Alright, so I've recently acquired a Model 12-3 that was given to me by my father while visiting over Thanksgiving. He said he didn't really have a use for the pistol and knowing that I still enjoying shooting (I'm former military and former law enforcement) asked me if I wanted it, so I took possession of it. I have been eyeing the newer wheel guns, like the 686SSR, but I don't know much about these older airweights.

I'm curious as to maybe the manufacture date, I don't really care about the value of the gun (not looking to sell it). It is a 12-3 4" Blued (about 98%) Square Butt and on the butt is has the serial number 4D659XX.

If anyone can help shed some light as to the vintage of this gun (I'm thinking 81, 82?? just a guess) and anything other tidbits about the light K-frame Model 12, I'd be much obliged!

Thanks,

/rjp

Welcome to the Forum! Are you sure the number 4 is in the front of the ser #? Without it the # comes out to later in 1974. Check all the spots for the # and the stocks also. Nice CCW gun. Enjoy it,Kyle

Thanks for the welcome!

So your response got me to thinking that maybe I had written the number down incorrectly before I put it away, so I got it out and checked. Well, I had written the number down correctly, stamped across the bottom of the butt is clearly 4D659XX.

However, I noticed something else, I looked to the Yoke for confirmation of the serial number and while there is no serial number on the yoke (just Mod.12-3) there is what appears to be a serial number on the swing-out arm. The number on the swing-out arm is different than the number that appears on the butt of the pistol!

On the swing-out arm it is stamped A7986XX. The last 5 digits, 986XX, are also stamped on the handle under the grips on the left side of the pistol. So that would lead me to believe that those are the correct serial number. Which raises the question, what is the number that is stamped onto the bottom of the butt of the pistol?

Interesting to say the least! Maybe at some point it was re-manufactured by S&W??

Anyway, here is a photo of the pistol...





/rjp

The number on the butt is the serial number.

The others are assembly numbers to keep the various parts together during bluing, fitting etc.

They mean nothing once the gun been completed.

Your 4DXXXXX serial number dates to 1979 which corresponds with the -3 engineering change occurring in 1977, as per SCSW3. Nice gun.

Thanks for the info, seems like my guessing on the age wasn't too far off.

It is a nice, lightweight pistol and seems to be in great like new condition. However, I don't know that I'll use it much for CCW having a 4" barrel, but it'll make a great nightstand or desk drawer weapon. It'll also make for some fun at the range from time to time.

/rjp

Nice looking revolver and a nice hand me down, something to cherish.

Don't let that 4" barrel stop you from carring it. I carried a 4" model 65 in a well used pancake holster this whole weekend and my wife never knew I had it on. Quite comfortable really.

Alright, so I have a Ruger SP101 2.25" for CCW, but I will keep the Model 12 handy around the house. I don't really want to load +P's in it, even though various resources say it'll be fine to run a through few it (S&W says no and since they manufactured it I'll stick to their word).

So, who knows anything about the Hornaday 110g FTX .38 Special load? They call it "critical defense" and out of a 4" barrel they claim 1010fps/249lbft. Those seem like decent numbers for personal defense. Anyone know much about them?


I'm also debating a 637/38/42 next time they go on sale if anyone can give me any info on them (other than the obvious hammer differences I already know about).