Value of Customized Win Model 12??

[Little Wolf]

Saw a nice firearm at the gun store the other day. Was one of the early Winchester Model 12s with the nickel steel. In fact, it didn't even state 12 gauge 2 3/4" on it, so I figure it was made in the early-mid 20th century.

The gun had the barrel (doesn't state original length on the barrel) professionally cut down to 20" and has a bead sight installed. The gun also has new wood furniture installed. Asking price was $300.

My question is this. What do you figure a M12 in that configuration is worth? Do you figure that it's a good deal, or worth it to have in order to have a piece of history? One thing I didn't like about the gun is that after the trigger is pulled the forend won't go straight back, but instead must be pushed forward a bit before it releases. Is this normal among M12s and why does it do this? Thank you.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Yes, the pushing the forend forward a little bit (maybe a sixteenth of an inch) is normal in dry firing. When shooting, recoil does it for you so you don't have to.

 

[04JRB]

I inherited my grandfathers model 12, it is also an early nickel model (1925) Mine also requires a 16th push forward on the pump during dry fire, but it does not do this when firing live rounds. still has a beautiful stock and a nice shiney bore without any pits at all, looking down that nickel bore is a beautiful sight compared to my other shotguns (rem870, moss 500)The only thing defacing mine is that my grandpa put a polychoke on it many years ago, but functionally I prefer it this was as it makes the gun more versitile (originally full choke long barrel). I never plan to sell it because its priceless to me anyway and will always be in my family.

I say buy it, I love shooting mine.

 

[rcmodel]

and why does it do this?

It's a safety feature that prevents firing out of battery, or partially unlocked.

Once you pump a round into the chamber, the action is going to stay locked until you shoot, or you push in the slide release AND push the forend foreword slightly to unlock it.

As already noted, recoil & inertia of the slide automatically unlocks it when the gun is fired.

rcmodel

 

[glazer1972]

I think it would be worth $300, but I might try to beat em down a little more.

 

[rcmodel]

Points to check on a used model 12:

*Bolt locking notch in the top of the receiver. (Well worn guns will show peening.)

*Loose take-down joint. (and all the adjustment used up)

* Headspace ring in the chamber shimmed out with brass or steel shim stock.

This could be a completely worn-out trap gun someone made a blaster out of, and then found too many problems to keep it.

rcmodel

 

[Little Wolf]

Price is firm, they will not budge. Gun is mechanically sound. What do you guys say?

 

[leftyson24]

I have a M12 made in 1953, completely reblued and stock was refinished. My dad did it as he was an excellent gunsmith. There was no rust only the original blueing was worn away from much use. What is it worth? It is truley beautiful.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Buy it.......

 

[glazer1972]

Buy it.

 

[Tom Held]

buy it

Buy it.

 

[chas08]

Buy It!!!

 

[highorder]

$300?

Buy it.