[Kestrel]

Just got the Model 12 I posted about a few days ago. I looked up the serial number and it was made in 1947 and is in very good condition and unmodified. The bore in the barrel looks great.

My question is, when you load the shells, is the front of the lifter supposed to be what holds the rearmost shell in place? When I load it, the shell is against the front of the lifter. I don't see anything else there to hold it. It cycles just fine, but it just didn't look like the way my other shotguns hold shells.

Thanks for any help,
Steve

[TrapperReady]

Steve - I just checked my Model 12 (a 1922 model), and it functions as you describe. The shells coming out of the mag tube catch against the upper-front portion of the lifter.

It's funny, but I'd never paid any attention to that in the past. Probably because that's the first shotgun I ever used and I had no reason to get much into its guts... since the thing just plain works!

Enjoy your new piece and use it often. Although I don't like saying this too loud around Dave (hate to hurt his feelings and all), but I do prefer the Model 12 to the 870. It's a truly outstanding firearm, and every time I shoot mine, I think of my dad.

[Kestrel]

TrapperReady,

Thanks for the info. Yep, this model 12 is a nice gun. It seems like it's built like a tank. I also VERY much like 870s.

I have a problem in that I like way too many guns...

Steve

[Dave McCracken]

TR, don't worry about my feelings, at least when it comes to 12s. They're GREAT shotguns.

If Pop had sprung for a used Model 12 instead of an 870 way back then, I'd probably be just as happy, and well armed.

Steve, I know what you mean, I've met few shotguns I didn't like...

[Sparky]

Congrats on your M-12. You'll grow to love it. Best pump gun ever. (I'm VERY prejudiced of course)

Sparky

[BigG]

I have to agree that I've met very few shotguns I didn't like but I would like to speak up for another classic Winchester pump - the Model 1897. Heckuva fine piece of machinery also! Enjoy your Model 12! :)

[sm]

Models '97, 12, 870...Don't mind me...just gonna smile and appreciate some fine SGs , that's all.
:)

[Kestrel]

I'd love to get a nice example of a Win 97, but I assume they are very expensive. (Although, I've never actually seen one in person and don't know what they go for...)

Steve

[Dave McCracken]

97s are very good, but run a little more than they should since the Ca folks snapped them up.

But, you've a great one there, shoot it until one of you wears out.