bearpugh4570
Member
whats the story on these. don't see a lot of them. do folks not like them? i understand they're alloy frame. will they handle a little +p or is it a no no?
model 12 question
- Thread starter bearpugh4570
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There are relatively few of them, compared to the steel-frame Model 10. They're nice guns, especially in the snub 2" bbl model. I find the early aluminum frame Smiths painful to fire, even with standard pressure LRN service ammo. Sure, it'll handle a few +Ps for practice. Modern +P loads, unlike the planet-wreckers of the early 70s, are much over-rated as to velocity and pressure anyway.
OP
bearpugh4570
Member
thats what i'm thinking. i've never been one to run a steady diet of +p"s thru anything. enough to practice with and carry is all.
Ashlander
Member
I know an older Air Force pistol instructor who has no respect for the Model 12 at all. He pretty much derided them as disposable guns.
I carried a 4" Pencil Barrel Round Butt Model 12 in a light weight shoulder rig through much of the 1980's. It served me well and was never a burden. Pachmayr Compacs on it made it very easy to shoot. I carried Plus-P Winchester LSWC-HP's in it and fired about 50 rounds of them through the gun each year with no ill effects. I'd pick up another one in a heartbeat if I came across one.
Best Regards,
ADP3
Best Regards,
ADP3
OP
bearpugh4570
Member
the one i'm looking at is the 2 in. made i'm guessing late 70's. pinned barrel.
OP
bearpugh4570
Member
some of the 1st ones had aluminum cylinders. lots of probs with cracking.
captainjohnsofd
Member
Before you purchase this revolver open the cylinder and look at the frame directly under where the barrel threads into the frame. That is the spot where cracks show up, possibly from hot loads or the barrel being over torqued during assembly. Regardless if it is cracked DO NOT buy it. The factory will not repair it. It is not safe to shoot.
ColbyBruce
Member
To the OP, Tucker Gun had S&W 12 with a 4" barrel a few weeks ago. About a 1.5 drive for you, maybe less depending on the traffic.
If you can get a decent deal buy it.
I have a 2" 4 Screw M12 that was made in the early '60s. Square butt, with stocks that feel like a used bar of soap. Very comfortable. I carry it loaded with +Ps, and have shot enough of them in it to know where they will impact on the target. No problems at all.
Most people who have one of these are going to hang onto them. I certainly will.
Jim
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My EDC, and one which S&W would do well to bring back. I don't mean the NiteGuard series, either. Think about it. IF they can make a ScTi J-frame in .357 these days, I would think a Sc/Al frame coupled with a still cylinder would make a fine K-platform.
I don't really enjoy the recoil from .45 in a full-size steel 1911. I don't find the m12 IN ANY WAY objectionable.
I don't really enjoy the recoil from .45 in a full-size steel 1911. I don't find the m12 IN ANY WAY objectionable.
ironhead7544
Member
I have a 4 inch M12-3 and use it for carry sometimes. 18oz is light for a 4 inch. Never really heard anything bad about them. The frames have been known to crack sometimes if you remove the barrel. I have no plans to do that. +P for carry and standard for practice.
OP
bearpugh4570
Member
thanks guys. i think she'll be a sweetie. i'll post pics when i get it. 2 in rndbutt.
Coaltminer
Member
Had 2, a -2 and -3, much preferred them to J's, a bit larger frame you could get hold of yet still light. Matter of fact, I carried steel K frames in 2 and 3 inch and was happy
OP
bearpugh4570
Member
i wonder why the model 12 would be considered any less robust than any of the modern al framed smiths? this one was made around 1976.
OP
bearpugh4570
Member
quick question. the one i'm getting is a 2 in rb. does anyone have one that can tell me how the recoil is?
ironhead7544
Member
With standard or +p ammo recoil is no problem for me. It is a little bit more than a steel framed gun but no big deal.
There was a member of this forum that fired over 5,000 rounds through a model 12 without a problem. these are great carry guns. I gave one to my mother to keep in her nightstand because she preferred the lighter weight vs the model 10.
the frame cracking rumors seem to be a result of over tightening at the factory than shooting too many rounds.
the frame cracking rumors seem to be a result of over tightening at the factory than shooting too many rounds.
