Model 12-3 bought from pawn shop

[mgo]

Ok...go ahead and laugh at the high price; $500.00 out the door. But, I've wanted an Airweight K-frame ever since foolishly selling one years ago. The finish is great (refinished?) action is smooth...a short range test was a non-event. Lockup is excellent and trigger pull is smooth.
The grips match the revolver. It needs a good lube job, and that is next, now that it's been at the range for a 20 round test session. A good light weight concealed carry revolver, in my view. Standard velocity 38 special will be used, of course. Your remarks and information are more than welcome.
Some amateurish pictures attached...

 

[gunner]

NICCCCCCCCCCCCE

 

[Engine49guy]

I find it perplexing that the majority of 4" barrel guns (that I see) are round butts and the majority of snub Airweights are SB's ????

I would think the RB's better suited to snub barrels and visa versa for the SB frames.

I have 2 snubs and am on the lookout for a clean 4" to go in the 4" M&P collection.

 

[Frank237]

Exactly the configuration of the M-12 we carried in our survival vests when I was in Army aviation. Though ours had a lanyard ring in the butt. Nice find!

 

[Alk8944]

A very nice Model 12. Obviously is is worth $500 to you, you paid it!. The question is how bad did you want it, and how likely it is you will ever see another!

With any of the Airweight guns it is extremely unlikely that they have been re-finished, and that one hasn't been!

That said, I would have gladly given $500 for this gun if I ever ran across one this nice, so let them laugh!

 

[StatesRightist]

Nice find.

 

[sniperecho6]

The condition of the 12 and the fact its what you were lookin for justifies what you paid, congrats on a fine wheelgun...

 

[Xfuzz]

Fine Smith..your gonna love it.

 

[dscampbell]

Very nice!

 

[chud333]

Nice weapon and i don't believe you overpaid either.
Very good find.


chuck

 

[murphydog]

Agree, it has the original finish - the steel barrel/cylinder always look shinier than the alloy frame on the Airweight guns. Also, I have not seen anyone (even the factory) tackle refinishing the frames on these. Enjoy!

 

[PeterCartwright]

Beautiful alloy gun! The combination of RB and light weight make it a sweet carry gun, too! Nice find.

PC

 

[MDMarauder]

Congrats! Looks just what you wanted..

 

[ronnie gore]

model 12

i have one just like yours and a square butt one also, and i agree the gun has not been refinished.

 

[Mickey D]

Worth every penny out here in CA. Nice find.

 

[Engine49guy]

You did not overpay,
Clean Airweight M&P's are getting hard to find in high condition.

Although available in a nickel finish it seems the majority are black anodized which like all S&W Airweights is easily scratched especially around the frame and trigger edges .

The Model 12's potential Achiles heel is that some instances of cracked frames beneath the forcing cone have been reported .
Any potential purchase should be closely examined for signs or frame cracking around the forcing cone ,
Likewise changing the barrel is not recommended .

One other niggle is that M&P Airweights prior to the dash 4 revision have slightly thinner frames resulting in a different grip thickness.
The Good news is that pre war service grips fit without modification and most K Magnas can be sanded down to fit .

 

[michael thornton]

well i passed on a nice 2 inch 12 last week, cant buy them all but i sure wanted it, shot it 12 times and the recoil was brisk for a k frame 38 with 2.5 gr of red dot and a 158 cast bullet

 

[larkop]

As the old saying goes, as long as it makes you happy, that's all that counts!!!!

 

[mgo]

My model 12-3 Airweight purchase-more thoughts

I have come to realize that this revolver was a good decision for me - a "carry a lot and shoot seldom" firearm. (other forum member's remarks affirmed my decision) My choice was between the model 12 and a really nice model 10 which was priced at around $50.00 more! But, I thought...I already have a really nice 1947 vintage K-frame revolver. Why get another 30+ ounce gun, when I can own and carry something at about half the weight.
Yes, there is more recoil, but this is a defensive firearm, not a plinker.
A thumb break holster is mandatory in my view, due to the narrower frame, which makes it a little loose in many K-frame sized holsters.
Now, I will sell off two nice Ruger LCR 38's to keep the herd thinned. (and to help control my "Airweight-itis") Those will be posted on this site and elsewhere.

 

[tekarra]

Very nice indeed, it was worth it.