Model 12

[Collo Rosso]

I'm going to look at a model 12 that's supposed to be in nice condition. I've read where the aluminum cylinder was a problem and replaced with steel. Anything else with this model? Doesn't appear to be much collector value in it.
I'm more a shooter than collector and would shoot it, maybe carry it now and then. Mostly intrigued by a aluminum framed K.

 

[ken158]

Examine the frame around the barrel very closely looking for cracks.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Examine the frame around the barrel very closely looking for cracks.

Thanks. Were these a problem child for S&W? If not cracked now, may with use?

 

[sheepdawg]

Avoid +P. My next door neighbor is a policeman's widow who showed me a 12-2 that was her late husbands. I could have bought it but told her it was the perfect house gun. Took her to the range one day and shot some light 38s through it. She was hitting the targets like a pro. When we got home I gave her a box of 125 gr. 38 spec. Nyclads. She said that it's now in her will for me.

 

[murphydog]

The very first .38 Airweights and military M13s had aluminum cylinders. Most of these were replaced with, and all later guns (those stamped MOD 12 and later variants) had original steel cylinders.

Alloy framed guns are prone to cracking the frame at the barrel juncture so agree it is important to examine this area closely. Some of these may occur from firing but over torquing the barrel is sometimes the cause, and there is no easy way to find out if this has occurred before a crack develops. Good luck in your decision.