New to forum. Need help. Model 12-2 trade

[Royalecheez]

Hey all,

New to the forums. I have recently been bitten by a s&w snub nose bug badly. I picked up a 642 on sale at my LGS for 299. Loved it. So then I started researching snub noses a bit more and for some reason I have just fallen head over heals. I have a gentleman willing to trade me a model 12-2 straight up for a glock 26 that I have. Being pretty new to the s&w game is this a fair trade? He says the gun is mechanically sound and bluing is in great shape besides normal revolver wear (cylinder ring etc.)

 

[JP@AK]

For me it would be a fair trade, since I have no use for Glocks. But price-wise, I cannot help you because I really don't know what the value of a Glock 26 might be. Sorry.

BTW you do want to check carefully for frame cracks before you acquire that Model 12 Airweight.

 

[Royalecheez]

Used value of a glock 26 is probably just over 450-475. Any place in particular they develop cracks?

 

[JP@AK]

Check all around the cylinder window, especially near the aft end of the barrel.

 

[AlHunt]

The value is probably close enough assuming the Glock is in good condition. The difference is the Model 12 isn't a gun I would put thousands of rounds through due to the possibility of the frame cracking. The notorious place is the frame, right under the barrel. How widespread it is, nobody really knows.

Don't misunderstand, I have a Glock 26 and a S&W Model 38. Both great guns. That Model 12 looks really nice.

Now, for the typical Forum Answer ... Buy the Smith and keep the Glock.

 

[Old cop]

Get the Model 12 just b/c it's a great carry gun (shoot it enough to ensure reliability), then get a Model 10 snub for range time.

 

[k22fan]

Like all things on the internet the fragility of Model 12s is exaggerated. The value of the two is close enough that I would not hesitate to get or keep the pistol I preferred. I'd chose the Model 12 which is no surprise considering where you posted the question. In their day 2" Model 12s had a substantial following. Their grip fits most people better than J frames and the K frame established S&W's reputation for having the best DA pull on the market.

One thing to be aware of is that a Model 12-2's internal parts and stocks do not interchange with other similar vintage K frames. Its frame, innards and stocks are thinner. Replacement original stocks will be hard to find and/or expensive. Also, while most owners fire them anyway, S&W never approved the use of +P cartridges in Model 12s.

 

[Royalecheez]

This is mostly just going to be a collectors item. I will most likely shoot it but it will never see thousands of rounds or anything. It comes with a set of mismatched grips so I will probably just end up replacing them with a set of altamont service panel grips for looks.

 

[JH1951]

Welcome to the forum from Pennsylvania.
I would go for the Mod. 12, but having both would be nicer.....

 

[Royalecheez]

Agreed but the 26 is just sitting in my safe. I bought it as a carry gun but I find myself almost always leaving my house with my 642 instead. It's just so much lighter and easier to conceal. Not to mention i also already have a glock 17 and 19 that don't get enough range love as it is haha

 

[silversnake]

I would take that trade provided the Model 12 is in good shape. The values are close enough that both of you are getting a fair deal and the benefit for you is that no more Model 12s are being made, whereas you can always buy another new Glock 26.

 

[chief38]

Some like the Airweight M12 as a collectible. Personally I would not buy one as it has proven to be a plagued gun of sorts. There is info here on this and other Forums if you do a search. All I can say here is that if you plan on shooting this gun more than collecting it, I'd recommend an all steel M10 instead. If you are strictly looking at it as a collectible, get one with the ORIGINAL grips!

ALSO just so you know, the Model 12's ORIGINAL RB Grips are NOT easily replaced as they are NOT the same as standard K Frame grips. If and when you ever find a pair, be prepared to spend BIG BUCKS for a set in excellent condition.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...I would like to have a model 12...click the link below for some search results...

Google

 

[clang444]

There's a reason Smith and Wesson stopped making alloy K frames guns, and that is because of the propensity for the frame to crack as already mentioned.

I wouldn't trade any gun for a Model 12. Sell the Glock and find a stubby Model 10 or 64 instead

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...a post from the search results I posted...

 

[DD357]

I'd make the trade - values are pretty close.