S&W Model 12-2 ?

[Gordon]

I been looking for a model 12 S&W to buy. Found a reasonable condition one for $240, it is advertised as a 12-2 BUT has a flat latch, and diamond grips (round butt). Does anybody smell a rat here? I'm under the impression that diamond grip panels and flat latches were pre model numbers(and certainly revisions) Thanks for help. I need to jump on this auction in 24 hrs.

 

[popeye]

Limited info at link here. Yours sounds earlier than '62. I'm sure you're aware of frame thickness (thinner than K frame untiil -4) making aftermarket and even standard grips hard to find. I've got 2 12-3's, a nickle 4", and a blue 2"

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&th=eeab29da7e11f0c&rnum=11

 

[Mike Irwin]

I don't have my books in front of me, but even if it is a flat latch and diamond grips, so what?

That's a very good price for a Model 12.

 

[popeye]

I agree with Mr. Irwin.

 

[VictorLouis]

I agree with Mr. Irwin.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Thinking about this a little more, I THINK that the last of the flat latch models from the factory were shipped in 1963 on various models.

I don't know what the time frame for the 12-2 was, or when diamond grips were used.

I'll know more when I get home this evening.

 

[Gordon]

I didn't know frame difference, but the diamond RB grips are nice, I was gonna add a T grip . Yup early 60's prolly, I didn't know that the 12's were into revisions by then! This gun has that early look to it that turns me on! I also didn't know anything but J frames had flat latches! Thanks sounds original and I want it!

 

[riverdog]

Nice pistols, standard pressure loads only -- no +P. All mine ever shoots is 148 gr target loads.

 

[Mike Irwin]

OK, have at least partial answers for you.

The Model 12-2 was introduced in 1962, the flat latch carried on until 1966.

There's also an illustration in the first edition Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson that shows a gun produced for a French contract in 1966.

It has a manual safety on the right side of the gun that appears to be nothing more than a flat latch, and the grips on the illustrated gun have the diamond.

The gun you're looking at sounds kosher the whole way around.

 

[Majic]

Smith stopped using diamond grips on revolvers back in 1968. So yours are correct.

 

[Gordon]

Very unhappy, I missed the perfect mod 12 I have been looking for! I should have whipped out my cash on the spot. Before it went on auction block a deal was cut with an estate liquidator bought up the dozen pieces. The guy wouldn't give me time of day! Said the guns were gonna be "evaluated" (read inflated), and put up for sale at gunshows . Oh well, now I know that model 12s have diamond grips(got to have a RB version) up till 68 , and have a special thinner frame , and had flat latches till 66(I only thought chiefs had these). I'll search for another 12-2!(and a 650 and a 1950 Army)!!!