Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-14-2011, 05:06 PM
Lurch II Lurch II is offline
US Veteran
Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default Model 12-2 questions

I inherited a Model 12-2 from my dad, ser # D478XXX. The revolver is in mint condition - I don't think he ever fired it. It feels heavier than an airweight and the barrel does not say it is an airweight. Is this still an aluminum frame? I'm guessing manufacture date between '66-'68 based on what I have been able to dig out using Google but if someone has a better fix on the date of mfg that would be of interest. It is a great little CCW - not quite as light and small as my old Chief's Special but this also carries 6 rounds so it is a fair trade weight vs. firepower. Will stay in the family but I may put a few more rounds through it than dad ever did. Any other thoughts on this weapon always welcome.

Shawn

Last edited by Lurch II; 05-14-2011 at 05:31 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-14-2011, 06:15 PM
69HEMI-R/T's Avatar
69HEMI-R/T 69HEMI-R/T is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Mexico/S.E. Tejas
Posts: 646
Likes: 1,280
Liked 428 Times in 169 Posts
Default

Hello,

Your Model 12-2 was probably manufactured in 1968 and it has an aluminum frame with a steel cylinder. It is very similar to the Model 10 except for the aluminum frame.

They were produced from 1952 thru 1986 ending with a Model12-4 introduced in 1984. Pre models were called the M&P Airweight and got the model number added in 1957.

They were shipped with a number of different barrel lengths from 2" to 6" and is a fine carry-piece.

Yours sounds very nice and, although you did not initially state your barrel length, a short one would still make a nice carry gun.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-14-2011, 06:30 PM
BUFF BUFF is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 5,062
Likes: 739
Liked 3,271 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default

On occasion guns are mis-stamped at the factory. Best way to know is to check the frame with a magnet. The cylinder and barrel will both be steel construction.

Or weigh it. A 2 inch Model 12 should weigh 18 ounces, a steel frame gun will weigh 26 ounces.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-14-2011, 07:34 PM
Lurch II Lurch II is offline
US Veteran
Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Thanks 69. Love your name - had a 1968 383 Dodge Charger that was the cat's meow. Never should have sold it. The hemi's were an awesome motor.

1968 sounds about right to me 'cause dad bought it new around that time or a little after. It is a 2" barrel and the blueing isn't worn at all - like I said, I don't think it has had 50 rounds through it.

I hadn't thought of the magnet but it is a great idea.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 69HEMI-R/T View Post
Hello,

Your Model 12-2 was probably manufactured in 1968 and it has an aluminum frame with a steel cylinder. It is very similar to the Model 10 except for the aluminum frame.

They were produced from 1952 thru 1986 ending with a Model12-4 introduced in 1984. Pre models were called the M&P Airweight and got the model number added in 1957.

They were shipped with a number of different barrel lengths from 2" to 6" and is a fine carry-piece.

Yours sounds very nice and, although you did not initially state your barrel length, a short one would still make a nice carry gun.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-14-2011, 07:35 PM
Lurch II Lurch II is offline
US Veteran
Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Thanks Buff - the magnet hadn't occurred to me but a perfect test. Barrel and cylinder are steel. Back strap is aluminum and I assume the magnet pull I am getting on the side plate is due to the steel springs and mechanisms inside. So steel and aluminum it is!
Shawn

Quote:
Originally Posted by BUFF View Post
On occasion guns are mis-stamped at the factory. Best way to know is to check the frame with a magnet. The cylinder and barrel will both be steel construction.

Or weigh it. A 2 inch Model 12 should weigh 18 ounces, a steel frame gun will weigh 26 ounces.

Last edited by Lurch II; 05-14-2011 at 07:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-14-2011, 11:37 PM
MP1983's Avatar
MP1983 MP1983 is offline
US Veteran
Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 874
Likes: 1,266
Liked 436 Times in 122 Posts
Default

if you have the original wood grips, don't ever misplace them...they are slightly different in size from the grips off the gazzillion steel K-frames...you'd have a heck of a time ever replacing them...

they are a great little gun in 2 inch, I have one from circa '74, square butt....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-15-2011, 11:22 AM
69HEMI-R/T's Avatar
69HEMI-R/T 69HEMI-R/T is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Mexico/S.E. Tejas
Posts: 646
Likes: 1,280
Liked 428 Times in 169 Posts
Default

Good morning Lurch II,

Sounds like a very nice 1968 Charger you once owned. This is my other passion (old MOPARS) and mine is an original, numbers-matching 1969 R/T that is being completely restored as we speak. I won't go into details but it will be an excellent restoration on a very rare car.

That snubbie S&W would make a very nice carry gun, especially knowing the history of it. Take very good care of it and pass it on as a family heirloom is what I would be doing.

Last edited by 69HEMI-R/T; 05-15-2011 at 11:38 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-15-2011, 02:17 PM
Lurch II Lurch II is offline
US Veteran
Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions Model 12-2 questions  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

As my wife would say, I never sell, just buy. This will stay in the family though the three daughters have shown no interest in firearms - but perhaps the sons-in law...

Quote:
Originally Posted by 69HEMI-R/T View Post
Good morning Lurch II,

Sounds like a very nice 1968 Charger you once owned. This is my other passion (old MOPARS) and mine is an original, numbers-matching 1969 R/T that is being completely restored as we speak. I won't go into details but it will be an excellent restoration on a very rare car.

That snubbie S&W would make a very nice carry gun, especially knowing the history of it. Take very good care of it and pass it on as a family heirloom is what I would be doing.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-15-2011, 10:19 PM
69HEMI-R/T's Avatar
69HEMI-R/T 69HEMI-R/T is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northern Mexico/S.E. Tejas
Posts: 646
Likes: 1,280
Liked 428 Times in 169 Posts
Default

Just make sure your wife knows your wishes for it to stay in the family as well as your daughters. Hopefully, a future son-in-law will have an interest in older S&W's .
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
airweight, ccw, model 10

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Model 15-3 and Model 19-3 forcing cone questions cmansguns S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 4 04-14-2016 04:39 PM
S&W model 629 Ported 3" 150th Anniversary Model Questions? SW MP15 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 0 11-18-2015 03:52 PM
Engraved 1st Model Russian (Old, Old Model) Questions DesmoEd S&W Antiques 23 12-18-2013 08:58 PM
Questions about shootability of Model 642 vs. Bobbed Model 60... MG-70 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 9 01-22-2011 07:53 PM
model 6450 and model 4516 questions xarmtdawg Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 10 09-22-2008 08:11 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:22 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)