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 09-14-2021, 07:58 PM
PaulDoc's Avatar
PaulDoc PaulDoc is offline
SWCA Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 191
Likes: 707
Liked 971 Times in 117 Posts
Default Any love for the model 12?

I have a model 12-3. Shipped in 1978. It has a 2" barrel and has a bit of wear. I like it and think it's an interesting model. Would be interested in any and all opinions. And any advice. Paul
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20210914_121907.jpg (106.7 KB, 78 views)
File Type: jpg 20210914_121724.jpg (73.9 KB, 55 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 09-14-2021, 09:10 PM
HardToHandle's Avatar
HardToHandle HardToHandle is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 504
Likes: 2,628
Liked 674 Times in 310 Posts
Default

I like them enough to carry one nearly every day.

The light weight is nice. Well, at least until you shoot a +P. Then they are a lot less fun to shoot than a steel frame.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 09-14-2021, 10:00 PM
Aircrewman Aircrewman is offline
SWCA Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Sutherlin, Oregon
Posts: 999
Likes: 551
Liked 817 Times in 417 Posts
Default

I inherited one. A two inch, blue, M&P .38 spl. Airweight.... (pre-12). Father-in-law's that he used in Law Enforcement many, many years ago. It's probably 1955-1957 manufacture. No model number, C serial. Very nice revolver. The light weight is wonderful for carry. One serious drawback is that, being an aluminum frame, use +P ammo is a significant factor for frame trouble. And barrel or frame cracking is a significant risk.

I would use light loads or any "standard" load or handload but steer clear of heavy loads or any high pressure ammunition. Other than that, they are a really nice revolver.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 09-14-2021, 10:05 PM
dscampbell's Avatar
dscampbell dscampbell is offline
SWCA Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central California
Posts: 780
Likes: 628
Liked 1,298 Times in 359 Posts
Default

That is a grail quest gun for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Wheel guns are real guns too.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 09-14-2021, 10:17 PM
redlevel's Avatar
redlevel redlevel is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: GA
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 8,045
Liked 12,731 Times in 2,419 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aircrewman View Post
I inherited one. A two inch, blue, M&P .38 spl. Airweight.... (pre-12). Father-in-law's that he used in Law Enforcement many, many years ago. It's probably 1955-1957 manufacture. No model number, C serial. Very nice revolver. The light weight is wonderful for carry. One serious drawback is that, being an aluminum frame, use +P ammo is a significant factor for frame trouble. And barrel or frame cracking is a significant risk.

I would use light loads or any "standard" load or handload but steer clear of heavy loads or any high pressure ammunition. Other than that, they are a really nice revolver.
I have seen two examples of early “Airweights” that had aluminum cylinders. One Chiefs Special and one preModel 12.

I have a Model 12-3 in my safe, round butt with a four inch barrel. I have only fired it a few times, but I am probably going to incorporate it into my home security plan.
__________________
Georgia On My Mind
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 09-14-2021, 10:45 PM
Mbrgr1's Avatar
Mbrgr1 Mbrgr1 is offline
SWCA Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Central Oklahoma
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 1,845
Liked 6,039 Times in 1,107 Posts
Default

Love em here! There is a 2" 12-3 nickel that just passed $1K on an unnamed website, that's amazing by itself!



I have a 12-2 and a pretty unusual 12-4 with the wide body frame and grips that I really enjoy.


I don't shoot them much, but any 2" nickel 38 just does something for me.


Nice example you have there! Keep the loads in the normal range, I have heard of frames cracking, but never seen one.







__________________
When words fail, music speaks.
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 09-14-2021, 10:52 PM
Marshal tom Marshal tom is online now
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Cedaredge Co.
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 11
Liked 2,729 Times in 969 Posts
Default

I had a beautiful condition 2" RB example that I actually owned twice. I was afraid to carry it or shoot it due to the stuff I had heard about cracked frames and the fact that the anodized finish would come off when carried. I ended up selling it and wish now that I had kept it. I felt much better in my hand than a J frame does.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 09-14-2021, 11:01 PM
Grayfox's Avatar
Grayfox Grayfox is offline
US Veteran
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bartlett, Tennessee
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 2,923
Liked 18,636 Times in 4,777 Posts
Default

I had a M&P Airweight (pre-12) for a while. Nice gun, carried well and was accurate. And while I know its rare, there was always that little seed of doubt in my mind regarding the frame cracks and finish wear. Got to the point where I didn't want to carry or shoot it. No good to me like that, so down the road it went.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 09-14-2021, 11:49 PM
31FordA 31FordA is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 10,972
Liked 2,633 Times in 1,006 Posts
Default

I have a 2” 12-2 round butt that I sometimes carry for work, and often carry off duty. It’s one of my favorite guns to carry. I’m always on the look out for another 12, especially a 12-4, when I am touring local gun shops.
__________________
Wheel guns are real guns.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 09-15-2021, 08:17 AM
GyMac GyMac is offline
US Veteran
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SW Washington
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 616
Liked 288 Times in 168 Posts
Default

I have a 4 inch round butt that’s very nice! It shoots to point of aim and has a very smooth DA. I discovered though, that I much prefer the square butt in my K frames. Still, it’s a great gun
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-15-2021, 08:35 AM
Speedo2 Speedo2 is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Western Phraudsylvania
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 836
Liked 1,237 Times in 449 Posts
Default

No love here.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCF1074.jpg (100.2 KB, 41 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF1075.jpg (108.1 KB, 40 views)
File Type: jpg DSCF1073.jpg (62.3 KB, 53 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 09-15-2021, 08:47 AM
Mbrgr1's Avatar
Mbrgr1 Mbrgr1 is offline
SWCA Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Central Oklahoma
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 1,845
Liked 6,039 Times in 1,107 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedo2 View Post
No love here.



Yikes! There is probably nothing that can be done about that right?
__________________
When words fail, music speaks.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-15-2021, 08:53 AM
rockquarry rockquarry is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,552
Likes: 4
Liked 8,885 Times in 4,121 Posts
Default

The K-frame 2" snubnose guns are far easier to shoot well than the J-frame versions. However, for concealed carry it's important to consider that the Model 12 is a much larger revolver than the J-frame gun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 09-15-2021, 09:33 AM
sheepdawg's Avatar
sheepdawg sheepdawg is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Hills of North Georgia
Posts: 5,118
Likes: 1,850
Liked 12,440 Times in 3,403 Posts
Default

Carry a 12-2 made in 1964 most everyday. Don't need Plus Ps, mines loaded with Federal 125 gr. Nyclad H.P.s.
__________________
LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 09-15-2021, 09:55 AM
Speedo2 Speedo2 is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Western Phraudsylvania
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 836
Liked 1,237 Times in 449 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbrgr1 View Post
Yikes! There is probably nothing that can be done about that right?
I think that it's relegated to either wall-hanger or parts-gun status. I've thought about maybe trying some of those Speer plastic, primer-only practice rounds in it, but haven't yet done that. Probably should just render it unable to be fired with anything and thereby avoid future headaches. -S2

Last edited by Speedo2; 09-15-2021 at 10:00 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 09-15-2021, 12:11 PM
Rubone Rubone is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Land of Enchantment
Posts: 737
Likes: 449
Liked 1,669 Times in 495 Posts
Default

I've got a 12-3 that I picked up a few years back in really nice shape other than a little finish loss on the stocks. Doesn't appear to have been fired much.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DCP_3502.JPG (132.6 KB, 11 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 09-15-2021, 12:45 PM
GerSan69 GerSan69 is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: metro Phoenix
Posts: 3,192
Likes: 16,363
Liked 3,962 Times in 1,603 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbrgr1 View Post
I have a 12-2 and a pretty unusual 12-4 with the wide body frame and grips that I really enjoy.
If the "unusual" part is the width of the frame, that's what the -4 incorporated - a standard-width frame.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-15-2021, 04:36 PM
xtrtsqrt11 xtrtsqrt11 is offline
Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 185
Likes: 177
Liked 229 Times in 108 Posts
Default

I like my 12-2 snubby. It's easier to make good hits than my 640PD, almost as light and if I could just replace the grips (it had standard K frame grips on it when I bought it). I've decided against grinding them down, I'm just waiting for my name to come up on Spegal's list. I've been there a bit more than two years so with his move, I'm hoping to come up soon...
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 12-2 gap.jpg (53.9 KB, 8 views)
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 09-15-2021, 05:52 PM
Mbrgr1's Avatar
Mbrgr1 Mbrgr1 is offline
SWCA Member
Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12? Any love for the model 12?  
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Central Oklahoma
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 1,845
Liked 6,039 Times in 1,107 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GerSan69 View Post
If the "unusual" part is the width of the frame, that's what the -4 incorporated - a standard-width frame.

Well, because it was the only 12 with a standard K frame and the last of the line.


SCSW says:



"Scarce in RB and SB"


"Premium for 2" barrel"


"Significant premium for nickel"


Other than that, plain old model 12! Dime a dozen.
__________________
When words fail, music speaks.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Some love for the model 66???? toad67 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 36 12-28-2017 12:35 PM
Model 12 Love? TAROMAN S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 23 10-28-2017 04:13 PM
Gotta love those Germans--they sure love their Bier..... the ringo kid The Lounge 19 07-22-2014 01:22 AM
New Guy... Love Guns, Love Bikes fws8319 New Members Introduction 20 03-01-2014 04:54 PM
I love my Model 27-2 august1410 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 7 01-30-2012 07:50 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 11:59 AM.


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