[Kestrel]

Are these good guns? What can one in good condition cost? Thanks,
Steve

[ACP230]

Model 12s are good, tough shotguns. We have two in the family. One Dad bought in 1935. I don't know if it has ever had anything done to it except a cold bluing after a trip to the tropics on a cargo ship rusted its outside some.

Dad bought me a Model 12 in 16 gauge as a HS Graduation present. It had been made in the 40's and came with dings in the stock and about 40% of its original finish. After 10 years of using it I had some springs replaced to cure a small ejection problem in 1979. I also had a Weaver Quik Point mounted on it then. I have used it since without anything but an occasional cleaning. I have taken quite a few grouse and one buck deer with it.

Prices are all over the lot. Dad paid less for his new in 1935 than he did for mine in the 1960s, if I remember right. Someone posted on TFL saying 12s were cheap where he lived and ran around $250. He didn't say where he lived though!
The last ones I saw were at Cabela's in Dundee and were running around $450 to $500 depending on finish.

[TrapperReady]

My mom's dad bought one new in 1922. He used it for 30 years and gave it to my dad. My dad used it for another 35 years, and I've had it since he passed away.

I still shoot several hundred rounds through it each year, and it goes hunting with me at least once a season. The action is slick, it shoots where I aim it, and I can drop birds and clays with ease. I'd still rate the finish at over 90%, and the wood, although plain, has an incredible rich patina.

Yeah, I'd say it's a pretty good gun.

As for cost, there are lots of different variations and the condition plays an important role. Most of the ones I see around here are around $450-$500, with some going much higher. The ones which are less expensive usually look REALLY rough.

[Dave McCracken]

The 12 is a JMB design, and it's as reliable and durable as anything made by Man.

Some trap models have 250K rounds behind them with minimal probs.

Prices on these are cyclical. I can recall when an action alone would fetch $300.

Best guess, here and now a field grade, non Y model in NRA Excellent condition, $500. Specialty grades more.

HTH...

[Lone Star]

I understand that the M12 was designed by a Winchester team headed by a man named Johnson. Browning did design the M97, the Ithaca M37 (Remington M17), and the Browning Superposed.

Lone Star

[rick_reno]

The model 12 originated with the model 1893, a Browning design. William Mason was in charge of developing and perfecting this gun. Johnson came on as his assistant in 1885. The 1883 was designed for black powder loads and about this time 1893 came out the switch to smokeless powder was starting. The 1893 saw production for only 4 years and was replaced with the 1897. The next shotgun was the model 1911, a self loading gun. They worked with the Browning brothers on this gun, and the patent specifications were written so well that when Win. and Browning parted in 1902 Winchester couldn't make a self loading gun without infringing on the Browning patents. About 1907 work began on what was to be the M12. The final design was approved 3/29/1910 and Winchester started producing the model 1912.
The only problem with the model 12 is that it lasted forever and the belief is that the company finally filled the demand. The built it for 78 years with over 2 million being produced.
Prices have bounced around some on them over the years, right now a decent field grade M12 can be found for about $300. If you're buying one, take the gun down and check the fit of the two pieces - the threads on guns that have been taken down/put together can get damaged and loose. Most of the time they can be easily fixed (the sleeve is adjustable).

[Kestrel]

Does the model 12 have a disconnector? (Does it slam-fire, like the original Ithaca M37s?)

Thanks,
Steve

[Red Label]

Slam fire which can be fun, but if you're careful you won't even notice.

[Gunsnrovers]

Yep, the M12 will slam fire. So will the Winchester 97's, Ithaca 37's, Stevens 520's & 620's, and I'm sure a few others I can't think of.

None of the shotgun I own DON'T have the ability to slam fire. As long as you're aware of it, it shouldn't be an issue.

Jeff

[AClay47]

I just received my late grandfather's Winchester Model 1912 shotgun. I have no experience with shotguns, and I have no owners' manual. I need instructions to disassemble it, so I can clean and oil it. I've searched online unsuccessfully, including the Winchester site.

Can anyone give me instructions, or a link to them, or can anyone email them to me?

Thanks,

Clay

[kudu]

If you can come up with this months American Rifleman it has a complete breakdown and disassembly instructions for the M12.

[redneck2]

are kinda the standard by which other pump guns are judged. 10 years ago a really nice one would bring $500-600. Lately I've seen them for $275 to $400 in this area. Ones in fair condition are dropping close to $200.

Less demand for "collectable" guns and wood stocks

[BigG]

On this page is directions for taking down a Model 1897, which is the same for the Model 12. HTH

Winchester Pump Shotgun Takedown (http://www.milesfortis.com/church/akc12.htm)