Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
No, I’m not referring to low tolerance of alcohol.
In today’s world of polymer framed pistols, an older segment of the handgun field is often overshadowed. That segment is the lightweight DA revolver.
Back when DA revolvers were far more commonly seen tools of self-defense, there was a popular subset of revolvers collectively known as the “lightweights”, or in S&W parlance “Airweights”. These were aluminum alloy framed versions of popular steel framed DA revolvers. The Airweight models of the J-frames remain popular to this day, but the lightweight field was once much larger.
Post WWII, both Colt and Smith & Wesson produced lightweight, medium frame DA revolvers chambered in 38 Special. Colt was first in 1950 with S&W right behind them in 1951. To meet U.S. Air Force requests for a very lightweight 38 Special handgun, both manufactures also attempted to incorporate aluminum cylinders to those models; but that proved to be “A bridge too far” in the quest to reduce weight. The early Aircrewman models (a designation used by both Colt and S&W for their super lightweight U.S. Airforce revolvers) were recalled due to the problems from the aluminum cylinders. Most were destroyed but a few aluminum cylinder examples survived. I have held a S&W Aircrewman revolver with the aluminum cylinder and it is shockingly light.
With conventional steel cylinders and aluminum alloy frames, the concept proved to be useful and reliable. The lightweight Colt models went on to be the Cobra, Agent, and Courier models. The Smith & Wesson models went on to be the M&P Airweight (Pre-model 12) and later the Model 12. When S&W expanded the “Airweight” concept to the J-frames, we got a multitude of models such as the 37, 38, 42, 437, 438, 442, 637, 638, 642, and probably some other lightweight J-frames that I missed.
Smith & Wesson seemed to be very enthusiastic about the lightweight concept and expanded their Airweight line into the L-frames, N-frames and even back into the K-frames with their “Niteguard” series. With new materials such as Scandium Aluminum alloys and Titanium, S&W was even able to re-introduce the super lightweight alloy cylinder to some DA revolver models.
It is commonly known that if you want to draw out strong opinions and lively debate in the handgun community, simply use the word “Glock” and sit back and watch the fireworks. But another method to start a vigorous discussion is to bring up the topic of lightweight DA revolvers. When it comes to the topic of lightweight DA revolvers, the camps of love and hate are well defined and eager to speak.
I’ve owned a bunch of lightweight DA revolvers made by S&W and Colt. I am well aware of the limitations of those models. However, I can also attest that they are often unfairly maligned. Like any tool, they have their strengths, weaknesses, and application.
S&W Model 12 with cracked framed. (barrel removed)
A well used and sound Model 12 Square butt.
In today’s world of polymer framed pistols, an older segment of the handgun field is often overshadowed. That segment is the lightweight DA revolver.
Back when DA revolvers were far more commonly seen tools of self-defense, there was a popular subset of revolvers collectively known as the “lightweights”, or in S&W parlance “Airweights”. These were aluminum alloy framed versions of popular steel framed DA revolvers. The Airweight models of the J-frames remain popular to this day, but the lightweight field was once much larger.
Post WWII, both Colt and Smith & Wesson produced lightweight, medium frame DA revolvers chambered in 38 Special. Colt was first in 1950 with S&W right behind them in 1951. To meet U.S. Air Force requests for a very lightweight 38 Special handgun, both manufactures also attempted to incorporate aluminum cylinders to those models; but that proved to be “A bridge too far” in the quest to reduce weight. The early Aircrewman models (a designation used by both Colt and S&W for their super lightweight U.S. Airforce revolvers) were recalled due to the problems from the aluminum cylinders. Most were destroyed but a few aluminum cylinder examples survived. I have held a S&W Aircrewman revolver with the aluminum cylinder and it is shockingly light.
With conventional steel cylinders and aluminum alloy frames, the concept proved to be useful and reliable. The lightweight Colt models went on to be the Cobra, Agent, and Courier models. The Smith & Wesson models went on to be the M&P Airweight (Pre-model 12) and later the Model 12. When S&W expanded the “Airweight” concept to the J-frames, we got a multitude of models such as the 37, 38, 42, 437, 438, 442, 637, 638, 642, and probably some other lightweight J-frames that I missed.
Smith & Wesson seemed to be very enthusiastic about the lightweight concept and expanded their Airweight line into the L-frames, N-frames and even back into the K-frames with their “Niteguard” series. With new materials such as Scandium Aluminum alloys and Titanium, S&W was even able to re-introduce the super lightweight alloy cylinder to some DA revolver models.
It is commonly known that if you want to draw out strong opinions and lively debate in the handgun community, simply use the word “Glock” and sit back and watch the fireworks. But another method to start a vigorous discussion is to bring up the topic of lightweight DA revolvers. When it comes to the topic of lightweight DA revolvers, the camps of love and hate are well defined and eager to speak.
I’ve owned a bunch of lightweight DA revolvers made by S&W and Colt. I am well aware of the limitations of those models. However, I can also attest that they are often unfairly maligned. Like any tool, they have their strengths, weaknesses, and application.
S&W Model 12 with cracked framed. (barrel removed)
A well used and sound Model 12 Square butt.