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Model 12-4 Facts

B

BillCaribe

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Good Morning Gentlemen, I have posted this before but maybe I did not ask the right questions. The guys were helpful but I would like for anyone that knows to post the answers to questions about this weapon "S & W model 12-4 Airweight “natural” alloy color six shot 2 inch barrel sn. ADL9028 K frame round butt". I apologize but I will not have a photo until maybe next week.
What is the correct model designation name?
Is it correct that it was made and/or shipped in 1984?
What is the correct shape of the cylinder latch?
What are the possible finishes apart from blue & nickle?
Can this revolver have a dark blue/black hammer?
Does anyone have any photos of a 12-4?
Any other details or facts would be appreciated..
Thank You
 
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The "Correct model" is Military and Police Airweight, Model 12. Strictly the "dash number" isn't part of the model designation but rather an engineering change designator.

The gun should have been put-up in 1983. Call S&W Customer Service at 800-331-0852 and ask! All production since adoption of the "Alphabet" serial numbers is computerized. They can tell you the exact date it was put-up, not just shipped, as with older guns.

The correct "Thumbpiece" is the one which is symmetrical along the long axis as opposed to the late "Modern" one which has an angled face.

There are only two finish options on Aluminum framed guns of this time period, Black Anodized and Nickel. If your gun is bright then it is Nickel.

The hammer, and trigger, should be color case-hardened. If it is anything else it is after-market work. For it's entire history there have been only two finishes provided by the factory for hammers and triggers. These are color case-hardened and flash Chrome on Stainless steel guns. All Carbon steel and Aluminum framed guns had CCH. There is one exception to this rule, and that is the very early Model 60s had Stainless steel hammers and triggers that were not sufficiently durable and were quickly replaced with CCH and flash-Chrome.

The Model 12 looks exactly like any other K-frame revolver with the same barrel length and grip frame shape. The only difference visually is the color of the frame and sideplate which are distinctly black and contrast with the steel parts, barrel, cylinder and yoke. If the gun is Nickel, and a -4, there is nothing visual to distinguish it from a steel frame gun except the "Airweight" roll-mark on the barrel.

Other details? The Model 12-4 is the only one of the K-Frame Airweights to be dimensionally identical and use the same internals as the steel framed guns. All earlier models used internal parts .025" thinner, and a frame .080" thinner than the steel frame counterparts.
 
IMO, the gun as you described above and earlier has had 'work' done to it. Those characteristics are not original on a Model 12. That picture sure would help. :)
 
Gentlemen,
I sincerely thank you for your efforts to give me the information concerning the M&P Airweight. I will pass it on to my Buddy when I am able to contact him. I am curious if you don't mind how did you learn all this stuff? A school and/or experience? Poco a Poco I will learn too. I may be able to rendevous next week to see it and take a picture but now I have facts to compare. Thanks again for taking the time. I am from the "mile wide & inch thick" school of knowledge but I do know Police service dog training and other Cop stuff so if I can help anybody here I will do my best. One last "edumacation" for me when you say color case hardened what color is that? Thanks again
 
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Might keep in mind that the 12-4 was subject to frame cracks in the yoke cut, below the forcing cone, just like older Model 12s. I had an--unfired!--12-4 with just such a crack. Inspecting for this before purchase is a good idea.
 
Color & Cracks

Thank you Gentlemen for your time and information, The color I will see hopefully at some point this week but the color was described to em as being black or very dark blue and the yoke possible crack issue I will look at too but "that boat done sailed" as in the gun is bought. Thank again
 
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