Got my Colt Detective and S&W Airweight 12 (PICS)

[FerFAL]

Changed my old Detective for this one that is in a bit better shape, + has the original finish.
The writing on the frame was made directly at the Colt Factory, back when it was ordered by the Bs As Police.
It’s was imported in the same year my other Colt was, ’61.
The grips have been modified but I can get nicer ones.
Just had to drop 30 USD plus my old Colt. Fair enough.

The S&W I got in exchange for a Llama Comanche 357 magnum.
I like the Llama, but the brand wasn’t very comforting, and the S&W works very nicely, the DA is to die for.

This rounds up my revolver collection nicely.

I like my autos better for defense but the Airweight S&W is perfect for my wife, better grip than the Colt Police Positive.

FerFAL

 

[colubrid]

That is how I like my guns. With some character.

 

[Will5A1]

Nice, classic revolvers. You know that Airweight looks to be a pretty early example, it has the flatlatch and I think I see the screw above the trigger guard. Does it have the 5th screw on top of the sideplate? Is the cylinder alloy or steel?

 

[FerFAL]

Yes, there's a screw in front of the trigger guard.
Says Mod-12.
I can only see two screws on the plate, they are down next ot the trigger.
I dont know if there's another one under the grip.
The cylinder is steel.
I'm trying to learn a bit about it.
Do you know how much it's worth in USA? Is it safe to fire a few +P now and then?
Serial number is 447398

FerFAL

 

[Will5A1]

About 1960, there should be a C prefix to your serial number, and you have the four screw variation. Prices in the states vary by region/demand etc. but I paid $350 for a NIB one last year, I think that was under the market by $100, but some of the paperwork was missing and the box wasn't in the best shape. I would limit the amount of +P, others will have different opinions on that subject.

 

[Maddock]

Is it safe to fire a few +P now and then?

There is quite a debate on that. Some folks won't shoot anything stouter than midrange wadcutters, others see no problem with any .38 Special, +P or non+P.
Osprey, one of the moderators on smith-wessonforum.com, is almost completed with a 1000 round +P test out of his Model 12. Here He's up to 872 rounds of +P with no apparent issues.
There is much discussion in the thread about where failure with the Model 12 could occur (primarily the frame where the barrel screws in).

 

[Glock Holiday]

I also like guns with character or history attached to them.
This was a Royal Hong Kong police model..

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

Is it safe to fire a few +P now and then?

I wouldn't advise it. For defense, Buffalo Bore makes some non + P rounds that are more powerful than a lot of the +P loads out there.
Oh- just say your location. Don't know if Buffalo Bore is availiable in Argentina.Hmm- some +P, now and then, and for defense, would probably be okay.

 

[micky692002]

FerFAL, how much did you pay for the for the model 12? I want to sell mine but don't know how much to ask for it. Thanks

 

[NCSUPackman]

I Believe BS AS is Buenos Aries

It looks like that Detective Special was ordered by a/the Province Police Department in Buenos Aries.

Nice find; I would love to have a police marked Detective Special. Also, Kudos on the Smith & Wesson. I would trade a Llama for a Smith any day.

 

[Moonclip]

I have a Llama commanche in .357 and I like it but you made a good trade. I'd love to have that Buenos Aires Colt also. I'd fire very few to no +P in that S&W as I'd assume they are not very common or replaceable in Argentina.