37 PM

-db- is correct, the standard reference has most other K frame cylinders at 1.56" long and the steel cylinder for the model 12 at 1.62". Break out your calipers and happy cylinder hunting!

LDP · #6 05-19-2015, 10:51 PM

Thanks again guys!

crsides · #7 05-20-2015, 12:46 AM

If the gun is in nice condition, it may pay to keep it as is and buy another carry gun. There aren't too many Alum cylinder guns still out there. They were made for a short time period, and many were converted to steel cylinders.

Charlie

Engine49guy · #8 05-20-2015, 02:19 PM

Another problem you might encounter is that a Pre Model 12, Mod 12 (no dash) and Mod 12-1 cylinders use right hand threaded ejector rods where the Model 12-2 and newer cylinders will require using the newer left hand threaded ejector rod assembly .

gmborkovic · #9 05-20-2015, 02:39 PM

LDP, great gun with a steel cyl. Carried one for years and wore the finish off the high spots. Bought it new and shot a total of 12 times. Fits perfect in the back pocket. Good score. Mike 2796

bigwagon · #10 05-20-2015, 10:38 PM

Any idea what the aluminum cylinder Model 12 weighs? My steel cylinder Model 12 actually weighs 1.5 ozs less than my Model 36 Chiefs Special. It's a great carry gun, especially with the round butt. Light, easily concealable, easier to shoot for me than a J frame, and the extra round is a bonus.

murphydog · #11 05-20-2015, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwagon

Any idea what the aluminum cylinder Model 12 weighs?

Listed at 14.5 ounces.

bigwagon · #12 05-20-2015, 11:15 PM

Thanks. That's quite a bit lighter than the steel cyl. version. For comparison, my M12 is 18.4 oz. and the M36 is 19.75 oz.