There is an S&W model 12-2, that I'm "Pondering" over buying, at a nearby Gun Shop? I need some advice, on whether to buy or, not to buy this 4 inch barell, Airweight? As I am just starting out(Trying to learn about the model 12)I would also like to hear from other model 12 owners, about these model 12's(And, about their Model 12's, too?)? My questions are as follows:

1)The model 12 in question, looks to be in great codition(Except that the upper, sideplate seam(At the small curvature section of the sideplate)is slightly wavy-or, ruffled. I don't know, if this could be an S&W factory "Flaw" or, if something else, could have occured, to cause this slight defect?

2)The action on this Model 12-2, seems to be "Normal" and, there is just a trace, of a ring around the cylinder. The question is, would it still be worthwhile, to buy this gun, for $200?

3)Is the S&W model 12-2 a good investment?

4)When compared to say a pre model 10(In good condition)or a later model 10-5(In very good condition)which would be the best gun to buy(The model 12-2 in question-or, one of these guns(All are priced at $200)? Please give your reasons?

5)Please give any Pro's or Con's about the model 12? I want to hear anything, that anyone, might have to say about these "Airweight" guns?

Hello Security6,

Proud owner of a model 12-2, 2" square butt. This gun is indentical to a weapon that Uncle Sam issued me for a few months around 15 years ago, except my issue piece was the round butt variety. I have done this will all three of the guns that I was once issued, as I also own a 1911, and a Beretta 92FS.

I'm not sure about the sideplate flaw, I have mine in my hand and I can't decide if mine is wavy or not. The seem looks fine to me, although very visible, but it doesn't look abnormal. These guns have a two tone flavor about them, as the alloy frame tends to be darker in color than the barrel and wheel.

They shoot acceptably well, but the great thing about this gun to me is how well it packs. I found a flush fit crossdraw rig for mine, and I tend to favor this weapon when I am going to be driving for a long trip.

I think a four incher would be a great gun, as I expect that it would be a wonderful gun to pack, if a fellow was just going to bum around in the woods, and such. I gave over 200 for mine, and it is less than the condition that you describe. I would also be hard pressed to turn down a 4", as I understand they are the rarer of the two.

Good luck, let me know if I can do anything for you.

Steve

WHITEHUNTER35:

1)On any "Steel" S&W "K" frame gun, usually, both the edge(All around the sideplate and around the sideplate mating area on the frame)is smooth and even(Not wavy or ruffled or jagged)anywhere? My question, relates here, to whether or not, these S&W model 12(Airweight guns)are any different(Or, if some ruffling, ect., might be normal, in view of the frame and sideplate, being made of aluminum, instead of steel?)? I would like to hear comments from other model 12 owners, as to how the edges of their model 12, guns edges look(Any such flaws: Slightly rough, wavy, or ruffled)?

2)I would like to get opinions, on which gun(Both priced at $200 at the Gun Shop)would be the best investment(And the best gun to own?)?

3)I would appreciate, any other comments, about the Pro's or Con's(Or, anything?)about the model 12 "Airweights")? This will be of great help to me?

4WHITEHUNTER35: Thanks, for your offer to help me, with anything I might need! I appreciate that!

Security6
If the "wave" is at the very top, it could be because the sideplate was incorrectly removed by prying it up from the bottom.
Dave

If the wavy area(Damage)was done to the upper area, of the sideplate, from(Improperly)prying the sideplate up from the bottom-is this reason enough, to "Reject" this S&W model 12-2? Opinions please?

6,

Is this waviness fairly uniform? I have seen a few airweight guns with a flaw if this is the case, kind of looked like someone etched fine lines with a straight pin. I this in the crane area, right around where 12-2 is printed. Mine has a very few, not many at all. My gun has no such waves around the sideplate.

Reckon its up to you, if the gun locks up and functions okay and its not too much of an eyesore for you to tolerate, I would reckon you are in good shape.

Not too much in the pro's and cons, as these are fairly simple pieces. The basic revolver, only lighter. The Pro's are that they pack well, the cons are about the same as any 6 shooter. Back in the day, I carried my GI issued model into contentious situations without any huge concern.

Both my GI and personal guns shoot well, not lazer accuratte, but much better than a J frame.

I think 200 U.S. is an excellent deal, espiecally for a Four inch.

Good luck,

Steve

[QUOTE=whitehunter35]6,

STEVE:

1)No, the rippled area around the sideplate, actually looks rippled(Along a small, approximately, 1/4" to 5/16" length)at the top, upper right hand "Curvature, at the edge of the plate(Not on the frame)which is maybe about 1/64" wide. Although this wavyness is very smooth(not jagged)the sideplate, isn't bent-and, there isn't any sign of scratches or anything indicating that someone had been prying on the sideplate. It's slight-but, whenever you look at the sideplate, this area, catches the eye(Because the frame is not wavy at all(Perfectly smooth and flat-just like it's supposed to be). And yes, although slight, this is somewhat of a sore eye(Because we know that the sideplate, should be as perfectly flat and smooth, as the frame is, at the edgeing, where both the sideplate and the frame, join together)and, because the edge of the sideplate is a little different, this is why you would notice this "Flaw"!

2)Everything else about the S&W model 12-2 in question, looks nice(Even the grips, look almost as they wood be, on a new S&W(Except for only a tiny wear spot(about 1/" to 3/16" long))and this "Rubbed" area, is located on the lower corner, on just one side of the grips).