S&W Model 12 4" RB...

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Being especially fond of the S&W Model 10 genre of revolvers, I picked up a very nice, very clean Model 12-3 recently. It came with no box and the owner advised that it had been carried none and fired little. Inspecting the inside of the frame behind the cylinder bears this out as there is hardly any marring to be seen.

Stocks are original and are serial numbered to the revolver. The action is smooth in both double and single.


The gun would pass as NIB...if it had a box, but the finish is not perfect. On the rear grip strap there is a tiny chip in the black anodized finish.

I have not yet shot the gun but will probably get around to it soon. This one will probably not be carried much if any. It is simply a variant of the Model 10 that I didn't own and a revolver that I find "classic and graceful" in design and simply wanted to own. I recall not buying one of these in the early '80's and while there were no major regrets, I am glad to have one in the safe now.

This one is marked Model 12-3 and has serial number 8D675XX.

Best.

 

[Walkalong]

Very nice.

 

[M-58]

Very nice looking model 12 that you just picked up. It'll be in good company with all of your Browning Hi Powers !

 

[SwampWolf]

A classic revolver in the truest sense and yours looks to be in fabulous condition. I'll be the first to ask (and hope I'm not being too nosey), what did you have to pay for it?

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I paid $325 cash.

Best.

 

[Brian Williams]

About the only thing nicer that that 12 would be if it was one of the 12s with a 3" barrel

 

[TT]

Nice. If you were going to use it for SD, what load would you use?

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Despite the warnings not to use +P in the Model 12, my first choice would be Remington 158-gr. LHP +P.

Best.

 

[TT]

Ah. I was wondering if you had a secret non +P load in mind.

 

[golden]

Like The Model 12

I occasionally carry a model 12. Mine is a nickel plated, 2 inch square butt. I find that it shoot much better than the 5 shot models which do not handle as well for me.

I use the REMINGTON 125 grain semi-jacketed hollowpoint +P load that you can get at WAL-MART for $25.00 a 100 round box. It kicks noticeably less than the 158 grain +P loads and will do just as well for defensive purposes.

I consider 9mm +P to be the minimum that I would use for duty, but the model 12 is just fine for wearing on your belt when you go shopping or on a long walk.

If I find another at a good price, I will get a round butt and have the 3 inch heavy barrel from a model 13 added. Then I will have it MAGNA-PORTED and the trigger slicked. It will probably be overkill, but I am sure it would be a great shooter if done properly.

Jim

 

[keyboard commando]

Very Nice !

Nice find, Mr. Camp. Looks like new.

 

[SwampWolf]

$350.00? You did GOOD! I too am looking for a non-plus P load for my Colt Cobra. Any "secret" non +P loads out there that people want to share?

 

[Ala Dan]

Really nice wheel gun there, Steve my friend~! Just something 'bout
those good old S&W revolvers, isn't it~?

 

[Will5A1]

Cant resist showing off my Model 12 that I purchased as a carry gun, I had planned on having a 3" barrel from a Model 10 parts kit installed but wiser heads prevailed and its a safe queen now, so I'm looking for a more used 4" 12 that I can have the barrel cut down on. I was convinced by those more knowing more than me that taking the barrel off would likely crack the frame.

I always enjoy your posts, Mr. Camp, its fun to see and appreciate classic revolvers.

 

[Brian Williams]

Will is the barrel you have a heavy barrel or a mid weight barrel?

 

[sm]

Mr. Camp,

Very Nice! Looking forward to your review after shooting.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello and thanks to all for their posts.

TT: I guess the only "secret" std pressure load I have that might be nice in this revolver would be some of the original std pressure Corbon 110-gr. DPX before they went to +P. Out of some snubs, the round simply wouldn't stabilize until the velocity was raised a little, but this put it into +P territory. Out of the 3 and 4" guns, the standard pressure load works fine.

This one will be shot some but probably not used for anything more serious than range fun. I simply like the lines of this revolver.

Best.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Very nice write up, as all of your reviews are.

Great find, too.

 

[TT]

I’ve been wondering why CB dropped the standard pressure DPX. Thanks for the info.

 

[ThomasT]

I have a model 12 2" i bought off of Gunbroker. The total with shipping came to $340.00. I haven't shot it yet but it weighs 17 oz empty. I didn't know it was not +P rated. Oh well, thats not a problem.

Sellior & Bellot have a round nose lead load rated at 950 fps and is not +P. I bought some and they seem pretty warm. I use a non +P load from the Speer manual that uses 8.4 gr blue dot with a 158gr LSWC. Blue dot is noted for being a low flash powder. This load feels like the S&B load when shot. I wish the S&B people would load this round with a SWC.

In the book "Stopping Power" it was stated that the SWC offers no advantage to the RN load. Don't know if thats true or not but i would rather not be shot by either one.

My uncle was a Ft. Worth cop for 28 years. He killed one man and shot the nipple off of a womans tit with a 158gr RN non +P out of a model 15. So i guess it works sometimes.

 

[Will5A1]

Brian - its a HB.

 

[golden]

+P answer

I practice most of the time with standard velocity ammo and switch to +P for my qualification round.

No problems so far.

Jim

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158grains are at least on par with the FBI load without the risk of a KABOOM!
Nice wheelie- you'd think SW would start making them again, in stainless, maybe Centennial style?

 

[Litlman]

Nice! Where is the report? I am sure that I am not the only member waiting to see how it does in your most capable hands. Enjoy.

 

[Diamondback]

a revolver that I find "classic and graceful" in design

well put.......unquestionably handsome indeed ! Congratulations !

- best regards