Model 12-frame cracking issues?

[Patches09]

A local gun shop has a very nice condition blued model 12 Airweight with a 2" barrel for $375. I thought this was a decent price and was tempted to get it. But past experience with my model 37 (it developed a crack in the frame near the barrel) makes me leery of getting another alloy frame revolver.
Does the model 12 also have a history of frame cracks, or do they seem to hold up well when using standard pressure ammo? I like the gun but wanted to get thoughts and opinions from you guys that have experience with one before I decide to get it (or not!) Also, the serial # is in the D235000 range, would anybody know the approximate date of manufacture? Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[shawn mccarver]

A local gun shop has a very nice condition blued model 12 Airweight with a 2" barrel for $375. I thought this was a decent price and was tempted to get it. But past experience with my model 37 (it developed a crack in the frame near the barrel) makes me leery of getting another alloy frame revolver.
Does the model 12 also have a history of frame cracks, or do they seem to hold up well when using standard pressure ammo? I like the gun but wanted to get thoughts and opinions from you guys that have experience with one before I decide to get it (or not!) Also, the serial # is in the D235000 range, would anybody know the approximate date of manufacture? Thanks in advance for any help!

Ship dates are estimates, and I do not know that for your revolver. I do, however, know that the Model 12 will give good service over the long haul. Naturally, you do not want to load and fire it regularly with Buffalo Bore .38/44 Outdoorsman loads, but on the other hand, I doubt a few will hurt it. The whole purpose of the Model 12 is "carry alot and shoot a little." Would the Model 12 be my ONLY revolver? No. On the other hand, if I had a twin in all steel, like the Model 10, I would do MOST of my practice with the 10 and do all of my carrying with the Model 12.

 

[Patches09]

Well, now I see in a related post where there is a Model 12 with frame cracking after a few rounds. I think from now on I will just avoid alloy frame Smiths and learn to enjoy the added weight reliability of steel frames...now where did I put my Model 60? ;-)

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Do what you want, but most Model 12 revolvers do not crack. I have two, used to have another. None cracked. Also two 37s, a 642 and several 42s. None cracked. A 625-10. It cracked, and S&W replaced it with the revolver of my choice (of those it was still making).

 

[M29since14]

You only read about the ones that crack so naturally everyone who doesn't know better assumes that it is just a matter of time before they all crack.

Chances are very good that you would have no problems with it, but, of course, it wouldn't have any factory warranty. You can pass on the M12 if you like but if it is a 2-inch round-butt gun, I probably would buy it.

 

[hotrod150]

I wouldn't buy that model 12 if I was you, no mater how attractive the price. Now where did you say that LGS was......

 

[pete950]

for that price and if its in good condition grab it. If its in Illinois let me know I'll go grab it im looking for one.

Good luck.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Well, now I see in a related post where there is a Model 12 with frame cracking after a few rounds. I think from now on I will just avoid alloy frame Smiths and learn to enjoy the added weight reliability of steel frames...now where did I put my Model 60? ;-)

And, I am pretty sure that on that thread, someone patiently explains that most of the frame cracks, especially in the location shown in the picture on that thread, are from over torqueing the barrel on installation. It happens, but it is very rare.

 

[M29since14]

Somewhere here there is (was?) a thread telling the story of one of our early members who got a burr under his saddle about how the Model 12 got along with +P ammunition. Maybe he was just picking on the M12 because his theory was that +P ammunition was basically a joke? I can't recall. Anyway, he did a little "personal torture test." Don't remember how many rounds he fired but his M12 came through the ordeal without incident. Sure, it was a test of just one gun, but really, I think Shawn has a point. It seems logical that if the gun cracks, it is one of a small percentage and it is likely due to "over-torqueing" the barrel at assembly.

 

[Patches09]

Unfortunately, I already have one Smith from that small percentage that developed a cracked frame (the aforementioned Model 37). I really liked that little gun, and maybe I could occasionally shoot light loads through it, otherwise it has turned in to an expensive paperweight. It just isn't worth the monetary risk of eventually winding up with another one. But it is good to hear that most folks don't seem to have trouble with their revolvers though.

 

[RussellD]

Most cracks are caused by the barrel being over torqued to the frame during assembly. Please search for the thread on the forum member who shot over 5000 rounds of plus p through his model 12.

 

[toddimusnimski]

SCSW shows D235000 at around 1970.
Can you at least tell us what STATE we should be looking in?

 

[sw282]

l have a 12-3 but the barrel is NOT pinned. l suspect its a transition model from around 1980.. l am a bit reluctant to shoot it because of all the frame issues with it. lts the only unpinned Smith l own.. Retting said it appeared unfired when l first saw their listing on Auction Arms a few years back.

 

[gboling]

This is my opinion and only one opinion among many. But, the only S&W guns I have seen fail were alloy framed, revolvers and 3rd gen autos. I have never owned one and probably never will, as I see a very minimal advantage in their weight and a huge potential problem with their reliability. I see no reason to take the chance.

I have carried J, K, L and N frames concealed as well as the 5906 and 4566 and saw no need for lighter guns for any of those sizes.

However, personal preferences, a willingness to take chances and simple curiosity would be a few perfectly good reasons to ignore my opinion and go for the gold. Life would be pretty dull if we all thought alike.

 

[Dot_mdb]

The forum member who did the torture test was "Osprey". I think he put 1,000 +Ps through the gun and then measured the frame and found no stretching.

Bill

 

[Patches09]

I haven't been back down there, but the gun is (or was) at Chuck's Bait & Tackle in Warner Robbins, Ga, if anybody lives down in south Ga. This one was a square butt 2 inch model, they also had a round butt, blued 4 inch model.