S&W Model 12 Question

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dgludwig

New member
I'd like to know the date of manufacture of my recently acquired round butt, Model 12 Smith revolver having a 2", pinned barrel with "Airweight" stamped on the right side. The serial number is C9537xx and these barely discernable numbers are stamped on the frame inside the yoke: 12-2 (space) 2. The lock-up seems tight and the bluing is easily 98%, with a couple of nicks and scratches here and there on the finish. The cylinder has a faint "turn line". There is a pronounced mark under the firing pin on the frame where the bolt plunger/center pin drags upon opening or closing the cylinder. No box came with the purchase.
So does anyone know the approximate year this revolver was made? Thanks.
 
Thanks, Zhillsauditor. I have since learned from the S&W site that my revolver was made in 1966 or 1967 (via the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson-of which I have a copy of [2nd edition] but loaned it out and forget to who :mad:).
Though I agree with those who contend that the limited/occasional use of +P ammunition in the Model 12 will probably not cause damage or undue stress to the revolver, as you noted, Model 12s are not rated for +P ammunition. The following is quoted from the manual for the Model 12:

"THIS REVOLVER WITH ITS FORGED ALUMINUM ALLOY FRAME IS DESIGNED FOR STANDARD-VELOCITY AMMUNITION. THERE ARE NOW HIGH-VELOCITY ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION IN THIS CALIBER ON THE MARKET IDENTIFIED BY A HEADSTAMP MARK "+P"; WE RECOMMEND THAT AMMUNITION SO HEADSTAMPED NOT BE USED IN THIS REVOLVER. SMITH & WESSON"

Those who choose to use +P ammunition in their Model 12 revolvers do so at their own peril. I, for one, will stick to standard velocity stuff, just as I do for my alloy-framed Colt Cobra snubbie.
 
The guy on the S&W forum fired 1000-plus rounds of plus-p ammo in a Model 12 and the gun suffered no ill effects. No frame stretching, cracking, no loosening up, etc. I don't shoot a thousand rounds in my air weights, but I carry Remington 125 grain +p ammo in both my Model 37 and my Model 12-2. I do most practicing with wadcutter hand loads, but I shoot two or three cylinders of the 125 gr +p stuff a year just to make sure the guns are shooting to poa with them.
 
Holster for K-frame Revolver

While I'm at it, I have another question regarding this revolver. Anybody know of a well-made, leather, "pancake" style holster with a thumb-break fastener (preferably lined) for this revolver? I've seen lots of holsters in this configuration made for K-frame revolvers with 2 1/2" and 3" barrels (I have a couple myself) but I want one specific to the 2" length. I plan on carrying the gun concealed and want as little leather peeking out as possible. Thanks.
 
I carry P+ ammo in my Model 12-2 and have fired a few rounds of the stuff, but generally I limit mine to wadcutters. Mostly because I'm cheap, and reloaded wadcutters are inexpensive.

Any holster for a 2" K frame will fit a Model 12. I use a Bianchi Accumold, molded nylon one...I forget the model number, but it works fine.
 
I shoot a limited amount of plus P in my Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard. Usually, I carry Remington 158gn +P SWCHP, though I also carry 125gn +P.
In fact, that's what is in it right now, in my pocket.
As for your holster question, any good cobbler should be able to alter a leather holster to your spec.
 
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