S&W Model 12

[Black_Sheep]

How uncommon or desireable are they? I picked one up on GB, prior to buying it I tried to find some information on the 'net but the search results didn't turn up much. My issue of SCSW is a bit dated so I was hoping to find comparable sales to get an idea of the current value. The only one I could find online appeared to have a lot more wear and tear along with a set of badly butchered grips so it wasn't much help. Since the BIN price was below my threshold for a decent vintage S&W snubbie, I took the plunge anyway!

Any info you folks can add is much appreciated...

 

[Glock 'em down]

I've got one. A model 12-2 from 1970. It's a good carry gun (nice and light) but I can't hit a damned thing with it. I don't think they are too terribly sought after, since I've tried to sell/trade mine numerous times and nobody seemed interrested.

 

[Black_Sheep]

That's encouraging...

 

[Lightfoot4]

I've got one too, a model 12-2. My late grandma bought it from Firestone back in the 70s sometime. I LOVE mine. Nice looking gun with a good balance. I don't shoot it much as I should, but I'll never get rid of it. Actually took a gun course with it when I lived in the Seattle area in the early 90s.

 

[JumpinJack]

I have one and love it. I find those who own one are reluctant to give them up. Most of the ones I've seen show a lot of carry wear.

 

[toroflow1]

Well, a gent on the forum here a few months back wanted my 98% 12-3 2" RB nickel so he traded me his 95% model 58 for it. How's that for in demand?

Conversely, 3 years ago when I was buying up 12s, nobody seemed to want them, and they could be had for less than $300. Bought a beautiful 4" SB blue 12-3 for $183 on one of the auction sites. Traded it off a couple years ago for a 696 no dash (not straight across trade though! I threw in a 2" 12-2 SB blue also!).

 

[NOTREDAME]

Model 12 no dash

I was at my local shop last week, found a no dash model 12 in great condition ( 97%), usually the guys that work there all buy up the good old guns as they come in. I couldn't get my wallet open fast enough, paid and out the door. As I was sitting in traffic, I couldn't resist taking another look at my good find. What do I see, a crack in the frame. I was so happy to have found one in such good condition that I missed seeing it, and when I went back, the four guys there admitted that they had all handled it, and missed the crack too.
The search is back on.

Jim

 

[pred]

I think the Model 12 is a great gun and wish S&W would bring back an airweight K frame snub, And each time I read about a cracked frame on one, I look at mine, Still no crack,,,,
There was someone here who ran several thousand rounds of +p through a model 12 without any real wear and tear,,,
They can be excellent guns, Mine shoots very well, I dont carry it since it is in near 100% condition,,, But if I found another that was worn, I would carry one,,,
One of the great unsung Smiths in my opinion!
Peter

 

[Black_Sheep]

Where would frame cracking typically be found?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Where would frame cracking typically be found?

The frame cracking is under the rear end (forcing cone end) of the barrel. The knowledgeable people here seem to have the info and the experience that frame cracking is caused by overtorquing the barrel at the factory, NOT by firing +P loads. I think that the cracking shows up with litlle or no firing.

Some people, myself included, like 12's a lot. They are not making any more of them.

 

[stiab]

The demand for the SB 4" is relatively low. The demand for the RB 2" is very high. The SB 2" and RB 4" fall in between. This is based on my personal experience, the two I have sold, and the ones I have tried to acquire at live auctions but been outbid on.

 

[El Dorico]

Bought mine back...

I bought one back in the early 80s and lost it in a divorce. A two inch model. It took me darn near 10 years to get it back. I then sold it to one of my fellow officers about 4 years ago. I missed it. I purchased it back today for $200. I am jazzed to be together again....

 

[Frank237]

Mine is an unfired 12-1 unfortunately NO box or paperwork though. Gives me something to LOOK for.

FN in MT

 

[pistola]

12-2 RB 4"

 

[gaijin]

Mod 12-2 I "cut up" for carry:

Mod. 12, unfired (have box/papers)

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
In the spring of 2010 I had three:
1. 4' RB
2. 2" RB
3. 2" SB
All three shot great. Used standard velocity W-W Silvertips.
Sold all three as soon as they were put in the classifieds.
Jimmy

 

[JCS&W]

I have a 12-3 and it will be one of the last S&Ws I would sell, if I had to sell my S&Ws. I like it alot, that is when I can get it away from my wife. It is HER Smith now. Most people that have them, do not want to sell them. I seldom see one in other than rough condition at gun shows.

 

[Muley Gil]

"In the spring of 2010 I had three:
1. 4' RB
2. 2" RB
3. 2" SB"

jimmyj, what kind of velocity do you get outta that 4 FOOT barrel??

 

[jimmyj]

"In the spring of 2010 I had three:
1. 4' RB
2. 2" RB
3. 2" SB"

jimmyj, what kind of velocity do you get outta that 4 FOOT barrel??

Shoots and hits like a rifle. I am ordering a Lobo Holster for it as soon as Ray gets enough leather.

 

[Engine49guy]

IMO the Model 12 is not a common gun but I wouldnt exactly say they are "Desirable" based on
the fact they are not very quick sellers unless priced below what its J frame counterpart sells for.
Around here thats about $350 to $400 in good condition.

Probably becasue the Model 12 has been out of production for a while and is largely unknown outside of the S&W community.

IMO The 2" SB is the most common and the Nickel RB seems to be the most valuable...of course condition is everything.

I am currently on the lookout for a decent 4" barrel version but they dont seem to pop up very often.

Bought this Model 12-3 (left) a few years back for $150 and recently found this 4 screw Model 12 no dash (right) locally for $350.

Although the Model 12 K frame is a bit larger than the Model 37 for CCW it does have an advantage of 6 rounds over the J frame 5.
After some degree of hesitation I recently converted the 12-3 to the round butt you see below.