Model 12-2 questions

[Lurch II]

I inherited a Model 12-2 from my dad, ser # D478XXX. The revolver is in mint condition - I don't think he ever fired it. It feels heavier than an airweight and the barrel does not say it is an airweight. Is this still an aluminum frame? I'm guessing manufacture date between '66-'68 based on what I have been able to dig out using Google but if someone has a better fix on the date of mfg that would be of interest. It is a great little CCW - not quite as light and small as my old Chief's Special but this also carries 6 rounds so it is a fair trade weight vs. firepower. Will stay in the family but I may put a few more rounds through it than dad ever did. Any other thoughts on this weapon always welcome.

Shawn

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

Hello,

Your Model 12-2 was probably manufactured in 1968 and it has an aluminum frame with a steel cylinder. It is very similar to the Model 10 except for the aluminum frame.

They were produced from 1952 thru 1986 ending with a Model12-4 introduced in 1984. Pre models were called the M&P Airweight and got the model number added in 1957.

They were shipped with a number of different barrel lengths from 2" to 6" and is a fine carry-piece.

Yours sounds very nice and, although you did not initially state your barrel length, a short one would still make a nice carry gun.

 

[BUFF]

On occasion guns are mis-stamped at the factory. Best way to know is to check the frame with a magnet. The cylinder and barrel will both be steel construction.

Or weigh it. A 2 inch Model 12 should weigh 18 ounces, a steel frame gun will weigh 26 ounces.

 

[Lurch II]

Thanks 69. Love your name - had a 1968 383 Dodge Charger that was the cat's meow. Never should have sold it. The hemi's were an awesome motor.

1968 sounds about right to me 'cause dad bought it new around that time or a little after. It is a 2" barrel and the blueing isn't worn at all - like I said, I don't think it has had 50 rounds through it.

I hadn't thought of the magnet but it is a great idea.

Hello,

Your Model 12-2 was probably manufactured in 1968 and it has an aluminum frame with a steel cylinder. It is very similar to the Model 10 except for the aluminum frame.

They were produced from 1952 thru 1986 ending with a Model12-4 introduced in 1984. Pre models were called the M&P Airweight and got the model number added in 1957.

They were shipped with a number of different barrel lengths from 2" to 6" and is a fine carry-piece.

Yours sounds very nice and, although you did not initially state your barrel length, a short one would still make a nice carry gun.

 

[Lurch II]

Thanks Buff - the magnet hadn't occurred to me but a perfect test. Barrel and cylinder are steel. Back strap is aluminum and I assume the magnet pull I am getting on the side plate is due to the steel springs and mechanisms inside. So steel and aluminum it is!
Shawn

On occasion guns are mis-stamped at the factory. Best way to know is to check the frame with a magnet. The cylinder and barrel will both be steel construction.

Or weigh it. A 2 inch Model 12 should weigh 18 ounces, a steel frame gun will weigh 26 ounces.

 

[MP1983]

if you have the original wood grips, don't ever misplace them...they are slightly different in size from the grips off the gazzillion steel K-frames...you'd have a heck of a time ever replacing them...

they are a great little gun in 2 inch, I have one from circa '74, square butt....

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

Good morning Lurch II,

Sounds like a very nice 1968 Charger you once owned. This is my other passion (old MOPARS) and mine is an original, numbers-matching 1969 R/T that is being completely restored as we speak. I won't go into details but it will be an excellent restoration on a very rare car.

That snubbie S&W would make a very nice carry gun, especially knowing the history of it. Take very good care of it and pass it on as a family heirloom is what I would be doing.

 

[Lurch II]

As my wife would say, I never sell, just buy. This will stay in the family though the three daughters have shown no interest in firearms - but perhaps the sons-in law...

Good morning Lurch II,

Sounds like a very nice 1968 Charger you once owned. This is my other passion (old MOPARS) and mine is an original, numbers-matching 1969 R/T that is being completely restored as we speak. I won't go into details but it will be an excellent restoration on a very rare car.

That snubbie S&W would make a very nice carry gun, especially knowing the history of it. Take very good care of it and pass it on as a family heirloom is what I would be doing.

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

Just make sure your wife knows your wishes for it to stay in the family as well as your daughters. Hopefully, a future son-in-law will have an interest in older S&W's .