Do I really need a S&W model 12?

[wnycollector]

I currently own three S&W K frames (5" M&P, a 4" M67 and 4" M10), two J frames and two N frames, plus a few Ruger, H&R and NEF revolvers...I NEED another .38 K frame like I need a hole in my head.The problem is that I have been searching for a 4" round butt Model 12 since reading Stephen Camps article on model 12's here http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/shooting_the_s&w model 12.htm

With a good IWB holster, a 4" airweight .38 would make a nice winter CCW, but other than that I can't think of a good use for it...other than to fill up my gun safe! Any thoughts pro or con would be appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

Pretty sure you can't own too many old S&W's.

rc

 

[wnycollector]

Pretty sure you can't own too many old S&W's.

Unfortunately for my wife and my wallet, no truer words have been spoken

 

[sidheshooter]

I'm not going to be any help to you at all. The second to the last gun that I bought was a *minty* 12-3, only in the 2-inch round butt configuration.

I shoot it better than my 3-inch model 65, it's dead-nuts accurate, it weighs less than my all-steel 36-1 J, it carries like a dream and it's pure sex to look at.

I am not a wealthy man but when I saw that thing (to paraphrase another high roader) you could hear my hand moving to my wallet...




They aren't making any more.

I guess you know my opinion; perhaps take comfort in the fact that i too need "yet another S&W .38" like a hole in the head.


I wouldn't even let the hole in the head stop me on a 12 in good condition; if I ever find a 4" RB in the same shape as my 2", I'll hock a kidney.

 

[420Stainless]

I have a 2" square butt. Unlike sidheshooter, mine is the least accurate of any I own. I shoot rings around it with my Detective Special. I honestly think that it just hasn't been broken in yet - looks like the former owner scarcely fired it. Very nice, lightweight, handy option for carry if J-Frames are small for your hand or if you just prefer a slightly larger frame.

 

[VA27]

Before you buy, open the cylinder and look at the frame under the barrel. I looked at a mint 2" M12 and a nickel M38 earlier this year and on both the frame was cracked through under the ejector rod where it's thinnest.

Early 'Airweight' frames, both K and J, can develop this crack and it is fatal to the gun.

 

[madcratebuilder]

other than that I can't think of a good use for it...other than to fill up my gun safe! Any thoughts pro or con would be appreciated.

Filling up the safe well do in a pinch. You can not own too many S&W revolvers, although you can have too many wives.

 

[Iggy]

A model 12 is as easy to carry as a J-frame and more fun to shoot.

Just sayin'!!

 

[Guillermo]

RC is right. You can't have too many old Smith revolvers (or Colts).

If your wife objects it is time to trade her in for...you guessed it...some old Smith revolvers.

 

[22-rimfire]

What does "need" have to do with it?

 

[LouisianaMan]

wnycollector,

Let me put it this way. . .if you were a recovering alcoholic, would you walk into a Saturday night boozefest to ask, "Hey guys, tell me why I shouldn't drink"!?

If you feel bad about having too many already, just sell something you already have. Maybe cheap. Maybe to someone who gives great advice on this forum. Ahem. I'll stop now.

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

I'm not going to be any help to you at all. The second to the last gun that I bought was a *minty* 12-3, only in the 2-inch round butt configuration.

I shoot it better than my 3-inch model 65, it's dead-nuts accurate, it weighs less than my all-steel 36-1 J, it carries like a dream and it's pure sex to look at.

I am not a wealthy man but when I saw that thing (to paraphrase another high roader) you could hear my hand moving to my wallet...




They aren't making any more.

I guess you know my opinion; perhaps take comfort in the fact that i too need "yet another S&W .38" like a hole in the head.


I wouldn't even let the hole in the head stop me on a 12 in good condition; if I ever find a 4" RB in the same shape as my 2", I'll hock a kidney

So um do you recommend somebody get one of these guns?

 

[Guillermo]

Allow me to revise my suggestion.

NOBODY SHOULD OWN A MODEL 12...EVER. They are horribly made, inaccurate and dangerous.

nice guy that I am I will recycle these horrible guns.

PM me for shipping instructions.

 

[19-3Ben]

With a good IWB holster, a 4" airweight .38 would make a nice winter CCW,

See, I just can't comfortably do that. I love carrying wheelguns, but they need to be in pancake style holsters. If IWB, the cylinder just digs into me too much. Even on my SP101.
I'm jealous of those who can IWB carry these.

 

[rdrancher]

I passed on a nice Model 12 at the local pawn about a year ago. Been kicking myself in the shorts for not buying it since. Do it!

rd

 

[sidheshooter]

Well, if Iggy is going to start up with the pics, already...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I currently own three S&W K frames (5" M&P, a 4" M67 and 4" M10), two J frames and two N frames,

If you need justification to buy another S&W revolver I'll help you out. The M12 is a Airweight K frame and none of the revolvers you listed are. So... Yes, you need a M12...

(did that help???)

 

[geologist]

That M12 is in beautiful condition sid!

 

[wnycollector]

(did that help???)

Yes it did...the model 12 quest continues!

 

[geologist]

Nowhere near as nice as sid's. My 12-2.

 

[keyboard commando]

Yes,you need it.

 

[jhvaughan2]

Oh, Rats! Now i Need one too!
(Just picked up my M&P specimen last week. I guess an m12 is now on the top of the search list.)

 

[Brian Williams]

While a 4" model 12 would be nice, I would rather have a 3"

 

[huntershooter]

In answer to your question; of course you do.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm guessing over the past 6 months he has already made his decision, no??