RainDodger
Member
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?
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?