I have noticed that the hammer fall on my Model 12 seems much more forceful than on any of my other K frames. I mean, the primers really get whacked! It's not unmanageable or anything, just so much more powerful than what I'm accustomed to. Is it a consequence of the frame being so much lighter than my other K frames that I feel the force more? It's just so different.

You probably have it figured out with the aluminum frame but we would like to see a “wacked” primer pic... factory or reloads?

Try a standard hammer spring and see if you get reliable ignition.

Use a firm hold when you shoot it.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

You should check the weight of the mainspring if you have any questions about the hammer force. Go to Revolver trigger job questions and read the posts, visuals included.

Stu

Thanks, I will! I have no reason to believe it's anything but a standard MS. The gun looks like it was barely fired. The way the hammer drops is just so much more forceful than my heavier Model 10's that I was curious as to why. That's what I meant by it really whacks the primers, although it doesn't damage them. And, btw, the gun is very accurate and easy to shoot. And it shoots to POA at 20 yards with 158 grain bullets.

I also have a model 12, recently purchased, and when I checked the mainspring strength I was quite surprised to find it around 75 oz and the double action pull was more like a J frame. I adjusted the weight to 48 oz. which is my usual for the K frames I stone and polish and the trigger pull improved radically. It's really nice to deal with numbers rather than speculation!

Stu

We need pics of this Model 12.

Until the OP comes along, here's mine.

Stu

I have one in just about new condition. I have never fired it but would like to. I read so many posts about cracked frames and such that I have been afraid to shoot it and most owners complain about excessive wear if they carry it. I currently have it loaded and hidden in the house as a grab it if I need it gun. you don't see many of them around or for sale. They are a neat little gun.

Mine had some wear down to aluminum on the frame from being carried and hardly ever shot. Birchwood Casey makes an alloy blackener that works very well. I have probably shot it more than everyone who has owned it previously. I intend to shoot it as much as any other of my Smith's and not worry about cracking, my understanding is with loads at standard or less the odds of cracking are minimal.

Stu

Cracked frame somehow got way hyped up over the years.
IMHO.
Model 12's were produced from 1952-1986 34 years.
Would a responsible Company keep producing the same product
that continued to be defective.
Simply a great carry gun.
1963 vintage w/ more that a few rounds down the pipe.

I've had 2, a 12-2 blue from OH DOC, very smooth. Next I saw a 12-3, nickel, rd butt. Nowhere as good, but hammer strikes were normal. If the trigger pulls are ok, that's ok. Perfect guns, light but bigger frame than J's, would like them to make it again. I'd be 1st in line. Bull on the cracked frames, stronger than the new n J's. 158 gr is standard weight for sight in in that era, don't know about now. I had a Cobra that shot a mile high with 158, dead on with 110, but left, turned the barrel left, all center.