rWt
Member
How do you all compare a 2" S&W Model 12 and a 2" Colt DS? What are the pros and cons of each? If you were to pick one, which one would it be?
S&W Model12 vs Colt DS
- Thread starter rWt
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I once owned a Pre model 12 M&P Airweight, and currently own a Colt Cobra, the lightweight version of the Detective special.
Both are fine revolvers.
The model 12 is bigger in every dimention bieing a mid sized frame, while the D/S is a bit smaller. The D/S also has the advantage with it's short butt grip frame to accomadate grips that are nearly as compact as a J frame.
Sights are definitly better on the fixed sight Colts.
Trigger is subjective. I prefer the longer Colt action with the slight stack at the end during a slow pull (not noticable during a quick pull) , but the S&W trigger is good as well.
The model 12 probably will fit most hands better as it's a mid sized gun, but it's really on the large side for pocket carry. The D/S is better in that role.
Personally, I carry the Colt because it's nearly as compact as a J frame, and in a snubbie, pocket carry and compactness are most important for me, and having the sixth round is nice vs. a J frame.
For a midsize Revolver I carry a Colt too but with 4" of barrel.
One other thing to consider with the model 12 is that it's not a true K frame. It's a KA frame, which is a bit narrower, so K frame grips don't fit correctly. If aftermarket grips are something you desire, a model 12 may not be for you.
Both are fine revolvers.
The model 12 is bigger in every dimention bieing a mid sized frame, while the D/S is a bit smaller. The D/S also has the advantage with it's short butt grip frame to accomadate grips that are nearly as compact as a J frame.
Sights are definitly better on the fixed sight Colts.
Trigger is subjective. I prefer the longer Colt action with the slight stack at the end during a slow pull (not noticable during a quick pull) , but the S&W trigger is good as well.
The model 12 probably will fit most hands better as it's a mid sized gun, but it's really on the large side for pocket carry. The D/S is better in that role.
Personally, I carry the Colt because it's nearly as compact as a J frame, and in a snubbie, pocket carry and compactness are most important for me, and having the sixth round is nice vs. a J frame.
For a midsize Revolver I carry a Colt too but with 4" of barrel.
One other thing to consider with the model 12 is that it's not a true K frame. It's a KA frame, which is a bit narrower, so K frame grips don't fit correctly. If aftermarket grips are something you desire, a model 12 may not be for you.
Gordon
Member
I carried the 2" Model 12 in a shoulder holster in plain clothes CI work in the early 70s, never thought of it as a pocket gun! That is what the Chief's Special was for. Later I carried a Model 19 2.5" as a Federal agent duty weapon (Colt Commander .45 off duty and under cover) and a Colt snub (first a Cobra, then an Agent) as a pocket or BUG. I reserve the 19 Snub for Posse ground BarBQue and an Agent for a pocket gun these days. I don't have a 12 anymore. I got offered an older mint one for $700 a few months ago and passed as they arenot very strong (not +P reccomended)
popeye
Member
12 DASH 4, The last in the series, has the standard width frame. I'd like to find one in 2". I've had a few 12 - 2's and 3's. They have become collectable, and it's rare to see a nice example for less than $500. Grips for pre 12-4 examples can easily be fashioned out of standard K frame grips if necessary. The DET SPEC comes in many styles, vintages, and series. Long butt, short butt, round butt, square butt, my favorite carry gun in .38 spec..
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VA27
Member
Any time you are looking at pre-lock Smith Airweight revolvers the very first thing you should do is open the cylinder and look at the frame under the barrel where it's thinnest. Last year while shopping I found a Model 12 (really nice, looked almost unfired) and a Model 38 with the frame SPLIT. The split was parallel with the barrel in the curved area of the frame where the crane fits when the cylinder is closed.
In doing a little research I've discovered that there was a period of time where some barrels were over torqued and it stressed the alloy frame to the point where it would eventually crack. Of course Smith took care of customers if it happened when the guns were new, but this was back in the 70's and 80's and Smith won't fix 'em anymore.
Look close before you buy!
In doing a little research I've discovered that there was a period of time where some barrels were over torqued and it stressed the alloy frame to the point where it would eventually crack. Of course Smith took care of customers if it happened when the guns were new, but this was back in the 70's and 80's and Smith won't fix 'em anymore.
Look close before you buy!
Low Budget Shooter
Member
Dear rWt,
I have not had the privilege of messing with a 12, but have experience with other K frames as well as the Colt Cobra. +1 to what savit260 wrote. If you're looking for pure shooting joy, then a regular K-frame instead of a 12 would be the answer, I think. If you're looking to carry, the Colt D-frame gun is a good bit smaller, only bigger than a J frame by a very small margin.
LBS
I have not had the privilege of messing with a 12, but have experience with other K frames as well as the Colt Cobra. +1 to what savit260 wrote. If you're looking for pure shooting joy, then a regular K-frame instead of a 12 would be the answer, I think. If you're looking to carry, the Colt D-frame gun is a good bit smaller, only bigger than a J frame by a very small margin.
LBS
rWt
Member
Thanks all!
sidheshooter
Member
I like them both a lot. At the moment, I only have a minty 12-3, no DS. I'd be happy with either though. I have the 12 mainly because I couldn't pass it up in the condition and price that I found it for, and also because I have a number of other K-frames, so I'm set for holsters, speed loaders and what not.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help...
Sorry I couldn't be of more help...
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