Model 12-4 question

[tyusclan]

I frequent another forum that is not an exclusive firearm forum, but does have a firearms section. On that forum a guy had just picked up a Model 12-4, and said that he knew not to shoot +P ammo. I had always understood that any revolver with a model number was safe to shoot +P, but the guys on there are saying that because it is an aluminum frame, it is the exception and that S&W says not to. I haven't been able to find that anywhere.

The SCSW says that the 12-4 was changed to standard K-frame thickness with standard grips. I don't know if that makes any difference, and I'm not trying to argue the point with them, but just to satisfy my own curiosity, does S&W advise avoiding +P in the 12-4, because of the aluminum frame?

Thanks.

 

[murphydog]

S & W has stated that any model stamped "steel frame" gun is safe for +P, but they will probably state an alloy frame gun that is not + P stamped is not. For example, a current 442 or 642 is + P stamped.

My personal opinion is a mechanically sound 12-4 can use +P without wearing the gun out significantly more than standard loads. If you plan on frequent, regular +P or heavier .38 Special use a steel frame gun would probably be a better choice. Others may have a different opinion. Hope this is helpful.

 

[tyusclan]

Thanks.

When I asked if he could show me where S&W said that, his answer was, "Call'em."

I don't mind admitting when I'm wrong, I just like to verify that I'm actually wrong. Anyway, I don't own a 12-4; I was just trying to make sure what S&W actually had to say about it.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Coaltminer]

It's a fairly light gun, shooting much +P won't be much fun anyway, and if you don't reload, the added cost of +P might change your mind as well. I had a 12-2 and 12-3, I carried +P and practiced with standard pressure stuff. I didn't care for the skinny barrels on this model, but, for me, ideal carry guns. Not much heavier than a J frame, but full sized. I shot them much better than the J snubs. May eventually get a 4" 12, or another 2", but have a 4" Colt Police Positive that weighs 24 ozs., which isn't much more than a 4" 12, and it's all steel.

 

[ironhead7544]

I have a 4 inch 12-3. If you have to carry a 38 Special, I think it is ideal. 18 oz and easy to hit with. Round butt conceals nicely in the right holster. +P for carry. With the Buffalo Bore I think I would go with the standard pressure loading. It is just about as fast as +P.

 

[Florida J Frame]

If you search the forum you should be able to find where a member ran a +P test in a model 12 and did no damage after thousands of rounds.

 

[kaaskop49]

It's an out-of-print gun. Carry it if you will, but treat it respectfully. No torture testing, if you get my drift.

 

[Osprey]

I ran 1,022 +P rounds through a Model 12 many years ago...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/79395-p-through-model-12-test-done.html

Long story short, the gun survived, but these old model 12s can't be repaired. As a result, shooting +Ps through your M12 subjects it to "low risk - high consequence" situation.

sprey