Found a pre 12 flatlatch 2" RB, pics

[AirCommando]

I didn't even know S&W made flatlatch K frames until I saw this one on GB. The description by the seller said it would make a nice addition to a collection of flatlatch snubbies. I have 3 others, J frames, so I thought so too!

It is really in nice shape, don't think it has been fired much. I like the fishhook hammer too. The grips number to the gun.

I gave $399 for it. I think that is not bad.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I think that is not bad either, not bad at all. That revolver has a very appealing look about it.

Those Airweight K-Frames are so weird. They look substantial just like their steel brethren but, pick one up and it seems to almost float away, they are so light. Six shots too. Ought to hide just about as well as a J-Frame.

 

[AirCommando]

When I picked it up at my FFL dealer, he pulled out his pre 10 2" to compare them. Mine's much lighter. His is from 1954 and I think mine is from 1955. His has a half moon front sight and a regular thumb latch. We were wondering why his wasn't a flat latch. I told him I'll ask here.

AC

 

[Old cop]

It is a beaut! I'm not sure which ones they were but some were made with the aluminum (as opposed to steel) cylinder so I'd investigate further before going to the range.

 

[TNDave]

Very nice gun! A lucky find

 

[AirCommando]

This one has a steel cylinder. I think the aluminum cylinder ones were a little earlier. Oh, I heard these have a propensity (sp?) for frame cracks. This one is good. So far!

 

[ar15ed]

that is a nice one!

 

[AirCommando]

Box & papers

The reason I bought this gun is I already had a cool box I bought on ebay for $16. It's for a square butt, I wonder what is under the paper label; maybe it says round butt. I don't think I'll try to look.

The papers are cool...a blue color instruction sheet and a helpful hints brochure.

The box and papers are from 1958. Close enough!

 

[gunnut44]

Cool gun in nice shape! I buy boxes too then fill them with guns. When you need a box for a gun they are never around! It easier this way.

 

[Hondo44]

This one has a steel cylinder. I think the aluminum cylinder ones were a little earlier. Oh, I heard these have a propensity (sp?) for frame cracks. This one is good. So far!

Not knowing every detail, my 'thumbnail' understanding is:

S&W issued about 200 airweights to the army aircorps with alloy cylinders for field use and testing. Most failed by blowing out chambers and taking parts of the frame with them. Then S&W issued lower pressure 38 specials for use in these field tests. The cylinders still failed. So they called them all back and destroyed what was returned...but not all. Coincidently I observed one for sale at a gun show that had failed and the remainder of the box of lower pressure ammunition was offered with it for $2000.

A chamber had ruptured close to the cartridge rim recess. Part of the lower rear corner frame window where it meets the side plate and is a thin area behind the cylinder bolt was also cracked.

 

[KEN L]

Wowzer! What a nice find. You are very lucky. Congratulations!

 

[ENGINE18]

Nice M12! One of them is on my short list!

 

[AirCommando]

Ammo

Thanks for the nice words guys.

Is this the low pressure ammo? It has a 1981 headstamp.

 

[Engine49guy]

Nice find especially having the box,
Oddly enough there seems to be more square butts popping up lately than round ,
Weird considering it is a snubnose airweight gun.

Also, Although your cylinder with matching serial number looks to have been original ,
Aluminum cylinder .38 caliber guns that went back to the factory for any work were changed to steel cylinders,
Any signs of a factory return stamp under the grips?


BTW...That style hammer is referred to as a "Speedhammer" ...

Congrats and enjoy!

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks for the nice words guys.

Is this the low pressure ammo? It has a 1981 headstamp.

I don't think so since the original low pressure ammo was issued in the '50s when the alloy cylinder guns were still in use.

 

[AirCommando]

Any signs of a factory return stamp under the grips?


BTW...That style hammer is referred to as a "Speedhammer" ...

Congrats and enjoy!

Thanks! That's what I get for trying to sound like a collector! No sign of a rework as far as I can see.

Hondo...weren't they called M41 though? Or was it another number?

 

[KEN L]

Ran across one of these in a small shop today, some light surface rust on one side of the cylinder and on the barrel, but think it'll clean up. Bore and chambers are mint. Serial #C4474xx, original grips. I didn't have the cash on me at the time, but can get it out the door for $275. I'm going back real soon, hope its still there!

 

[Anton Dee]

Nice find!
What a beauty, love the flat latch, Round Butt and hammer.

Also love the reason why you 'needed' that gun!

But, as the box states Square Butt, I think you should search for a Square Butt model and sell this one (to me?)

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks!
Hondo...weren't they called M41 though? Or was it another number?

You're right. The M41 was 16,000 psi, and standard 38 special is uaually listed at 17,000 psi. But I'm going from memory and that's always hazardous.

Aircrewman airwieghts were made 1951 to 1957 and therefore pre model numbers. I believe it was designated the "USAF M13 Aircrewman". Not to be confused with Model 13, the 357 Mag (w/o target sights) M&P . The M13 was a military designation like M1 Garand.

The .38 M&P Airwieght was the civilian version later caller Model 12.

 

[Hondo44]

Ran across one of these in a small shop today, some light surface rust on one side of the cylinder and on the barrel, but think it'll clean up. Bore and chambers are mint. Serial #C4474xx, original grips. I didn't have the cash on me at the time, but can get it out the door for $275. I'm going back real soon, hope its still there!

Will they put it on hold for you? I'd hate to miss out, that's a terrific price.