[LAK Supply]

I'm trying to ID a revolver... it's an Airwieght CTG 38 special, 6 round cylinder. As far as I can tell it's a model 12 (G-date code) K-frame alloy/steel cylinder. It has Airweight and CTG stamped on the barrel.

I don't have much to go on since there's no model number on it, but the Airweight and CTG with a 6-round capacity seems to indicate model 12. Can anybody confirm this?

[VA27]

That's what it sounds like. I saw a really nice 2" one in the back of a shop last week. I looked it over and the frame was cracked under the yolk where the frame is thinnest. It made me sick, as it was an otherwise minty gun. Just one of the hazards of the K frame airweights.

[LAK Supply]

Alright.... thanks for the info. What's a fair price for one that's LNIB- had one box shot though it and has been sitting in a safe since the early 80's? Any idea?

[Oro]

It's worth $120, mail it to me.

Hey, slow down. It sounds like you might have something interesting and don't rush to judgment. You've provided very sloppy info and recieved the same, so far.

If it "sounds like a model 12" but doesn't say that in the yoke area, well, guess what, it's not a model 12. If it were a model "12," that's what would be stamped on the frame inside the yoke. Not stamped that way? Not a model 12. Simple, isn't it?

first, post a photo. Both sides, in detail. The true serial number is on the butt, below the grip. "G" prefix doesnt' sound solid - where did you find that number and why did you think it was a serial number? What are those numbers under the barrel, and on the butt? Barrel length? hammer style? Front sight profile? Photo?

Sounds like you have a ".38 M&P Airweight," not a model 12.

[LAK Supply]

I will try to get all of that info from the owner.... I've provided vague info because that's all he's provided me with. According to my gun blue book the model 12 is an M&P 38.... either way, I don't know much about the older and/or smaller Smith revolvers, so I'll see if I can get more info.

Thanks for the help....

[Oro]

According to my gun blue book the model 12 is an M&P 38....

Yes/no. What I was trying to say it is it may be a "M&P Airweight" that is NOT a Model 12. This would be the case if it were made before 1957. That is when they got the model numbers, so I am saying without the stamp in the frame, it's NOT a 12 (1957 manufacture or later), but a pre-57, "Pre-model 12" as they are also called. It's a naming issue and can affect value, too. Sorry I wasn't totally clear.

[LAK Supply]

Gotcha.... I know for sure it's not a pre-57 gun. The current owner bought it new in 1980-1982. I'm going to find out more info this week.... I'm unsure about it now though as I don't really want to be limited from shooting +P. I guess I'll have to see what kind of deal the guy wants to give me when I actually see it.

[Oro]

You would be fine with +p in a modern one from the 80s, no problem. To settle this issue, somebody did a demo test on a board here - I can't recall if it was here or the S&W forum? But he put 1,000 rounds of factory +p through his 4" 12 (I think it was a c. 1984 model?) as an endurance test, recording all critical measurements along the way. No hiccups. He did this last fall into this winter. I would not worry at all about practicing shooting +p rounds occasionally. I'd use the heavier bullets the gun was designed for, though - the 148 and 158gr loads, not the lighter hi-vel loads. Those are the ones that tend to crack the cone at the six o'clock. Check that area, and look above on the top frame for excessive flame cutting - those are signs of lots of hi-velocity light bullet use.

[Maddock]

The thread was at Smith-Wesson.com. Osprey, one of the moderators, used a Model 12-2 and put a documented 1,000rds of various +P through it with before, during and after measurements and inspection. Here is the link, (http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/3481091842/) Be prepared for a read though, it goes close to 200 posts.