[Fedaykin]

I've wanted one of these level action 12's for a while. From a quick search everyone seems to talk about issues with the older (2005-2006) guns. Anyone have a recent purchase they'd care to comment on? Ejection problems or anything of that nature?

[AeroDillo]

Mine's worked like a charm so far, with a few notable technicalities. For one, I understand the originals were designed to take shells shorter that those available today, and that the Chinese made a pretty good copy - which means that on occasion, you get an empty hull that won't quite eject on account of the opened crimp. Also, you have to be certain to get the lever all the way forward when you work the action. Otherwise, you aren't too likely to get the empty cleared.

Fun gun. A little awkward, kinda bulky...after a couple of boxes of shells you'll understand why lever-action shotguns are such a comparitive rarity these days. The movements to work the action don't feel quite right from the shoulder. Shoots good from the hip, though.

Plus, you get to answer all manner of fun questions about your new toy. :D

[Fedaykin]

Thanks, that doesn't sound too bad. It just looks like it'd be pretty fun to shoot. So would you say that if you "practice" enough you can get all of the shells to extract? Or is it just one of those things that is going to happen randomly no matter how you work the action?

[owlhoot]

I have an 87 copy and I've used it hard for the past couple of years. I'm a cowboy action shooter so the demands on the shotgun are a bit different than they would be for other shooters. For example we have to begin with an empty shotgun and can load no more than two rounds at a time. (on the clock)

If you aren't a CAS shooter, the gun is going to be fine out of the box. I have put thousands of rounds through mine and I have never had a failure to eject. Just work the action smartly. I did a few minor modifications to my gun but all are related to CAS shooting requirements. This is a fun gun and not a bad HD gun. Go for it.

[AeroDillo]

I've found most of the issues with mine to stem from the user, more than the gun. You'll find out pretty quick what you can and can't get away with.