Companion for the M12?

Yours is worn in just fine. Mine is in basically new shape, except the barrel was lightly pitted, and light bloom surface rust on the bolt. It was hunted with or fired and left uncleaned for some time. It is still tight, but it still slides down about 3/4 the way.

HammsBeer said:

My M12 will do the same thing, hold it upright and press the release and the whole thing slides wide open.
Maybe I got lucky and found a well assembled one (or it's been shot loose and I should have a 'smith check it?).

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I don't think you have to have a Smith check it for running smoothly. If it was binding then yes.

MacAR said:

Another vote for the 97. Mine was built in 1914, and works as good as new. Shoot lots of targets and game with it. If you're worried about it biting you, learn to keep your thumb out of the way! Mine bit me once, learned my lesson.

Mac

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Should I move my thumb to the other side of my pinky finger ? To be serious, you can buy up all the 97's and will get no competition from me. They were likely the best in their day, but I consider their day over with. I see no reason for me to learn a different hold to prevent my thumb from getting plowed under. If I am the only person who thinks that way I am good with that. Come to think of it didn't Marlin put out a similar exposed hammer shotgun for those that like to dodge the bolt as it comes back ?

mnrivrat said:

Come to think of it didn't Marlin put out a similar exposed hammer shotgun

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Yes, they did actually. Unfortunately the Marlins had a bad habit of sticking the bolt thru your noggin when the locking mechanism became worn.

As to moving the thumb, all one has to do is ease it back toward the comb a 1/4 inch. Not difficult, for me at least. I do have the habit of laying my thumb beside the stock, however it was a 1903 Springfield that taught me that lesson. Broken nose and all.

Mac

Stock fit is an important factor in choosing a new shotgun. Every brand fits a little differently and can have a big effect on how well you can hit. Personally, Winchesters do not fit me well out of the box but Remingtons do. If you shoot well with your M 12, look for another Winchester or one with similar fit. Any stock can be reworked to fit you, I am comparing out of the box guns.

Sounds like an Ithaca might be the way to go.

First, they are currently making them in Ohio.

Second, vintage corn-cob fixed-full-choke models are still quite affordable since they don't accept tacticool tube extensions and most have fixed full-chokes anyways.

Third, it has a crossbolt safety just like the Winchester. You didn't bring it up, but there might be feelings there.

If they fit you, it would be a great way to go.

One big difference is loading. The loading port is the ejection port. Despite the naysayers, it is quite possible to load a round directly into the chamber, but it does take the slightest amount of attention.

Other differences include the slide release. It's exactly the same as an 870, except for a right-handed shotgunner. It also loads with the shell-carrier up, which personally I find delightful.

All good suggestions but when I read the question first thing to come to my mind is a Winchester M1894 30WCF. Like I got from my Grandfather.