What are you thoughts on a S&W Pre Model 12 made in 1956?

[Rockrivr1]

So from my other post, and advice from fellow forum members, I've decided to pass on the S&W Bicycle Hammerless pistol and instead am concentrating on a Smith & Wesson Six Screw .38 Military & Police Airweight Pre-Model 12. It's all original and comes with a letter from S&W stating the fact. Also comes with the original Gold Box. I'm sure it'll not be cheap, but basic question on what I should look for comes up again. This one can't be much different from checking a M36 or M60, but figured I'd ask just in case they are known for something I'm not aware of. Thanks!

 

[Jim Watson]

Aluminum cylinder? If so, meant for Show and Tell?

 

[Alk8944]

It all depends on what you expect out of the gun. If you want a quite rare collectors item, and you are OK with the price, then go for it. If you expect to shoot this then I would pass. The early M&P Airweight revolvers had Aluminum cylinders that were prone to cracking if the gun was fired. The Air Force M-13 Aircrewman revolver was nothing more than the commercial M&P Airweight. They actually had low pressure ammunition for these guns because of the cylinder. A good idea that just didn't work with the materials chosen for it's construction!

The revolver in your photo does appear to have the aluminum cylinder since the color is distinctly black, matching the color of the frame. With the Model 12s with steel cylinders the color of the steel cylinder is clearly a different color than the frame. This is because the aluminum parts were anodized then died black. The steel parts were conventionally blued , resulting in the very obvious color difference.

To confirm the cylinder material simply use a strong magnet to check the cylinder. If it sticks the cylinder is steel. If it doesn't the cylinder is aluminum!

To be honest I do not recall when the cylinders were changed to steel, but, as above, this gun sure looks to have the aluminum cylinder! The resident M&P Guru, JP in AK, will be along shortly to clarify things for you.

 

[Photog]

That is a great example, but as Jim W. pointed out, it would be a show and tell piece for gunshows, or a safe queen.

 

[austintexas]

lightweight

If it has the bug screw holding the upper screw and aluminum cylinder and correct box it is collectible,I have 2. I don't shoot them. The main check Is open the cylinder and look under where the barrel is screwed in. They tend to crack there.
If you plan on shooting it, buy an steel cylinder for it, That was the fix back in the day. You might get lucky and get a cylinder the falls in and works. I've pickeded up cylinders with cranes for as little as $35. Gunshows, e bay?

SWCA 892

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I'll certainly leave it to Jack to discuss the cylinder and other
pertinent M&P qualities.

Beyond the cylinder, though, there's one other thing to check. Like
the Chiefs Special Airweights, the .38 M&P Airweights suffered
from a cracked frame problem.

The frame cracks on the flat below where the barrel protrudes.
The photo shows a cracked frame on a Model 37, but the .38 M&P
Airweight looks the same. The frame cannot be repaired.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't know if it is so, but I once read that the AF scrapped the Aircrewman .38s rather than buy steel cylinders for them.

I have a squashed 2" M&P, all steel, though. It was advertised at the time as a DoD demil.

 

[Goony]

I don't know if it is so, but I once read that the AF scrapped the Aircrewman .38s rather than buy steel cylinders for them.

I have a squashed 2" M&P, all steel, though. It was advertised at the time as a DoD demil.

I posted recently regarding such: https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...lver-lightweight-m13-today.html#post142157367

 

[Rockrivr1]

Well, thank you everyone for the information. This was in the RIA Auction yesterday and I made several bids to win this. Unfortunately I had to drop off as the price was heading to $5,000. Too much for me. Even the auctioneer said this would be a presentation piece.

 

[22hipower]

I watched that one too, it hammered for $2500 plus buyer's premium, tax, shipping etc. so perhaps $3200 total. Maybe not a terrible price for someone who really wanted one. Maybe a bargain compared to the Model 26 no dash four inch with a barrel cut by the factory (with letter, invoice) that hammered for $10k plus the fees.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Retired W4]

I watched that one too, it hammered for $2500 plus buyer's premium, tax, shipping etc. so perhaps $3200 total. Maybe not a terrible price for someone who really wanted one. Maybe a bargain compared to the Model 26 no dash four inch with a barrel cut by the factory (with letter, invoice) that hammered for $10k plus the fees.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

And someone told me the revolver market was soft. Wow!