I just came across a model 12 4" RB serial number D235xxx (1969-70). It has a lanyard loop through the serial number, with the number re-stamped on the backstrap minus the letter. Has anyone seen this before?
Bob
Bob
Model 12 question
- Thread starter red9
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Smithhound
US Veteran
Well, let me chime in and state that I don't think that is quite kosher, it may fall into the 'defacing serial number' area in the eyes of ATF. I could be wrong on this but I might steer clear of it.
RD
RD
Alk8944
US Veteran
There have been reports and posts about S&W revolvers not normally seen with lanyard loops that have had them fit by the factory. In those cases the serial number was re-stamped on the side of the frame, left side, as you say yours is. The conjecture being that the gun was returned to S&W to have the loop retro-fit. The other supposition was that a gun was ordered with this feature, a completed revolver of the correct conformation was pulled from stock and the lanyard loop fit and the gun shipped. In the first case there should be a service date stamp found on the left side of the front grip strap, something like 6.65 for June 1965. Possibly for the second scenario too.
It would be interesting to know of the hole the lanyard loop is installed in is bright, or if it was anodized indicating the frame was finished/re-finished after the lanyard loop was installed. I would think if it was finished after this is a virtual guarantee the work was done by S&W. I wouldn't worry a bit if the remaining portion of the SN matches what is stamped on the side, especially if the stamp font matches the original number.
It would be interesting to know of the hole the lanyard loop is installed in is bright, or if it was anodized indicating the frame was finished/re-finished after the lanyard loop was installed. I would think if it was finished after this is a virtual guarantee the work was done by S&W. I wouldn't worry a bit if the remaining portion of the SN matches what is stamped on the side, especially if the stamp font matches the original number.
Wah. 
A 4" RB M12? Is that factory? While I would prefer a 3", I am sure there are none. I did not know they had made any 4" RB, but might actually have to start looking.
A 4" RB M12? Is that factory? While I would prefer a 3", I am sure there are none. I did not know they had made any 4" RB, but might actually have to start looking.- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
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They did make 4 inch round butt Model 12s, but they seem reasonably difficult to locate. Very desirable configuration. They made standard barrel Model 10s in round butt also. That is also a very desirable configuration, in my view.
l have a virtually new 12-3 rb l got from Retting on AA a few years back. Pix in auction showed the gun with Pachs installed. Didnt know it was rb til l got it home from my ffl and took them off. Thought l never would find the proper factory grips for it til a forum member here parted out his 12 snub due to a cracked frame.
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11192282/
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11192282/
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Muley Gil
US Veteran
Yes, I've seen this before and there have been posts here on the Forum where the said revolvers had been lettered as correct.
ronnie gore
Member
model 12
I had one like that, 4inch round butt with the lanyard, I got it from one of the big distributors. it was reportedly made for the Austrian police, wish I had kept it,i now have a four inch with square butt and a 4 inch with a round butt neither have lanyards.
I had one like that, 4inch round butt with the lanyard, I got it from one of the big distributors. it was reportedly made for the Austrian police, wish I had kept it,i now have a four inch with square butt and a 4 inch with a round butt neither have lanyards.
