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09-14-2021, 07:58 PM
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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
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09-14-2021, 09:10 PM
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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.
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09-14-2021, 10:00 PM
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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.
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09-14-2021, 10:05 PM
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That is a grail quest gun for me.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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09-14-2021, 10:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aircrewman
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.
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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.
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09-14-2021, 10:45 PM
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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.
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09-14-2021, 10:52 PM
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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.
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09-14-2021, 11:01 PM
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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.
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09-14-2021, 11:49 PM
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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.
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09-15-2021, 08:17 AM
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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
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09-15-2021, 08:35 AM
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No love here.
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09-15-2021, 08:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedo2
No love here.
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Yikes! There is probably nothing that can be done about that right?
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09-15-2021, 08:53 AM
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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.
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09-15-2021, 09:33 AM
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Carry a 12-2 made in 1964 most everyday. Don't need Plus Ps, mines loaded with Federal 125 gr. Nyclad H.P.s.
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09-15-2021, 09:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbrgr1
Yikes! There is probably nothing that can be done about that right?
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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.
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09-15-2021, 12:11 PM
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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.
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09-15-2021, 12:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbrgr1
I have a 12-2 and a pretty unusual 12-4 with the wide body frame and grips that I really enjoy.
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If the "unusual" part is the width of the frame, that's what the -4 incorporated - a standard-width frame.
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09-15-2021, 04:36 PM
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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...
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09-15-2021, 05:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GerSan69
If the "unusual" part is the width of the frame, that's what the -4 incorporated - a standard-width frame.
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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.
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