Take the work done on the UC J frames: better sights; no lock; good action job from the factory, etc. 3" barrel, RB. I prefer the looks of the heavy barrel, but that might not be practical in terms of the weight compromise.

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NHI, 10-8.

You and a couple hundred others! Scroll down through the threads and you will find many "wishes" for new Model 12s.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I would rather carry a model 12 than a model 37. Not that much more weight, fit my hand better and 6 shots vs 5.

Lots of us have been dreaming/ wishing for such a revolver. Modern, +P capable with a beautiful finish. Make mine a standard 3 inch barrel with nice service Magna style stocks, please……

The factory doesn't have a KA (K alloy) framed gun currently, but a few years ago they didn't have K steel framed .357s either and they solved that, so it's possible to do.

It would probably be named the model 12-5.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Seven shot, .32 H&R Magnum, UC-style sights for 3" and 4" barrels.

The first thing before a new Model 12 could be built is to discover the real reason the frame lunette sometimes cracks. I can tell you two reasons that are not the reason!

First: Excessive torque installing the barrels. Unknown to many people Air weight barrels are not retained by torque as barrels in steel frame guns. The barrels are secured with Green Loc-Tite, "Sleeve Mount" The barrels can actually be installed finger-tight in the frame with the Loc-Tite product securing the threads.

The frames do not crack during proof-firing. Proof pressure is ca, 28,000 PSI, far above any commercial even +P factory load!

In my personal experience I have inadvertently fired .38 Special ammunition in a Model 12 that probably exceeded .357 Magnum pressure, with no damage to the revolver. That was a minimum starting load listed in a well known reloading manual! The load was supposed to be standard pressure! It was around 200 rounds that were fired, not just a single round!!

What does cause the cracking? Who really knows! Possibly it is improper heat-treating leaving the frames too brittle in some guns. Possibly something so simple as dropping one of the guns with a brittle frame causing the lunette to crack! Certainly there is one of the many aero-space aluminum alloys used for highly stressed aircraft and spacecraft parts which would be adequate to correct the problem!

If anyone knows the real reason for Air Weight frames cracking in service I would be very happy to hear this information! Up until there has only been conjecture which reasons are easily dis-proved, see above! Once the real reason is discovered only a change in frame alloy and/or heat treat specifications should allow S&W to build a durable Model 12.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I would agree with the previous posts that an updated M12 would be a grand idea. But I would take it one step further and go with a round butt M15. A rear sight similar to the new UC series or one that was used on Night Guard line mated to a XS front would be ideal. An upgraded action, 2.5 inch barrel, round butt, no lock and a durable finish would complete the package. The demand for a quality carry revolver is stronger now than any time in the past 30 years.

A neat concept - I'm stuck with making do with this M12 4" RB. c.1974.
Great shooter and you hardly know you're carrying it.....

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

I am with Steelslaver. I much prefer the k frame size to the J frame and with one more round. I have posted before about owning a beautiful condition model 12-2 twice! I sold it and bought it back. I never carried it due to the anodized frames showing wear quickly and never shot it because of the cracked frame stories. I really liked the size and feel. I think Lipsey's may be listening and have additional plans along the lines of what they have just done with the 442/642, 432/642UC guns.