Model 12 questions

[45NUTT]

Is the alloy frame just a bad idea? How often do they crack? I'm looking at some snubs and can't remember all the ins & outs.

Please cast your pearls of wisdom in my general direction.

 

[sheepdawg]

Alloy a bad idea for a frame? Ever hear of a Colt Cobra frame cracking? I just avoid +P.

 

[stansdds]

Revolvers with aluminum and scandium frames and/or cylinders truly are meant to be carried a lot and shot a little. They are not as strong as steel or stainless steel. If you plan on shooting one a lot, my suggestion is to also look for a comparable model that has a steel or stainless steel frame and cylinder. That's my opinion, take it for what it is worth.

 

[Alk8944]

You may want to read this linked post I made exactly one year ago today: https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/model-12-questions.726678/#post-142049024

Model 12s do not crack nearly as often as the prolific internet posts would make it sound like. Most are just repeating what they have read or heard and have never seen or owned a M-12 with a cracked frame! You the old saw of "If it is on the internet it has to be true". I have looked at hundreds of them over the past 50 or so years and I have never seen one with a cracked frame! Currently I own four of them and have owned others. I would be careful to look at the bottom of the frame lunette of any I am interested in, but would not hesitate a minute to buy one that had a sound frame.

 

[sjmjax]

Stansdds has good advice.

I carry a model 38. But, heavy range practice is with a model 49.

I have an early model 12 with the narrow frame. Interesting potential for carry. But it’s primarily just a collector piece to me.

 

[old bear]

Buy the gun, if by some chance the frame cracks, throw it out and consider getting a new one.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Before the Earth completely cooled (1960's) Maj. George Nonte fired 5,000 rounds through a model 12 with no problems.

 

[Outpost75]

Frame cracks on the Model 12 occur rarely when barrels are over-clocked during factory assembly. They are not caused by firing +P ammo. These days you are more likely to find a barrel not drawn up, which is an off-shooter because the front sight is not top dead center. This is done purposefully to avoid over-torquing. Windage on a light frame is not corrected by turning the barrel, but by dressing the side of the front sight to reduce width slightly on the side where you wish the POI to move. A 0.010 mill cut on a 2-inch barrel moves POI about 3 inches at 25 yards.

Firing +P in excessive amounts increases wear and causes the revolver to develop end shake. Best is to limit +P for duty carry only and to use standard pressure loads for training and practice. Back in the day the lighter alloy frame gun was carried off-duty and for backup and a steel frame Model 10 was the primary.

Firing 100-200 rounds or so of +P spread over the entire service life of the gun is a non issue. This presumes keeping a shooting log of type and number of rounds fired, armorer inspection during annual requals and making adjustments if needed.

DO avoid the +P+ Treasury loads.