Looking to purchase S&W Model 12

[JoeAlex1]

Hello,
I'm new to the forum.

Looking to purchase a S&W Model 12 Airweight (12-2 or 12-3)

My father, who recently passed, retired from the United States Postal Inspection Service. What an amazing job as a U. S. Postal Inspector. This is the firearm he carried throughout his career. I would like to add this pistol to my collection as a tribute to my fathers successful investigative and law enforcement career.

I would like something in VERY good condition.

Thank You in advance,

Joe

[bountyhunter]

If this is a want to buy post, I think this is the wrong forum.

[Mr. Beretta]

Welcome to the forum OP.

This member http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...light=model+12 has been looking for a model 12 for a long time.

If you happen to find one, give it a detail examination. Model 12's in very good condition bring a premium price. Also check the S&W forum. I think that might be your best bet.

Good Luck!

[JoeAlex1]

Thank You both for the feedback and suggestions. I'm new and working my way thru all the forums.

[muzzle_flip]

Welcome to calguns. I recommend you post your add in the want to buy forum.

Good luck. I hope you find a model 12 Smith

[Kyle36]

Joe I hope you find what you want and I am sorry that we have to be corrected on what forum we are on. I thought I had a 12 airweight for you but it was a 37 in perfect condition. Hope you find one.

[I Swan]

It will take some doing to find one. If you have the means your fastest easiest way would be to buy one out of state on Gunbroker and have a middleman out of state FFL do a single action exemption SAE conversion on it and then send it to a FFL in CA that understands this loophole.

Many threads about this. I didn't realize the postal inspectors ever authorized or issued the model 12. I have seen Ruger Sec Six or Speed six revolvers that were made for them. Model 12's have issues with hot ammo and wear on the anodized finishand other things so read up on them.

I used to have a 2" one they are hard to come by in CA. Also the grips are non standard until the 12-4 variation. If you do the SAE exemption it will have to be on a 4 inch model. Barrels at 2" are not allowed for this to work.

[JoeAlex1]

Kyle36, Thank you for your comments and appreciate you checking your collection.

I Swan, I had no idea it would be this difficult to find a Model 12 in California. I did find a nice pistol in TX, and Very Good condition, I'd say exactly the firearm my dad carried. BUT I'm in California.....

My father began his Postal Inspection career in 1969 and his original issue was a S&W Model 10. I believe with a 4" barrel. About a year later they changed to the Model 12. He carried the same pistol for his entire career. Surprised he did, as there were many other nice weapons on the market, only problem he would have to purchase it himself since he already had a government issued gun. He wasn't the type of person to purchase something just because it was better than what he had.
He dressed in suites every day and I recall going to the tailor on several occasions to have the jackets altered to accommodate his firearm.

Thanks Again for everyone's comments and support