Model 12 with a 4" barrel and round butt?

[Ingramite]

I've been carrying a Model 67 for years and the size doesn't bother me. Years of accumulating holsters so I'm not too interested in reducing the size of my revolver.

But, given the opportunity of reducing my carry weight by a full pound is something that has caught my attention. A round butt is another added feature that has me seriously considering picking up a Model 12.

To be honest, I hadn't really paid much attention to them in the past but when a few popped up during a recent GB search it got me thinking.

I'm good with .38spl and I don't know if the Model 12 will handle anything like a +p load. I don't plan to make a high round range revolver out of it. More of a "carry often, shoot seldom" kind of firearm.

I'm interested in making an informed decision so learning about this model is my first step. Is there anything about the long barrel model 12 that you can share?

 

[murphydog]

The 4" RB model 12 is less common than the SB, and if you get one with non-original stocks any variation before the 12-4 used thinner Magna stocks that are more difficult to find.

Definitely look for the infamous crack at the thin frame section under the barrel, and I would restrict it to standard pressure .38 Special. More than a few good ammo options that are not + P. Happy hunting!

 

[John Patrick]

Buffalo Bore offers a standard pressure 38spl SWCHP-GC load that essentially mimics the old FBI load but at standard pressure.

Also, fwiw, S&W offered at Scandium K frame, 38spl, 2 1/2” revolver with a stainless steel cylinder that weighs 24oz.

It’s relatively easy to carry, and + P rated. Expensive and hard to find, but worth it I think. Model 315 Night Guard.

While not ideal, the 2 1/2” M315 should fit a M67 4” holster.

 

[sigp220.45]

+P Through a Model 12: THE TEST...is done!!!!

I shoot +P in my 4” Model 12. The above thread convinced me its a non-issue.

 

[Rakkasan13F]

As has already been mentioned, Model 12's prior to the 12-4 use grips different from other K-frames due to the slightly thinner frame (they're known as a KA-frame). Finding proper KA-frame grips isn't a cheap prospect. My 4" square butt Model 12-3 came with regular K-frame grips and it cost me a little over $100 for an OEM set last summer. Luckily, my 2" and 4" Models 12-2 came with the proper OEM grips.

Since the Model 12 is an airweight revolver, I would be hesitant to feed it a regular diet of +P ammo. A cylinder once or twice a year isn't likely to cause a crack, but I personally don't see a need to put +P rounds through such a lightweight gun, anyways, due to the increased recoil impulse-especially with the original magna grips, which place my knuckle right behind the triggerguard. Maybe it'd be different if I threw a Tyler T-grip on the gun. I'd have no problem carrying a good +P load, but I don't really see the need to punish myself with them at the range. The point of impact at the distances I'm going to shoot it at the range isn't likely to be that much different between +P and non +P loads.

Everybody should have a Model 12 (or more) in their collection. To me, S&W revolvers (especially pre-2001) are like Pokemon: ya gotta get em all.

 

[handejector]

+P Through a Model 12: THE TEST...is done!!!!

 

[MajorD]

From what little I understand, the volume of shooting or type of ammo isn’t at blame for the crack but has something to do with being heavy handed when torquing the barrel in place at the factory. I have seen a fair number of 12’s even mint in box examples that are cracked.
I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a 12 if I find one at a decent price. But would insist on a close in person inspection to ensure there is no frame crack

 

[Ingramite]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies.
My search will proceed with anticipation.

 

[Ingramite]

Well, that was eye opening

+P Through a Model 12: THE TEST...is done!!!!

I shoot +P in my 4” Model 12. The above thread convinced me its a non-issue.

That was an interesting read.
The m12 completed the +p testing in better shape than Osprey 's hand.
Confirmation that this will be a "carried often, shot seldom" revolver for me.
Not surprised I guess, maybe I shouldn't be surprised is more accurate.

Tipping in at 19.5 Oz. will be a joy to carry through.

Again, my thanks for the thoughtful response.

 

[Ingramite]

+P Through a Model 12: THE TEST...is done!!!!

The test outlines my concerns perfectly.
I'm going to continue my research but with an informed perspective.
Thanks so much.

 

[Rakkasan13F]

It's nice to see that Osprey was able to get 1,000 rounds of +P through his test gun and to hear that the cracked frame issue is apparently linked to a heavy-handed assembler at the factory.

My concern would be that a gun with an over-torqued barrel with no visible crack might develop a crack with enough +P ammo through it.

 

[Doug M.]

Based on reading the effects on his hand due to some questionable ergonomic choices by S&W, it seems to me that smoothing out the rough edges and using my favorite .38 Special load (standard velocity 158 grain SWC) would go a long way toward making things less unpleasant.

A 3-4" RB would be the winner for me. My RB M66 is a real joy to shoot.