Dilemma: Altering NIB Browning Model 12 Grade V

whatnickname · Jul 26, 2020

Came across a couple NIB Browning Model 12 Grade V the other day. These were limited edition shotguns back in the 90s. I’ve read that only 4000 of the Grade V Model 12s we’re produced. The engraving appears to be done by the roll engraving method but is very well done. Nice gold inlay game scenes too. The wood is simply incredible. Most were 20 gauge a few were 28... 25” barrels & all were modified choke guns. Couldn’t resist buying the pair...looked like twins and the price for the pair was right. $2700 out the door. As nice as they are, these haven’t appreciated all that much. Whether or not they will appreciate in the future is anyone’s guess.

So here’s the issue: I prefer more open chokes such as improved cylinder or skeet I. Briley says there is no problem opening the chokes up...$95 per barrel. Really goes against the grain to alter a factory gun, especially a limited edition gun like these two. I don’t intend to sell them and I’m sure Briley will do a professional job. The only way anyone would ever be able to tell is to mike the barrels.
What’s your vote?

horsemen61 · Jul 26, 2020

I say go for it if it’s what you want let somebody else worry about what they are worth when you’re gone!

ColtPythonElite · Jul 26, 2020

If you dont plan to sell and intend to shoot, I don't see a reason why not.

I6turbo · Jul 26, 2020

I'm a believer in doing whatever you want, whatever you will enjoy doing with any gun you have. As member DB Cooper noted recently, "...someday, someone will throw away everything that was once important to me."
It'll happen. Maybe not immediately after you don't needed it/aren't able to use it anymore, but someday.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/gun-collections-left-in-passing.869577/

kudu · Jul 26, 2020

If you are going to do it, might as well go ahead and have them put in threads for choke tubes, another $150 maybe. If someone were going to do it on a nice shotgun Briley would be the one.

LoonWulf · Jul 26, 2020

kudu said:
If you are going to do it, might as well go ahead and have them put in threads for choke tubes, another $150 maybe. If someone were going to do it on a nice shotgun Briley would be the one.

I like that idea best! As long as there's enough meat anyway.

Armored farmer · Jul 26, 2020

I'm with @kudu, I'd get tubes.

Bill M. · Jul 26, 2020

Very nice guns. But little chance of real appreciation in value. Opening the chokes sounds fine to me. Provided you are actually going to shoot the guns some. Which will lower the potential resale value in itself. Me, if I thought I was really going to use the guns, might just put the Briley thin walls in. Wonderful choking system. I see them as beautiful guns but not really collector guns.

whatnickname · Jul 26, 2020

Bill M. said:
Very nice guns. But little chance of real appreciation in value. Opening the chokes sounds fine to me. Provided you are actually going to shoot the guns some. Which will lower the potential resale value in itself. Me, if I thought I was really going to use the guns, might just put the Briley thin walls in. Wonderful choking system. I see them as beautiful guns but not really collector guns.

Bought ‘em to use ‘em. Agree with you...very nice guns but probably never will be something of collector value. I will investigate the thing wall tubes. If there’s enough meat there I will go for that option.

I6turbo · Jul 26, 2020

whatnickname said:
Bought ‘em to use ‘em. Agree with you...very nice guns but probably never will be something of collector value. I will investigate the thing wall tubes. If there’s enough meat there I will go for that option.

I had Michael Orlen install Colonial Thin Wall Sporting Clay chokes http://www.colonialchokeandtool.com/sporting-clays/ in these two guns (and lengthen the forcing cone in the Auto 5). They work perfectly and I will do it again if I ever have a need. For the thin wall chokes you need a maximum bore of .730" and a minimum barrel OD of .805". Mr. Orlen's current price list at this link: https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=502358

George P · Jul 26, 2020

Mike does good work and is very reasonable price-wise.

whatnickname · Jul 26, 2020

I6turbo said:
I had Michael Orlen install Colonial Thin Wall Sporting Clay chokes http://www.colonialchokeandtool.com/sporting-clays/ in these two guns (and lengthen the forcing cone in the Auto 5). They work perfectly and I will do it again if I ever have a need. For the thin wall chokes you need a maximum bore of .730" and a minimum barrel OD of .805". Mr. Orlen's current price list at this link: https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=502358

View attachment 931967

Thank you

George P · Jul 26, 2020

DO NOT email Mike, he really doesn't answer them. Use your phone and call him for best results

bannockburn · Jul 26, 2020

whatnickname

I would have thin wall choke tubes installed. I had Colonial choke tubes put in a shotgun I use to have and they worked perfectly. Gives you a lot more options in terms of what choke tube you want to use.

George P · Jul 26, 2020

I prefer extended ones to flush mount; easier to see what is in the barrel and they are easier to change.

rabid wombat · Jul 26, 2020

Yours to do as you please...

I like Larry Feland. He does great work!

http://www.felandgunsmith.com/

PapaG · Jul 26, 2020

Tubes. Shoot. Enjoy. I don't have safe queens, won't. I love skeet with a pump, shoot a vintage M12 skeet with a Cutts myself.

I6turbo · Jul 26, 2020

George P said:
I prefer extended ones to flush mount; easier to see what is in the barrel and they are easier to change.

And they typically provide slightly better patterns. Those are the reasons I went with the Sporting Clay chokes instead of flush mount.

cdb1 · Jul 26, 2020

From what I’ve seen Mike Orlen’s work is as good as Briley. I would do it if in your shoes.

mokin · Jul 26, 2020

I'd shoot the snot out of them before I decided I couldn't live with the chokes. I may not be the best voice of reason though - I like to just shoot. If you can't live with it, then by all means, have the work done.

Howland937 · Jul 27, 2020

Color me dumb, but is there any chance all were produced with modified choke since the barrels are 25" as opposed to 26" or 28"? Just thinking it may not be a bad idea to pattern them first.

I6turbo · Jul 27, 2020

mokin said:
I'd shoot the snot out of them before I decided I couldn't live with the chokes. I may not be the best voice of reason though - I like to just shoot. If you can't live with it, then by all means, have the work done.

Howland937 said:
Color me dumb, but is there any chance all were produced with modified choke since the barrels are 25" as opposed to 26" or 28"? Just thinking it may not be a bad idea to pattern them first.

I see these posts and it made me realize I didn't read the OP's message closely enough. ABSOLUTELY pattern the guns to see what they are doing now before taking any action on the chokes. Just because a gun is marked with a given choke doesn't necessarily indicate how it'll pattern with whatever loads you're shooting (preferably try various loads). For all you know, the guns may produce beautiful patterns that are exactly what you're looking for. And if you are a reloader you can impact pattern a good bit with your choice of wads, shot, and even muzzle velocity.

Boattale · Jul 27, 2020

It's your gun. Pattern it first and then do what you like.

Dilemma: Altering NIB Browning Model 12 Grade V

Member

Member

Member

Member

Moderator

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

member

Member

member

Member

member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads