M&P Aiweight Conundrum

[Grayfox]

Another Model 12 thread got me to thinking about this and I thought I'd ask for opinions.
I have a 2" M&P Airweight (Pre-12) that I bought about 6-7 years back. Serial number puts it at 1955-56. Mechanics are perfect, frame is not cracked and the finish is about 90-95%.

Lousy picture I know, but you get the idea.

I bought it for two reasons. First I thought it would make an interesting addition to my collection. Second, I didn't have one. At the time I thought the $600 price was a bit high, but then you don't see these very often. Especially in this good of condition. So I figured what the hell and bought it.
Since then I've taken it to the range exactly twice and maybe put a total of 50 rounds of light loads through it. Otherwise it has just sat in the safe.

Anyway, about two years ago I got to thinking about this gun and realized it wasn't serving me any purpose. I almost never shoot it. While I believe the frame cracking issue is over blown, I have to admit it does kinda stick in my mind.
I'll never carry it due to the fact that the factory grips don't work for me and aftermarket grips just don't exist. I can get by with a T-grip, ain't perfect but it works. Besides, I have plenty of other choices for carry and this one wouldn't even make the top 10.
Finally, I just don't particularly like it. I don't hate it. Its a fine gun. Its just that I never really connected with it.
Anyway, I decided to just sell it and put the money to more useful purposes.

Here's the thing, I really, really hate loosing money on a gun. The whole idea just rubs me the wrong way. I'm not looking to make a profit, just want to get what I have in it back.
I know what you're thinking, put it on GB or one of the other auction sites to get the best price. The problem with that is shipping costs. I'm not a FFL and all the ones around here either aren't interested or charge so much that its actually cheaper for me to go UPS overnight. Which, by the way, could run anywhere from $75 to $100 depending on where its going.
So if I put it up for auction and try to charge more than the usual $25-30 for shipping, many people will just pass. I know that I will pass on one if the shipping costs seem too high. Then the auction becomes a coin toss. Will I make enough profit to cover the extra shipping cost? Also depends on the final price. I could make a killing OR I could loose my butt. No real way of knowing how it might turn out.

I have listed it here in the Classifieds. It didn't sell. I'm guessing the shipping was the killer.

I've tried to sell it locally and taken it to a bunch of gun shows thinking that if nothing else, I could use it for trading material. It seems that there is very little interest. What few offers I've had have been downright insulting.

After much thought and consideration, I've come up with three options.
1. Throw it back in the safe and sit on it for maybe another 10 years, then try to sell it.
2. Sell it for whatever I can get and just accept the loss.
3. Now this one is interesting. My girlfriend's preferred carry gun is a 2" Model 10. She loves the gun and shoots it well, but she does say that it makes her purse heavy. I'm thinking I might just give it to her. She can do the majority of her regular shooting with the Model 10 and have the much lighter Airweight for daily carry. Lots of pros and cons to this option. She may not even want it. But it is being considered.

So what say you distinguished members of the forum? Help me decide what to do.

 

[austintexas]

If it is the Airweight that has a steel cylinder I don't see any reason she wouldn't want to carry it. Let her know that if she has to shoot it for any reason, it will kick more than her M-10 although I think Hornaday has low recoil loads for the .38 special.
SWCA 892

 

[DWalt]

In the 1954-55 period, it could have either an alloy or a steel cylinder, or if originally with an original alloy cylinder, it could have been changed later to a steel cylinder. I wouldn't shoot one with an alloy cylinder. Period. Regarding the Model 12, you have run into a case of Model 12 phobia on the part on many potential purchasers, in the form of the risk potential of frame cracking under the barrel. I have seen enough examples of that that I wouldn't personally take a chance on buying one, unless it was purely to reside in a collection and as such wouldn't be fired (BTW I don't have one). Others may not have my reluctance on this point, and perhaps you might find one given enough time. Meanwhile, if it has a steel cylinder, giving it to your GF seems like a good option so long as it is presently free of a frame crack and also that only milder loads are used. I'd expect that if it has not cracked by now, it would be OK as a carry piece.

I don't know if there has ever been a good explanation regarding why the M12 frame sometimes cracks, but it is often blamed on over-torquing of the barrel at the factory, stressing the frame at its weakest point, resulting in early failure. I'm not sure I buy off on that theory, or whether it involves use of heavy loads. Back at that time, the .38-44 cartridge was still popular, and who's to say that a few hundred rounds of .38-44 through it couldn't lead to a frame crack also.

 

[Alk8944]

grayfox,

First, forget about remarks about Aluminum cylinders in early M&P Airweights. To begin with, assuming you have correctly identified the production period, the Aluminum cylinders were replaced by steel in new production in 1954. Many guns that had Aluminum cylinders originally were returned to the factory to be retro-fit with steel. And, your gun has a steel cylinder! Even in the photo, note the color difference between the frame/sideplate and the barrel/cylinder/yoke! The frame is distinctly black, and the remaining major components are definitely blue. As the gun ages, and the bluing fades, the difference becomes even more distinct. It amazes me how many don't seem to either be able to see this, or can't understand the difference!

Second, you simply paid too much! Seven years ago that would be at most a $400-450 revolver, especially with no box or accessories. Even if you hold onto it for a few more years you will have gained nothing because whatever value it gains is due to inflation causing the dollar to be worth less, so you will have gained nothing!

Give it to your GF and let her get some use out of it. Let it be used as it was intended. If she carries it you will see significant finish wear though! I will post some photos of my M-12 EDC shortly and you will see what I mean! My other one has more wear on it that this one. You will also be able to see the color difference very clearly. Look at the edges, most of what appears white is bare metal, on both the frame and cylinder, particularly the top strap, and trigger guard edges. This gun has been pocket carried for several years for those who don't believe a K-Frame can be pocket carried!

 

[Hondo44]

Give it to your girlfriend, if she's relatively permanent or if not, loan it to her. Just make sure she carries it in a separate divider in the purse where her car keys or anything else never go!

She can practice with the Model 10 but shoot the M12 once in awhile for practice as you said, to know what to expect if she has to use it. And recognize there's a 99.9% chance she'll never have to shoot it in a 'serious social' situation.

And you'll make a great "relationship investment" !

 

[Engine49guy]

Clean 5 screw Pre Model 12's are not very prevalent,
I wouldnt give one to my GF if she would be just as happy (if not happier) with a newer Model 37 or 60.

If your a collector put it away, if your a shooter and can use the $ elsewhere sell or trade it for something newer as IMO that gun is a classic.

 

[Grayfox]

I should have mentioned earlier, yes it does have a steel cylinder. If it were alloy, I wouldn't shoot it or even consider giving it to GF.

Yeah, I know I paid too much. I didn't know much about Model 12s back then and fell victim to my own impulses. Besides, at the time I figured I'd have it for a lot longer. Best laid plans...etc.

I'm well aware of the finish issues. Outside of unfired or LNIB, this is the best one I've ever seen. Another reason I bought it.
BTW: my girlfriend carries her gun in a Ramora holster tucked into a separate pocket in her purse. We already had the discussion about keys, lint, etc.

As for my girlfriend herself, she takes pride in her independence. When we first started talking about a gun for her, I offered to give her one of mine. She wouldn't hear of it and insisted on buying her own. She also doesn't like me to spend much money on her. So I'm not sure if she would even accept it.

Still thinking on it. Keep the comments coming.

 

[BUFF]

We all know a lot about Model 12's. Tell us more about that girlfriend! And don't forget, we like pictures!




Just kidding. I'd get the best deal I could, either in cash or trade for something I really wanted, and figure any loss as the cost of the experience. I had no real use in mind when I bought my 4 inch Model 12, but found a limited one for a while. Now, I just use it to shoot blanks at midnight on New Years Eve. I used to carry my 2 inch so much as a back-up gun, I bought a spare. How is that for rationalization?

 

[Hondo44]

Most excellent judgment!

 

[Mister_Smith]

Just keep the gun and enjoy it, this will hurt a lot less than taking a loss. Trust me, I speak from experience, having that nice gun around, even if you are only warm to it, will be much more enjoyable than taking a loss.

More importantly, and I speak for myself, I HAVE REGRETTED EVERY SALE OF EVERY GUN I EVER OWNED.

Keep it and enjoy it.

Alk8944 I occasionally pocket carry a Smith and Wesson model 19 with a four inch barrel, and more often pocket carry a Beretta 92 Compact.

With the right pants, and the right shirts, I can easily and inconspicuously pocket carry some very large guns, Colt Government Models included.

So yes, I have no doubt you pocket carry your own Model 12. I have wanted a Model 12 just for pocket carry but I want one that has the hammer already cut, bobbed. I will not buy a 12 and then cut the hammer, I figure I'll find one already cut.

I typically pocket carry my Smith J frames, but when I wear my pants with deeper pockets, I carry K frames or my large (even the "compact" is large when you're talkin' about a Beretta 92) Beretta, no problem.

I have reinforced my pockets whenever I had doubts about the pocket's capacity to withstand the weight, by the way.