Model 12 Carry

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ENGINE18

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I joined S&W Forum recently to get input from you all on questions like the following: My first CCW was a 640-1, 357. It was purchased when they first were introduced and still serves this purpose occasionally, although my better half has adopted it!

Eventually, I desired a stouter platform and purchased a 2.5" M19-3. Alas, it was too nice to carry so I aquired a 2.5", 66-2. Great carry but too heavy...back to the 640....then a 638 to get lighter, but I was still toting a 5-shot.

I carry the 638 a lot but recently began thinking that maybe the M12 in 2" might just be the ideal CCW. Those of you that have M12s, please help me out with pros and cons!
 
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I'm not a Model 12 guy and have no opinion on them, but I will only encourage you to do what I do, carry more gun rather than less. It's your butt and I appreciate all who carry, even if it's a NAA .22 lr. mini, but play to win instead of "not to loose". You don't have to carry a 5" 629 like I do, far from it, just experiment and push your limits a little. People, like rubber bands, work best when they're stretched. I would never only carry a single J frame if I had a choice at all.

A model 12 and a J frame, or P3AT as a back up available to the other hand would be a decent set up IMO.
 
I like my 2" RB Model 12, and carry it a lot, usually in my front pocket in a Hume JIT slide, which acts as a pocket holster. For some reason, just today I got tired of having it in my pocket and put it on my belt. But that depends on what pants I'm wearing, and that gun has a lot of time in my front pocket.

When there's any chance that I might have to use a gun anything but up close, I carry at least my 2" Model 15 (improved Model 56) on my waist in the JIT. Perhaps at some later date, that will change, but right now I find the 15 VERY accurate in my hands, the 12 less so.

Both carry the same ammo - Federal Nyclad 158gr SWCHP +P.
 
Thanks for the input, "flop" Most times my KT P32 is in the other pocket. I carry my 65-5 sometimes as well. I really need a nudge to get a M12 RB. Then I'll probably carry the 638 in an off hand pocket holster.

Thanks to you too "520". Wish I had a M12 RB to make that decision!
 
I have a 64-2, 2-inch I tote at times as well but in the AZ summer, it too is a bit heavy for me.
 
Guess I'm a lazy carrier. A few years ago, someone wrote a gun mag article about CCW holsters and was shown w/a Mod 12 and a Bell Chrter Oaks holster, I think. I believe it was the author of the article who had the M12 and spoke highly of it for a CCW wheel gun. I wonder if the author is a member here?
 
I like my 12-2. It's about 4 oz's heavier then a 642. The extra weight makes it easier to shoot.

It gets carried in a Safe Guard IWB or a Kramer pocket holster and gets loaded with Buffalo Bore Std Pressure 158gr LSWHP's.

The frame is a Ka size. Regular K frame grips will not fit. They will leave a .040 gap on each side. Tyler T-Grips do fit and look good too.
 
M12 Input, $$, etc.

Thanks for all the help. I'm strongly leaning the M12, 2" rb w/J BUG. Anyone have pictures of M12s and carry gear for same?. Sure would like to see some.

How about a ball park cost estimate from M12 as well.
 
Due to the increased size of the 12 over a j frame you will have to give a little more consideration to the dementions of pants pockets as well as the pocket opening, if you want to go with pants pocket carry. Having said that, it it head and shoulders over a j frame for actual use. The K frame is a lot easier to hit with (at least for me) as apposed to a j frame. Reloads are easier, etc. I used to carry all summer long in front pocket of shorts, wearing Docker pleated front shorts. NOBODY that knew me and knew that I always carried could spot it. If you were to bob the hammer it would help alot with drawing from the pocket. If not use your thumb along side the hammer as a shroud as you draw to keep it from snagging. I could never bring my -self to bob the hammer on my early '60s flat latch.
 
You are making me want one real bad now. I saw a bobbed-hammer one in J&Gs catalog a few months ago, but it was gone when I called. I waited too long. Whatta dummy. And I live in AZ to boot, so no transfer fee. Double-dummy. I want to step up from a J to the 12. I have 64,65,66, and 19 snubs, but the 12 is my next quest!
 
I can highly recommend the model 12 for CCW, but good luck finding a 2" RB one. The most common are 4" SB, followed by 2" SB. The most difficult to find are the 2" RB models. For some reason, S&W made lots of 2" M12s with the SB. Fun to carry, but not to shoot. With regular loads it stings the palm and web of my hand. Hope you find one!!
 
I was wondering about the production quanities of the different versions and engineering changes of the M12 as well as the shooting characteristics and felt recoil. I shoot my 638 w/standard AND +P loads and it spanks me a bit.I'm thinking a M12 @ 18 oz. and a larger K-frame might be a bit earier on these ever-aging hands! Thanks forthe info stiab
 
Sure thing Engine18, don't want to scare you away from it. If you find one at a reasonable price I would definitely go for it. You can forget it is on your hip, actually carry easier than a J frame of same weight for IWB, which is how I do it. Hope you can grab one soon!
 
I have been packin this for about a year.
Great carry guns...K frame 6 rounds.
s7w12.jpg
 
Staib, don't worry about that. I'm in hot persuit!
Xfuzz, I REALLY like that. Thanks for posting it!
I've seen a few here and there; just waiting for the right one.
 
jimmyj: sorry I missed your post. You are another lucky 12-2 owner. Thank you for your input. I know I read an article several years ago about them and it said the same thing you all are adding here; K-frame, light weight, 6 rounds. I think I'd like to get two of them!
 
I'm new to this and saw discussions of the M12. I have a 2" SB with well worn "Coke bottle" stocks. They feel better than almost any I have on any other S@W revolver. This gun carries extremely well and is most comfortable. I have had a ccw for almost 25 years, and this is one of my favorites to carry.
 
That's right, P@R fan. Just add more fuel to the fire. Welcome, and thanks for your input.
 
wish I could wave a magic wand and turn my 64-2 RB 2" into a M12 RB 2". Or maybe put it on a diet. I got the 64 w/the thought of tricking it out for CCW. But I would really like the lighter M12.
 
Thanks for the welcome. Actually the 64 would make a good carry piece. If you have a good holster you're set. I have a 2.5" 66 on right now and I hardly know it's there. But if you want REALLY light you should try the Christmas present I bought for myself this year. A 340 PD. It hurts with 125grn .357s, but I'll bet it hurts worse on the other end! This gun is incredibly cool. I really didn't need it, I just REALLY wanted it. I'm sure you understand.
 
I have a few holsters I like for the 64; also have a 65-3" and 19 & 66 snubs. Have carried them. Carry a 638 now but lookin for the 6th round and light weight. I bet the 340 is a handfull. I have a 640-1 w/ UMs Combats that handles recoil well. It's actually great to CCW. Again, I want lighter and one more round.
 
They're kinda pricey, but the new L-frames offer 7 shot capacity in Titanium/aluminum/scandium SC format. I think it's the 386 . A little bigger than a K-frame but only about 18 oz. and it's a .357. Isn't a classic like the M12, but I'm sure it carries real nice.
 
I carry this one from time to time when I am too lazy to pack a 19

Mdl12-4.jpg

Model 12-4 When this is too big, I go for a 640-1 or a 442.
 
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Often thought about those very light L-frames. Wouldn't mind having a 242 or 296, but jeeze, the $$$ for them is crazy. Nice 14-4, Iggy! Thanks for the fine pic!
 
I was all excited when the 296 came out. Ordered one right away and don't really like it. I love the .44 Spl. cartridge, and I like centennials, but I just didn't like the "humpback" look. It would have been cool in true centennial form, I.E. the 640, 642 etc. I REALLY like my all steel 696 .44 Spl. It's a bit heavy, about 36 oz. but it's nicely balanced. Keep in mind though, these are both 5 shooters. The 696 is the only handgun I've ever used defensively. Just the sight of it, in a non-threatening manner changed a bad guys mind!
 
There's a nice model 12 (SB) for sale in the classifieds right now.
 
For me it is important to choose a gun for CCW that I will actually carry and not find some reason to leave at home. I will always carry an alloy frame J frame, but sometimes do not want to carry a larger heavier gun. The Model 13 would probably fit into that category since it is a lot harder to pocket-carry, at least for me, than a similar J frame. Colt also made some nice pocketable alloy framed 6-shot revolvers. You might want to look at them before making up your mind. IMHO a couple of them are easier to pocket carry than the Model 13.
 
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