[screamin eagle]

well i went and picked her up this morning couldn't stand us being apart :rolleyes: here are some pics. i contacted winchester about the age and i was told that it was made in late 1948.


http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden036.jpg



http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden037.jpg



http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden038.jpg



http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden035.jpg



http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden034.jpg



http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden033.jpg




http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden032.jpg

[screamin eagle]

Here are some more

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden040.jpg



http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden041.jpg


http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden043.jpg


http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden044.jpg


http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden027.jpg

can someone tell me what these marks are. this one is on top of the reciever
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden030.jpg

and this one is on top of the barrel
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/wingmaster_870/garden031.jpg


Well thats it for the pics. for $325.00 did i do pretty good on the deal?

[simmonsguns]

they are factory proof marks, there stamped after they fire proof loads.
Model 12's are still going strong but there are some things that need to be checked to see what condition the gun is in, how much wear and if the locking surface is starting to roll.
Bolt lock-up, timeing of the lock-up to firing, barrel to receiver fit. It could have been carried more than it was shot or it could be worn out and in need of rebuilding.
If you have any question let me know or do a search for m-12 issues and repairs.

[kentucky_smith]

Wow, I can think of no better expert on the model 12.


You've got a great versatile shooter there and you saved a chunk of change by having a polychoke on it.

[chas08]

IMHO, I think you did fine. The Model 12 is pure American history in any configureation and therefore a collectors item. I own two, a 12 & a 16 both with 28" modified barrels. The 16 was made in 54 and the 12 was made in 62. I'm sure they will outlast me. Do you plan on keeping it as is with the poly-choke? Congratulations on owning a piece of History. :)

[Geezer59]

screamin eagle, yours looks almost exactly like mine - right down to the polychoke! Looks like you've got a keeper (just like mine).

[screamin eagle]

Thanks for the advice.The gun has a very tight fit. The threads on the barrel and receiver are in excellent shape as is the rest of the action. Yes i do plan on keeping it this way with the poly-choke and i plan on using the gun some this dove season where i can shoot lead. Can i shoot steel thru the poly-choke? If so than i hope to use it a little bit during duck season too.

[chas08]

I have a duck hunting buddy that has shot steel through his model 300 with a factory variable choke for years wit no obvious ill effects. It is an un-vented style like yours and he never adjusts it tighter than modified. I say go for it.

[screamin eagle]

thanks for telling me that now i plan on using it for duck hunting also.