M12 vs J Airweights

[ENGINE18]

Donating my 638 to Mrs. ENGINE18 for CCW. Of course, I explained to her how I HAD to have something to replace it with! (don't really want to carry my 640-1, too nice!)

I'm looking at M12, 2-inch RBs for the 6-round capacity and only slightly heavier @ 18 oz. or so, than a J-Airweight. I'm also considering an older M38, (found a couple that are resonabley priced, though a bit rough on the outside; perfect carry piece!) or newer 442/642, as I'm J-lazy! Those of you that have carried both M12s and J-frames, please help me decide.

 

[BUFF]

Size matters as much as weight does, when it comes to concealed carry. I find that a J frame hides better than a K. I frequently pocket carry a -642 but don't find that very comfortable or fast with a Model 12. If you are going to carry in a belt holster, there isn't much difference and there, a Model 12 would shine. It is easier to shoot the bigger gun well, as well.

Personally, though, if I were to go to the trouble to don a belt holster to tote a K frame, I would go a little heavier and carry a .357. My 3 inch M-66 isn't much bigger than my 2 inch Model 12, and I prefer the magnum punch.

 

[ENGINE18]

BUFF, that's kind of where I'm at, too. My 64-2, 2-inch is of course heavier than a 12, but about the sale dimensions. If I think of carrying it, I usually go with my 65-5, 3-inch in a pancake rig. I keep flipping; M12/J-frame. Maybe I'll get one of those older M38s! They're less $$ than the M12!

 

[gregintenn]

I have a Colt Cobra that is a good compromise between light weight, concealability, and six shots.

 

[ENGINE18]

I forgot to mention them; looking at those as well. Thanks!

 

[chp]

I have a Colt Cobra that is a good compromise between light weight, concealability, and six shots.

I handled a Cobra for the first time the other week at my 'smith's shop. I really liked it.

 

[gregintenn]

I'm as much a Smith and Wesson man as anyone else here, but I traded for a Cobra a few weeks ago, and maaaaaaan that thing is smooth!

 

[GatorFarmer]

I never had problems with pocket carrying a 12-3 2" RB. I simply left the wooden stocks on it and wrapped them with tape and rubber bands. It was more controllable and easier to get hits with than a J frame usually is. I had no complaints about it.

 

[P&R Fan]

Go ahead and take the plunge and get a M12. I've had one for a long time and it's one of my favorite revolvers. Sure, a .357 Mag. is more powerful, but there's just something cool about the M12. One thing I will mention though is don't rule out a square butt one. That's what mine is and the stocks are a fantastic fit for my hand, plus they're worn just perfectly on this nearly 50 year old gun. It conceals every bit as well as my round butt K-frames.
One word of warning though, don't just buy one, your wife may hijack it.

 

[David Sinko]

As far as I'm concerned, the problem with a 2" K Frame is the size and not the weight. As a pocket gun, the heaviest J Frame (my 940 comes to mind) is still more viable than the lightest K Frame. When fed heavy handloads, my 940 will out-perform any 2" six shot .38 Special revolver. The off-set cylinder stop notches of the J Frames have a huge influence in terms of what can reliably and safely be shot through a pocket gun, as opposed to the K Frame. So... How important is that sixth shot to you? Can you effectively hide that 2" K Frame? My 2" Model 64-2 is a very nice revolver, but it's still a K Frame and it doesn't fit into those places where I can hide my 940. My 60-7 is even lighter and it's all steel. Again, how important is that sixth shot to you?

Dave Sinko

 

[gaucho1]

After many years I personally discovered the D frame Colts.
Huge difference between K and D frames. Tiny difference between J and D. Erich did a size comparison that was surprising.
Weight counts a lot for me. Cobra is an ideal carry weapon for revolvers.
I have 2" and 4" RB model 12s. And lots of J frames. For light OWB carry, super. IWB too big for me.
I only feel this way about the old unshrouded ejector Colts. Later one feel much
more chunky to me.

All three are great guns.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

The issue with the 12 (I prefer a RB, but a SB isn't much different) IS the size. However, what that means is VERY dependent on the pants and the pocket size, and how they fit your body. I have no problem carrying a RB 12 in many of my Dockers, and used to carry a SB. I use a Don Hume JIT belt slide as a pocket holster.

A Cobra is even better, and an Agent better yet, but the ones I own seem for some reason not to be quite as accurate as my Smiths. Not sure why this is, and I suspect that it is not the rule. In fact, my 642 is more accurate than my 12, but the 12 fits my hand so much better that I consider it the better gun for most purposes.

 

[ENGINE18]

Now if I can find a decent-priced 12!

 

[stiab]

I forgot to mention them; looking at those as well. Thanks!

Here you can look at them in the same pic...

 

[gaucho1]

Good comparison picture.
The older style Colt grips are what changed my mind.
Flatter, leaner and in my case very important element for concealment.
Plus, as we all know, nickle guns are slightly larger.

Very nice photography. Really fine pair.

 

[ENGINE18]

Almost forgot I started this thread! I haven't made a move yet. Been totin' the 640-1, which isn't a bad choice. I'm still looking for a new CCW though and that's half the fun!

How about some pics of Js and K12s side-by-side like staib's? Thanks for all the help

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Model 12s RB or SB are great CCWs.
The only negative I can offer is that the finish gets worn over a period of time.
Jimmy