[Boatman]

I have a S&W 38 special that my father gave me as a first gun but I am not sure what the model is. It looks kind of like the Chief Special but not identical. It is a 6 shot 2" barrell gun. On the right side of the barrell it says Airweight
38 SPL. CTG.

When I open the cylinder it says MOD 12-3 inside the frame just above the pivot point for the cylinder. The serial # is 16D9408. Can anyone help me out in identifying this pistol?

Thanks

[Janitor]

It's in the "MOD 12-3" : That's a model 12, engineering version(?) 3.

No idea when it was made though.

[SaxonPig]

1982

[strat81]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_12
http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulletin/concealed-carry-guns/51365-s-w-model-12-3-vs-s-w-640-vs-s-w-642-a.html

[csmkersh]

The offical name according to the Blue Book is Model 12 M&P Airweight.

[Iggy]

I looked at nickle plated one at a gun show last weekend. Priced at $499.00
I was tempted, but that was too steep for me.

[boatingboy]

The frame is made of aluminum. Don't shoot +p loads with it.

[Moonclip]

I had a square butt 2" 12-3, got it for $300 in 2003. It sold at auction for over $700 this year!