Just put a S&W 12-3 snub on layaway!!

[bdb benzino]

I have seen these older Airweight K frames before and have always been interested, but when I saw this 12-3 snub nose at my local gunsmiths I could not stop thinking about it. So after a couple days of dwelling on it, I called him and told him to pull it for me, and that I would be coming with a down payment this afternoon. Great guy by the way.

It ha s a little bit of wear from the original owner carrying it, but the blueing is beautiful. I am putting a set of Herret K frame round butt grips on it that he has, and he is putting a bobbed hammer on it for me. This will be my perfect IWB CC, and I am very exited to get it. It locks up like a vault and has a nice trigger. It will not replace my S&W 638 for pocket carry, but I mostly carry IWB anyway so the extra round will be welcomed!

My questions are, how strong are these old K frame Airweights and will it be ok for occasional +P practice? Also what are some good resonably priced IWB holsters for S&W K frames?? When was the 12-3 manufactured?

Thanks for the input as always, and pics to come when I pick it up!

 

[huntershooter]

The mod. 12 frame is thinner than a "K" frame. "K" frame grips won't fit in my experience.
OCCASIONAL +P should be OK.
"Reasonably" priced IWB is mighty subjective. My favorite is an Alessi IWB.
You will like the mod. 12. It's a great concealed carry gun.

Here's a "no dash" 12 of mine:

 

[jim goose]

Beautiful. I need one.

 

[bigtubby]

HS that is a beauty i just listed my 4" round butt M-12 not as pretty but a nice gun same as yours flat latch no dash.

 

[jhvaughan2]

Besk kept secret of the revolver CCW world. Almost as lighter than a steel j frame and one more round. Perfect for IWB. Practice with standard, carry +P. No issue.
12-3 went for from 77-84. Pinned barrel eliminated in 84.

 

[420Stainless]

One of the handiest handguns around. A joy to carry and six shots too. Congratulations on yours and hope you really get a lot of enjoyment from it.

 

[VA27]

Before you buy, open the cylinder and look at the frame under the barrel. I've seen two in the last two years that had a crack in the frame (longitudinal) where it's thinnest.

 

[Iggy]

Shiny ones are kinda spiffy too.
This is a 12-4 and utilizes regular K frame grips.

 

[bdb benzino]

Just picked it up today!!

 

[huntershooter]

Nice catch.
Enjoy it.

 

[bannockburn]

bdb benzino

Nice aquisition. I have always been a big fan of J frame snubbies, but I must admit to a certain fascination with the Model 12 version.

 

[bdb benzino]

Nice aquisition. I have always been a big fan of J frame snubbies, but I must admit to a certain fascination with the Model 12 version.

Thanks so much for the compliment! I also love J frame snubbies, but as soon as I saw my first Model 12, I knew it was for me. I also have a couple Airweight snubs, a 638 and a 642, but I see this model 12 taking over as far as IWB is concerned! I never did have the hammer bobbed as I have decided to find one that has already been bobbed and install it. That way I can switch back if I ever felt the need. It also would help the pistol retain its value better, although I doubt I will ever sell this one!

As far as preformance is concerned, she did well. I took her out yesterday before the New Years festivities and put around 100 rounds through her. Around 75 reloaded 158gr SWC's and around 25-30 Remington 130gr fmj, and the only issue was a couple of the reloads needed a second strike but none of the factory loads did. I am guessing it was a couple primers not all the way set that caused this, although I am going to install a new hammer spring just to be safe.
The first time shooting and I can already tell that this is a bit easier to shoot that my J frames, got to love an easy shooting revolver!

 

[Iggy]

You did very well. A round butt K frame snubby is hard to beat and an air weight is a dream to carry.

Enjoy it.

 

[Hondo 60]

You did very well in picking up an M12.
I'm sure you'll enjoy practicing.

Occasional +P is OK, but not a steady diet.

 

[Thule]

the only issue was a couple of the reloads needed a second strike but none of the factory loads did. I am guessing it was a couple primers not all the way set that caused this, although I am going to install a new hammer spring just to be safe.

Curious what primers you were using in your reloads. CCI primers seem to run a bit hard and I've had the same issue with them in a couple of my semi-autos. I mostly use Federal or Remington primers now and haven't had a problem since.

 

[451 Detonics]

The 12-3 does not use standard K frame grips, it is a skinnier frame. Mine was a basket case when I bought it but now is my most carried BUG. Works well in a Done Hum J.I.T. holster or in my pocket.