12-3 airweight info

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gotigers

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A friend is selling a 12-3 that looks real nice. I have no idea about it. Can anyone share any insight or have an idea of value?

12-3 airweight, no lock.

All matching number. Serial number. 4Dxxxxx

No wood grips.

No box.

MEB7ICR.jpg
 
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You may want to check for stress cracks and moisture under the rubbers.
The 12-3 is still the thin frame, so grips will be special. Great carry gun.
You will be OK at $350 as pictured. No collector value. Just remember, you posted one pic.
 
I think I paid between $350 to $450 for each of the three Model 12's I bought last year (2" 12-2, 4" 12-2, and 4" 12-3). My 12-3 was the only one which didn't have the factory grips when I bought it. I ended up ordering a set of Model 12 grips through e-bay for about $100. Before the 12-4, Model 12's used a slightly different frame than other K-frames (apparently called the KA frame). It's thinner at the grip, so you will usually see a small gap when using non-KA-frame-specific grips.

According to the SCSW 4th Edition, the 12-3 was released in 1977 and the 12-4 was released in 1984. Yours has a pinned barrel, so it was likely built between 77 and 82, when the pinned barrel was deleted.
 
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Looks pretty good but the Goodyear grips are going to hurt value a bit. I would say a dealer may give you $500, retail might be $75 higher.
 
Have Mint one, original grips but no box. Sort of hate to carry it as have a 10 2” thats very nice and hate to carry it…..
 
I had a 12-2 at one time that was a great carry gun. I shot it using standard pressure 38 RNL ammo and it shot well. I had a Tyler's T-grip on mine. I eventually traded/sold it off when I got the "I gotta get a 9mm carry gun" itch. :o
 
It sounds like a problem child with the odd hard to find parts and grip frame issues.
 
gotigers said:
It sounds like a problem child with the odd hard to find parts and grip frame issues.
Click to expand...

It really isnt, as long as it has no frame crack as others have mentioned you should be good to go. Just open the cylinder and look underneath where the barrel is threaded into the frame. Google "S&W airweight frame crack" to see what you don't want to find.
Round butt airweight stocks can be found online if desired but those rubber Hogues should make for fairly comfy shooting.
The bluing looks good and the turn line doesnt seem deep. The case hardened hammer and trigger are nice. If you can get it for $350 - $400, why not?

FWIW,
Todd
 
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Well, i am going to pass on it. I spent my extra money on something else. If anyone is interested, let me know and i will get you in touch with the seller. There are no stress cracks anywhere on the gun.

Sorry if this post breaks the rules. I am just passing it along. I am NOT the seller.
 
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