S&W model 12-2 Airweight 2 inch round butt

Pepper51 · Sep 15, 2023

This is the only aluminum frame revolver I own. I think it is one of the best carry revolvers in 38 special. This one DOES NOT have the dreaded crack of doom. It is in excellent condition showing signs of being fired but not carried. There is light glare and reflection taking photos. Not good at that. There is some finish wear to the recoil shield and light turn line but that is it. Made 1975-76. Grips are serial numbered to gun. If I shoot it, it will be with standard load 38. Sometimes I wish the finish was worn so I could care less about carry. No box for this one. Love that short action.

sheepdawg · Sep 15, 2023

Here's it's older sibling, from 1964, not pretty, no cracks and definitely in my carry rotation. I fill it with some old standard velocity, 125 gr. 38 spec. Nyclads. They are great carry pieces on a good holster.

Rudi · Sep 15, 2023

Two sweeet beauties!

quietman123 · Sep 15, 2023

I have come to the conclusion that it is OK if I carry, shoot, whatever even a gun in excellent condition. If it is not highly collectible how much could it depreciate by a little holster wear, etc.? In the long run to me, life is short, enjoy it.

Marshal Tom · Sep 15, 2023

I had one exactly like it in excellent, like new condition. I was afraid to carry it and shoot it because of the posts about frame cracking on them and the fact that anodized finishes wear badly when holstered. I actually sold it, bought it back from the shop and eventually sold it again. I wish I had kept it. It felt better than a J frame in my hand and is a 6 shot to boot.

majick47 · Sep 15, 2023

Pepper51 no reason not to carry your M-12-2, as long as you are reasonably careful the amount of finish wear will be insignificant with a proper holster. S&W hit the target with the M-12, lightweight, concealable and with standard 38s controllable. Install a black vintage Tyler T grip and you are good to go. My recommendation a vintage leather Safariland # 28 lined pancake holster, won't break the bank.

Pepper51 · Sep 15, 2023

majick47 said:
Pepper51 no reason not to carry your M-12-2, as long as you are reasonably careful the amount of finish wear will be insignificant with a proper holster. S&W hit the target with the M-12, lightweight, concealable and with standard 38s controllable. Install a black vintage Tyler T grip and you are good to go. My recommendation a vintage leather Safariland # 28 lined pancake holster, won't break the bank.

Good advice. My question is, which Tyler T-Grip fits the narrow frame of the model 12? Is anyone using the standard K frame Tyler or was there a special one for the mod. 12?

Xfuzz · Sep 15, 2023

Been a model 12 fan many moons.
Many years ago a member here tried to wear out a model 12
by firing +p 38sp ammo. Forget how much ammo he went through
(couple grand IIRC) and it held up fine....older members may recall
that thread.
This 1963 vintage model 12 now resides in my
granddaughter's nightstand.

Model19man · Sep 15, 2023

I have a well worn Model 37. The frame is painted (powder coated maybe?) black while the steel parts are blued, the hammer and trigger of course color case hardened. I guess the Model 12 is a bit bigger since it has six rounds?

Targets Guy · Sep 15, 2023

Very nice. I picked up my 12-2 back in 2017. It shipped Nov 1971.

I had to get it as I had a set of AF shield grips waiting for it.

Engine49guy · Sep 15, 2023

I have two, a minty flat latch snub SB with diamond magnas from the early 60's, ( btw the model is the only K frame that came with the flat latch cylinder release).
My other one is a well worn early 70's version, it was also a SB until I converted it to a RB to aid in concealed carry

Rubone · Sep 15, 2023

I was very happy when I found my 12-3, it was in great shape and pre-panic pricing!

usedkid · Sep 15, 2023

Pepper51 said:
Good advice. My question is, which Tyler T-Grip fits the narrow frame of the model 12? Is anyone using the standard K frame Tyler or was there a special one for the mod. 12?

The Tyler #3R or #3 for the standard frame fit fine. The soft copper tabs will adapt to the narrower frame.

crows · Sep 17, 2023

usedkid said:
The Tyler #3R or #3 for the standard frame fit fine. The soft copper tabs will adapt to the narrower frame.

Yep. I have a mid '60's flat latch and a late '70's nickel, both have the #3 t grip added. Works fine.

S&W model 12-2 Airweight 2 inch round butt

Pepper51

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sheepdawg

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