Another Model 12 question

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RainDodger

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I'm not particularly knowledgeable about shotguns, but I picked up what looks to be a very nice old Winchester Model 12. Any opinions on how I did and what I have, would be appreciated. I can post a picture later tonight, but here's what I can say now.

The serial number tells me that it was made in 1954. 30" barrel, full choke, no engraving. It has a raised/ventilated rib, made and installed by Simmons Gun Shop in Kansas City. I called Simmons Gun Shop (still in business), and was told that although no records exist, they estimated they would have installed this particular raised rib (identified by the type of posts it has) in the mid-1960s, and they would likely have refinished the entire gun at that time. It does appear to me that they probably did exactly that. They also said that during that time, they had been contracted by Winchester to install their ribs on factory guns. Whether this is one of those or done after the sale, I have no idea.

The gun is in excellent shape with good bluing. The stock is common and shows some hunting wear, but nothing too bad.

I bought it from a friend that inherited it, mostly because it is in great shape and it was manufactured the same year as my birth. Just an added, kind of stupid reason but hey, it works. :) I paid $500 even for it.

What do you guys think? It's a great functioning shotgun and I think I got a reasonable deal. Would you guys pay $500 for something like that?
 
Here's a not-too-great picture of it:

img_0496.jpg
 
1954...an excellent vintage. :)

Be careful of shooting steel. The forcing cone is quick in the Model 12 and designed for paper overwads not the plastic folded crimp and plastic shot cup all trying to go fit in that shortened cone at one time. Steel doesn't "mash" and deform like the lead it was designed for.

I've always loved the Model 12 and when our Dad passed away and he had willed his, which his Father bought him, my Brother asked if he could have it. Grandpa...Dad...myself and Brothers...and now his Son have all hunted with that old beauty. Now my Nephew and his Wife just had their first baby and I have no doubt the tradition will continue.
 
Rain, it looks like from your photo, you got a fair price on that model 12. I have one manufactured in 1931, that was a basket case, that I paid $150.00 for. However since that time I did some refurbishing on it, put a new recoil pad on it, re-blued the barrel and receiver, and refinished the stock. Looks like new now, but it doesn't have a vented rib.

Looks like your rib is intended for trap as per your picture it looks to be a bit high, although I could be mistaken. From what I can see it looks like a nice firearm, definitely a keeper, congratulations.
 
Thanks for the warning about steel shot. If I hunt, I've got other shotguns I'd use, so if I use this one much, it will be for trap anyway, and all lead shot.

I did get a copy of Winchester's full service manual for the Model 12... it's not a simple shotgun, by any means! It's quite a piece of engineering, and very well made.

Thanks, guys.
 
Very nice field grade model 12 and a good price. Your rib is not considered high. It will probably shoot fairly flat but that is not a problem as long as you not where it shoots.I raised my stock approximately 1/8 inch for trap and had no problem.

Bob
 
Nice looking model 12. It was a steal at $500 if you figure what a new Wingmaster, BPS, or Ithaca model 37 would cost. Those IMO are the only guns of comparable quality, and they still aren't a model 12!
 
One of the greatest shotguns ever made. I own one of the vintage 1956.

Mine was professionally chopped to a 20" bbl sometime in it's history, it was done properly and probably was made to look like an M12 riot gun. The thing is absolutely slick, and has been reliable after hundreds of rounds of everything from light field loads to high brass Brenneke magnum tactical armor-piercing slug rounds.

As for comparing it to new combat shotguns like the Remington M870 and Mossberg M590A1, the Winchester M12 was good enough for the Marine Corps et al in WW2 and gave sterling service in that conflict and all the way into Vietnam with many branches of the U.S. military.

That's good enough for me!
 
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