Carrying a S&W Model 12 Airweight

[Bedfordtec]

I am planning on carrying two inch Model 12 Airweight. Any real differences between the early square latch and the later cylinder release?. Will probably go for the round butt for concealment. My other option is a Detective Special or Cobra. The Model 10/12 is not that much larger and has a fuller grip. Comments and choice recommendations are appreciated. Thanks, Jim, Bedfordtec

 

[Pat Riot]

Are these revolvers your revolvers or are you looking at them at a gun store?
If already yours I would just try carrying each one to see what you like.
If not, I think I would definitely go with S&W - I am biased
Also, I wouldn’t carry a gun that may need parts that aren’t readily available. Should something break and you don’t have a backup getting your carry gun back in action could take some time.
Also, carry = practice. If you’re going to carry a gun you need to practice your shooting skills with it. This puts wear and tear on a gun.

Just my 2¢

 

[trackskippy]

Im a S&W fan and biased too.

I have a couple of 2" Model 10's, and those, and my 2.5" Model 19's, are my favorite snubbies.

Besides the longevity issues with the Model 12's, haven't they become somewhat collectible? Not that theres anything wrong with carrying a collectible.

The Model 10s are a dime a dozen (not that anything S&W is cheap these days) and will hold up a lot better to constant use, both carrying and shooting. Unless you just bought a 10 for practice and carry the 12.

Keep in mind too, anything you carry on a regular basis is going to get beat up just from normal day to day wear and tear. The finishes on the aluminum-framed guns usually dont hold up too well here.

 

[Buckeye63]

My Model 12 compared to my Taurus 856UL

 

[Gordon]

Be aware the earlier S&W Model 12 , at least I don't know about later than 1980 ones, have narrower frames = Grips for regular round butt K frames don't fit with out modifications. Also real early Model 12s had unsuccessful aluminum cylinders and are for lookings as I don't know if they are certified even for wadcutter match ammo, some say it works others no. The steel cylinder ones were never certified for +p ammo ! The Colt D frame shrouded barrel revolvers can take some +p ammo and steel ones certainly can. Colt repairmen are few and far between these days. The Taurus Ultra Light Model 85 is widely acclaimed , small light and inexpensive. The S&W Snub J Frame line works well and has wonderful warranty support system and is actually the standard for professional concealed carry..
Now experts are carrying and mostly very happy with the Ruger LCR plastic revolvers as they are very light weight , have a good trigger and accuracy and Ruger warranty support. They , like Glocks ect. do have some advantages as a USING EDC revolver in actual everyday use for most folks, if pride of ownership is not factored !

 

[golden]

I have owned 3 model 12's. I liked them and carried a 2 inch nickel plated model 12 with square butt grip frame. It was well made and shot well for me. I would occasionally use +P ammo, but was worried about frame stretching, so mostly I carried the old FEDERAL Nyclad standard pressure 125 grain jhp. I tried the HORNADY 110 grain FTX Critical Defense ammo, but they did not shoot to my point of aim. It was a great gun for wearing on my hip when I went for an after dinner walk.
I also tried some DOUBLE TAP standard pressure ammo sold under the COLT name. This ammo had a much more noticeable kick and bright flash. It is listed as standard pressure, but I would not shoot it in my model 12 again. It works fine in a steel frame like my model 15.

The single biggest problem with the model 12 is the selection of standard pressure ammo. I consider this gun to not to be up to a continuous diet of +P which limits your ability to practice. The 110 grain FTX Hornady should work and is available, but did not shoot to the point of aim for me.
The DOUBLE TAP is plenty powerful, but I worry it may wear the model 12 too quickly.
Winchester had a standard pressure 130 grain jhp in their TRAIN & DEFEND line, but I have not seen any on the shelves in years.

That is my take on this otherwise excellent revolver. I prefer it to the COLT or TAURUS as neither of those had as smooth a trigger as the model 12.

Now I just carry a GLOCK 42 in .380ACP. More rounds, weighs less and I can easily pocket carry the GLOCK.

OH, and I strongly recommend a good pair of rubber grips. Mine sported HOGUES and it was a huge improvement.

Jim

 

[Bedfordtec]

Good stuff. I decided on a SW 12-2. Round butt with Steel cylinder and flat latch. have a left hand Galco Leather holster and speed strip pouch. I use Federal Personal Protection 110 gr hollow points. It’s nice!!!!!

 

[CajunBass]

I used to carry one "back in the day" I suppose it was. Probably the revolver I like to carry most. I shot mostly wadcutters in it, but carried some kind of hollow point or the other. Some kind of OWB thumbsnap holster, but I forget what kind. Square butt with a Tylers T-grip and Magna grips.

Great gun. I had a chance to buy a 4" one once, and passed on it. (Where's that "headbanger" emoji when you need it?)

 

[SwampWolf]

I have both a Model 12 Smith and a "second issue" Colt Cobra. Both carry six rounds and both are relatively compact and have excellent da trigger pulls but the Cobra is just enough smaller to make a big difference when pocket carry (especially) or carrying in an iwb holster is wanted. For owb holster carry, I think the slightly larger Model 12 is the best option, because, when concealment is not a priority, bigger and heavier guns are generally easier to handle and shoot accurately.