New-to-me Model 12-2

[RevDoug]

Hey, folks! I've been lurking on here for a while, & appreciating the wisdom I've gleaned from some of you guys. Haven't spoken up because ... well, I really didn't have anything intelligent to add. ;-)

However, I wonder if you gents could shed any light on a new acquisition. I just picked up a Model 12-2 blued, square butt. It's in beautiful shape; looks hardly fired, & only a few very light scratches on th cylinder. Lockwork is beautifully smooth. Stocks are in excellent condition. SN is D3798xx.

What can you guys tell me about her?


RevDoug

 

[Glock 'em down]

Welcome to the Blue Doug!

I used to own a model 12. Mine was a snubby. Is yours a snub or a 4 incher? The only two problems I had with the model 12 was...

A) You couldn't shoot +P ammo thru it because it's an Airweight.

and

B) It's a good thing the stocks are in excellent condition, because you can't put any others on it. The model 12's frame was made slightly smaller than the model 10's. Therefore, S&W standard K frame stocks WILL NOT fit it.

Sorry!

But other than that...the model 12 is a good little revolver. It's one of those wheelies that you carry a lot and shoot a little.

 

[kcphelps]

Sounds great! Pics? Don't use +P ammunition in it.

 

[P&R Fan]

You got a classic. I have a square butt 2" 4 screw that carries great. I think you'll enjoy it. It was born in '71 or '72. Does the "Rev" part mean you're a minister?
We're glad to have you and welcome.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I don't want to step on any ones toes but I think it is OK to shoot +P ammo in a model 12. I don't like the recoil but I think it is OK to shoot +P ammo in a J frame. If you think about it the ammo manufactures would have a lot of lawsuits if +P ammo were dangerous in any gun. IMO Don

 

[RevDoug]

Thanks, guys, for the feedback.

The one I picked up is a 2" snubbie -- about perfect for carry. Thanks to threads on this board, I was aware before buying it that the stocks are unique to the gun (unless you like doing some careful modifications), and I don't have plans to use +p ammo. My main reason for getting this one was for my wife, and I suspect she wouldn't be all that excited about punishing herself for the sake of another 200 fps. (Strangely, it seems like mainly us guys are into ammo that hurts.)

P@R_Fan, yes -- I'm a minister. Shepherds are known to carry both a staff (to guide the sheep) and a rod (to ward off those who would harm the sheep). I prefer a rod of either .38 or .45 caliber. ;-)

 

[dbarale]

Welcome!
I do not want to scare you but some M12 had some frame cracking issues.
When you open the cylinder, look carefully at the area right underneath the barrel where it is screwed in to the frame. Use a light and run you fingernail on the surface to make sure it's OK.
Most likely it is just fine but it is worth checking...

Example of what you don't want to see:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j37/zacdetweiler/26ac46d9.jpg

 

[Glock 'em down]

P@R_Fan, yes -- I'm a minister. Shepherds are known to carry both a staff (to guide the sheep) and a rod (to ward off those who would harm the sheep). I prefer a rod of either .38 or .45 caliber. ;-)

Then you need to read this, Padre.

On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs - Dave Grossman

 

[armaliter]

Welcome to the forum RevDoug. I too had been a lurker for over a year and finally jumped in last week. Enjoy your model 12!

 

[aHFo3]

Welcome from another new member and Rev. I like your thoughts on the rod and the staff. I never went Biblical on my reason to carry, but that is a great reason. As an associate pastor, I just call my Sunday carry piece my "Pastor Protector".
That cracked frame revolver that Daniel linked is mine. I didn't notice the crack when I bought it, but they're easy to find once you know where to look. Enjoy your model 12!

 

[P&R Fan]

This all started off about your M12 and now we're really getting deep! I love this forum. Rev, I'm really glad you're here, and I'll bet there's some really good sermon material in the above posts, especially the one from Doug Grossman.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

To the best of my knowledge, which is gained primarily from reading a lot, frame cracking is due either primarily or solely to over-torquing the barrel, which is done at the factory. In other words, a few aluminum S&W revolvers are lemons, and will crack, and that those that won't, won't do it even if you use +P ammo. I don't guarantee anything about your revolver, but I shoot limited amounts of +P in both of my Model 12 revolvers. Some people have shot LOTS of +P ammo in their 12s, without cracking.

 

[jtpur]

I had a great model 12 2" I cant remember the SN but mine started with D and Im sure some number 3xxx followed. I bought it in early 1974.....I remember paying the whopping sum of $89.00 for it. I sold it in about 1981 when we were told that airweights were no longer authorized for our Department because they could not handle plus P ammo.....I noted that mine was showing casing marks from the blow back on the back plate next to the firing pin...Interestingly enough, I sold it to a Catholic Priest.......I loved carrying it because it was so light.....Mine had the small J frame grips and a grip adapter because of hand seize....wanna sell it?

 

[ENGINE18]

Someone around here did a many-thousand-round test on a M12, -2, I think and had no problem with +Ps. That said, I want one too! Maybe shoot standard .38s just to be safe. I believe the -4s are standard K-frame size! I think that's the one I want so I can experiment with different grips. Enjoy!

 

[Dennis The B]

Just to be on...

...the safe side, I wouldn't run any +P or +P+ ammunition in your Model 12.

I have a Smith & Wesson owner's manual that was printed in April 1987. It has an ammunition compatibility chart in it, listing the model number and the compatible ammunition. It shows the Model 12, and shows only .38 Special as compatible for this model.

I'm aware that others have said that they use +P occasionally, but I wouldn't load any alloy frame with +P.

There is an implied warranty, even after the "standard" warranty expires. You could void that implied warranty if you overload an alloy frame.

If you call S&W, they will tell you not to use +P or +P+ in alloy frames.

 

[RevDoug]

Wow -- lots of excellent stuff here, guys. I really appreciate the insights.

Now I can't wait for the snow to melt and the ground to firm up enough to get my wife out shooting it.

 

[Muley Gil]

"...the safe side, I wouldn't run any +P or +P+ ammunition in your Model 12."

The +P+ loads came about because many police departments wouldn't adopt the .357 Magnum due to the stigma at the time against "Magnums". The +P+ .38 special loading was intended to be shot in revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum.

 

[ENGINE18]

(where is the M12 +P shooting test?)

 

[indiandave]

The 12-2 is a great gun. I would get T-Grips to put on her. This makes it easier to shoot. I use 148gr wadcutters for target shooting and Buffalo Bore std. pressure 158gr LSWHP's for carry. Your wife will like the model 12.