Model 37 vs Model 12

[Kensterfly]

If price is equal, what would your preferred carry piece be between a M37 and M12? I realize the M12 has one extra shot. What other differences, advantages and disadvantages between the two?

Also, is the basic difference between an M10 and M36 just the extra shot in the M10?

Thanks!

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

The weight difference isn't much. Whether the size difference seriously affects concealability depends mostly on your clothing. Grip frame and grips also have an effect. A RB 12 and a SB 37 are a lot closer in concealibility in the pocket than a RB 37 and a SB 12. For me, this means that the 37 and 12 are very similar, because I find the RB 37 undesirable due to small size and weight, and the SB 12 undesirable due to excessive grip size. Obviously, this all relates to the size and shape of MY hand. Others might answer quite differently.

The biggest and best gun you can reasonably carry is the best. You have to figure out what reasonably means.

 

[Old cop]

The Model 12 will not be easy to pocket carry, if that is an option for you. Also, the 12 is a lot bulkier but if you carry OWB than the 12 will probably be the better choice.

 

[Kensterfly]

The Model 12 will not be easy to pocket carry, if that is an option for you. Also, the 12 is a lot bulkier but if you carry OWB than the 12 will probably be the better choice.

I can pretty easily carry my M10 Snub in my front Levis pocket. Isn't a M12 pretty much the same size?

My house/bedside gun is an M10-5 4inch square butt. The 10-5 snubby I just bought is RB. I like the handling of a SB better but as a carry gun, the RB works better for me.

I have a possibility of picking up a 12-2. I really like it. If I can't get that one, I was open to a M37. I've not ever seen a M37 in person. I assume that it's a smaller profile than the M10 and M12. Having only 5 rounds is not a deal breaker for me if the M37 would be easier to conceal carry.

I'm more into these classic snubs than 'modern ones.'

The 12 or 37 would, I guess, have a little more recoil than an M10 but I can use my M10s for range work and a M12 or M37 for carry.

 

[MOONDAWG]

My 2" barreled 18 oz. 6 shot circa 1967 M-12-2 is a "KEEPER".

In my neck of the woods they're more scarce than M-37's.

So I'd say if you can nab a M-12 at a decent price, by all means do so.

 

[Grayfox]

As far as differences, the Models 10 & 12 are K-frames while the 36 & 37 are the smaller J-frame. Personally, I find I can shoot a K-frame much better and more accurately than a J-frame.
The Models 12 and 37 are lightweight guns with an alloy frame. This makes them lighter and easier to carry, but does increase the recoil some. However, with the .38 Special its still quite controlable.
As moondawg said Models 12s are getting scarce and if you have the opportunity to pick one up at a reasonable price, by all means go for it!

 

[mesinge2]

As far as differences, the Models 10 & 12 are K-frames while the 36 & 37 are the smaller J-frame. Personally, I find I can shoot a K-frame much better and more accurately than a J-frame.

Same here. I love the model 12 and I wish they'd bring it back.

 

[inFALable]

I use my M&P Air Weight (Pre-12) 2" RB as a BUG in my pants or jacket pocket. To me its advantages over a J frame are considerable.

Bulk and weight are only slightly increased. Sights are much better. Trigger is much better. Grip, while subjective, is nearly perfect with magnas and a Tyler. I can shoot mine much better than most the J frame snubs I've had.

 

[Kensterfly]

I can feel a slight difference in recoil between my M10-5 snub and my friend's twin M12-2. Maybe more significant after putting a box of rounds through it at the range but in general, I shot as well with the M12 as I do with my M10. I am coveting my friend's M12 that he got for his wife. She doesn't like it much so I think I may be in possession of it soon. Probably will trade even for a near perfect , rarely fired Ruger Blackhawk that I've never fired since acquiring it upon my Father-in-law's death.

 

[walkin' trails]

A Model 12 is a little harder to replace than. Model 37.

 

[Kensterfly]

A Model 12 is a little harder to replace than. Model 37.

Meaning, that they are harder to find?

 

[walkin' trails]

Meaning, that they are harder to find?

I haven't seen very many available ever compared to steel K-frames. That may be cecause they weren't that popular in the places I've lived, but ibdont recall them being as common as the alloy J-frames are today.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Don't think I'll find a Model 12 for a reasonable price, so I'll just have to make do with this.

ECS

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Double tap.

ECS

 

[Kensterfly]

My friend's wife decided to keep the M12. My wife and I both now have M37 snubs. Her's is a Nickel RB. Mine is a Blue Square butt.

 

[VictorLouis]

K-fly, nothing really more that I could add to how the 12 has been lauded here. Just keep pestering your friend to 'upgrade' his wife to a semi-auto, and tell him that 12 must be YOUR's! LOL

 

[sac-gunslinger]

One of the problems for civilian concealed carry is maintaining that concealment. The J-frame is far more easily concealed on your person than a K-frame. Less bulk in the cylinder, shorter stocks.

I had to carry a 4" K-frame under a coat for a while as part of an assignment and it was difficult to conceal. But I did not have quite the need to maintain concealment then. It was a bear on the back.

 

[Iggy]

I get along pretty well with a Model 12.


I prefer K frames over J frames both for shootabilty and the extra round.