Smith & Wesson Model 12-2 Airweight .38 Special, 4-Inch Blued K-Frame Revolver, Pinned Barrel
The Smith & Wesson Model 12-2 Airweight is a lightweight K-frame .38 Special built with an aluminum-alloy frame and steel barrel and cylinder. This 4-inch, six-shot revolver features a pinned barrel, fixed sights, and checkered walnut Magna-style stocks with S&W medallions. A D-prefix serial places it in the late-1970s production range, with 12-2 engineering confirmed on the yoke.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The exterior shows scattered scratches, with additional scratches inside the cylinder housing. The barrel exhibits signs of prior use and handling.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 12-2 Airweight .38 Special revolver
This Model 12-2 is the classic Airweight take on the K-frame service revolver, combining a blued aluminum-alloy frame with a steel barrel and cylinder for a notably light package in a 4-inch configuration. The pinned barrel and fixed-sight layout reflect the period-correct service features collectors and shooters look for.
It retains the six-shot cylinder, double-action/single-action operation, and a square-butt grip frame, paired with checkered walnut Magna-style stocks bearing S&W medallions. Topstrap serrations, a ramped front blade, and an integral rear notch provide a clean, duty-style sight picture.
The ejector rod is unshrouded and secured by a front locking lug, consistent with 12-2 engineering. Markings include the left barrel rollmark "SMITH & WESSON.", the right barrel "AIRWEIGHT 38 SPL. CTG.", the four-line right-frame address "MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.", and the S&W round trademark on the left side of the frame.
A D-prefix serial places this revolver in the late-1970s block (exact ship date requires a factory letter). Airweights made prior to the 12-4 change used a slightly thinner grip frame than standard K-frames, which is useful to know when fitting stocks.