I recently bought a S&W Model 12-3 which will be at my FFL on Wednesday. It is not currently set up with the correct grips, an issue I'd like to rectify.

For those who aren't aware, the Model 12-3 is an Airweight, 6-shot, .38 Special made on a slightly reduced sized K frame. The Model 12 frame is 0.08" thinner than the standard K frame. That difference was done away with when the 12-4 was released in 1984, when S&W built them on standard K frames. (Of course, they stopped producing the Model 12 two years later.)

Finding original Model 12 grips can be difficult, at best, and quite often, expensive, due to the reduced size of the frame. Plenty of grip makers will state their K-frame grips will fit the Model 12, but, unless the gun is a 12-4, they actually end up leaving a small gap between the frame and grip. A Google search turned up a single set of square butt grips being offered for $115, as well as some parts kits which include grips for $125 (the ad doesn't say if they are square or round butt, though).

I won't know until I get mine in my hand if it's square or round butt. If it's a square butt, I guess I know where to find a set. If it's a round butt, though, I may have to find another source.

So, that brings me to my question. Does anybody have any recommendations for where to find a set of Model 12 grips which will actually fit a 12-3 without creating a gap?

For the record, the grips listed on Numrich's site Model 12-3 schematic are generic K frame grips, not Model 12, -1, or -3 frame specific grips, as the same grips are listed on the schematics for other, normal-sized, K-frame guns.

G10 Knife Handle Spacer Material Knife Scale Liners Material for Knife Making

One possible solution is to add a spacer between the K frame grip like knives have, possibly using that type material. I’d probably be inclined to put Pachmeyer gripper grips on it and use it but you might find that Hogue wood grips fit good enough. You may just have to buy a piece of Padauk wood or Cocobolo and shape your own.

I appreciate the suggestion. The thing is, though, I'm not trying to find a way to make regular K-frame grips fit without a gap. There's a set of original S&W regular-sized K-frame wood grips on the gun now. What I want is a set of grips, whether OEM or aftermarket, purposefully made to properly fit a Model 12-3.

There's two sets of round butts on ebay.  My casual observation on the Model 12 is the round but was the more common configuration.  They don't come up often.

Thanks. Now, I just have to get the gun in my hands, figure out what style butt it has, and come up off about $100.

I picked up the guns this evening. The Model 12 is a square butt, so I ordered an appropriate set of grips this evening. With shipping, they'll end up costing me $126. I'll post pics once I have the correct grips on the gun.

There was a set of S&W factory wood K-frame grips on the gun. Those got put on my 15-3 to replace a set of Hogue Monogrips. The 15 looks and feels better with the factory wood grips, if you ask me.

Mine is a square butt two inch.  Came with the correct grips, fortunately.  A four inch round is on the list.

Attached File


They need a little fitting, especially on the front, but they're the correct grips.

I have a 4" round butt.
And you are right op, numrich will sell you a set of regular k frame round butt grips.
The next thing I try is taking a belt sander to a regular set of grips.
Don't know how I'll hold them, maybe a file would be a better option.
Grips that are on it now are rubber finger grooves squished down.  

Very nice.  In very good shape for a 12.  The finish on the frame seems a bit fragile.  Many of the 12's I've seen have some pretty significant finish issues.

Thanks.

I took it to the range today and even with just 130gr FMJ, it's a handful, especially on the first knuckle of my middle finger.

Yes, they are surprisingly unpleasant little buggers.  I almost never shoot mine.

A T-Grip helps to lessen the knuckle busting...

Model 12 no dash

You wouldn’t think the little T grip would make such a big difference but it does. Any of my magna grip equipped guns get one.

They are another hard to find item, with the original T grip company producing on a limited basis, and reports of people waiting months for shipment, with very limited to zero communication along the way.

I have had luck poking around in gun show and shop junk boxes and finding a few cheap.

There is a much more responsive a company making a copy called BK as well

@SiVisPacem

I don't know how specific the grips are in your case, but I think I have a set.  Send me an email and I will send you a couple photos beside a ruler.

You can have them for shipping costs if that is what you need.

I know I have a round butt set and the square butt may be harder to find, but I know I have a set somewhere if they are the correct size.

@wildearp

Thank you for that very generous offer. Thankfully, I was able to find a correct set, though it did cost me.

I just put them in my yard sale bin a couple days ago, so it was fresh on my mind.

It's a little late to help you, but Centerfire Systems has some Model 12 parts kits for 79.99.
Attached File

@bondo

Thanks.

I actually saw those, but decided not to order one. If you look at the lower left corner, that parts kit has a set of aftermarket rubber grips. Nobody seems to make aftermarket rubber grips specifically for a KA frame (the slightly thinner frame used for the Model 12). I didn't want to risk receiving a parts kit with a set of K-frame grips not specifically made for a Model 12.

I ended up biting the bullet and ordering a set of Model 12-specific grips online.

If you have the original factory grips, you're good to go. That's what true S&W enthusiasts want. If you want the grips to fill your hand better, get a Tyler T-grip adapter.