Model 12 project

[Drifter Mike]

Friend has a well worn Model 12 2 inch round butt I am thinking about trading for. Now for the project part. The frame has lost almost all its finish, the cylinder shows a lot of rust and corrosion with spots of heavy pitting and the barrel is in just about the same condition and the grips are really trashed. It was his dads every day carry piece and with all the humidity here in FL, he did not take very good care of it. Now what I was thinking ( not always a good thing with me! ), I could get a stainless model 64 cylinder and maybe come up with a stainless barrel ( would prefer a 3 inch ) and then have the frame ceracoatd a dark blue or black. I think it could be quit a looker! What kind of problems do you think I might encounter? I have changed barrels on a model 10 and everything lined right up but I have not swapped out parts from different model numbers or blue to stainless. Is this a possible project??

 

[gmborkovic]

Mike, I also live in SFL and carry a mod-12. Sounds like a doable
project. Have no idea of cost.

 

[SVT28]

I'd hesitate on the project you are thinking about doing given how fragile an airweight frame can be. Have you checked to see if the frame is already cracked under the barrel?

I have a well worn 12 just like you describe and I just continue to shoot and enjoy it as is. If you start swapping out and fitting other parts, you will in the end have spent a lot of money on what will then be a frankengun without any original finish. There is also a risk that the frame cracks when installing the new barrel. Just my .02

SVT28

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

Other than the chance of cracking the frame ( if not already cracked) some other differences are present.
The cylinder of the Model 12 is LONGER THAN THAT OF A MODEL 10!
Model 12 cylinder is same length as that of a Model 19.
Save your money!

 

[gmborkovic]

Im not doubting your statement of fact, but what is the logic of a longer cyl. on a mod-12?

 

[Alk8944]

Im not doubting your statement of fact, but what is the logic of a longer cyl. on a mod-12?

The fact is the Model 12/M&P Air-weight cylinder is the same as the Model 19. I asked Roy Jinks about this over 20 years ago as I recall. He didn't know for sure, but he believed that it was probably to reduce the chance of the gun being tied up due to bullets backing out of the cartridges under recoil. The M&P Air-weight predates the Model 19, so, if anything, the Model 19 cylinder length was copied from the M&P Air-weight.

 

[jringo8769]

This is not a smart idea to try to change out a barrel on a airweight handgun especially a older one
Better to enjoy it as it is
The costs alone will be more than finding what u want already done unless you do all the work yourself
Trust me I know by 1st hand experience
Stay safe out there
God Bless,John
Starting with a rough gun is always hard and these models are hard to find in original condition anyway


Sent from my SM-S727VL using Tapatalk

 

[gmborkovic]

Alk, but the M&P was around when the mod-12 came on the market.
So there were cyl. in inventory. Why make a special cyl. for the m-12?
If there is no logical engineering reason , that is OK. Nobody from the eng. dept. may be alive to answer the question.
The barrel removal is another issue.

 

[rich5674]

Wise advice above AND!

The grip frame on a model 12 is thinner than the rest of the key frames. Therefore no other grips will fit right. So refinished the grips you have.
Me, I’m a do it yourself guy. Since it has no collectors value I would try to refinish myself

 

[Drifter Mike]

After what I am reading, my thinking is I will pass on this project! Just thought it would be a cool looking revolver and a easy carry piece. Maybe I will pick it up and use it as is
Thanks to all for the info!

 

[gmborkovic]

Mike, dont give up that easy!

 

[Sixgun100]

I once had a Colt Cobra in the condition you described. I had it refinished in TR Gunkote in black and it proved very durable in South FL. Good luck!