How often do M-12 Trap guns from the 40's and 50's turn up?

[Armchair Bronco]

I've decided to get back in to trap shooting after take a break from the sport for several years. My current gun is a Winchester 101 Trap O/U from 1967 with 32" barrels, but the gun I've always wanted is an old-school Model 12 Trap gun with a vented duck bill rib from either the late 1940's or the early 1950's.

How often do guns like that turn up on the auction sites?

I'm not interested in having more than one trap gun, so I'll either need to sell or trade the 101. How much is a M-12 likely to set me back? I don't mind buying a gun with little blueing left as long as the gun has been well cared for. But I do want to get a duck bill vented rib and probably a Monte Carlo stock, too. I'd also be happy with a 30" barrel with a Full choke.

 

[PapaG]

Been working in the store for three years and not one M12 Trap has shown up. Had a bunch of Browning Citoris, Bts, TB/TC, and BPS guns come through as well as a couple Dalys and others. People who have 12s tend to keep them. Ain't makin' any more.
We have in the area a more specialized "target" shotgun store that gets them in from time to time.

 

[JohnBT]

Will a '63 do?

www.gunsinternational.com/Winchester-Model-12-Trap-Grade.cfm?gun_id=100201821

They're out there from time to time.

 

[Armchair Bronco]

Will a '63 do?

www.gunsinternational.com/Winchester-Model-12-Trap-Grade.cfm?gun_id=100201821

They're out there from time to time.

A 1963 would work, but I was born in '63.

Was kinda hoping to buy something older than myself! Something with some "Old School" history that's been around the block a few times but still has some gas in the tank.

But that '63 that you linked to is pretty much exactly what I was looking for, and I'll consider it. If it were from, say, 1947 or maybe 1951 and had a little less blueing but more patina, I'd be all over it!

 

[JohnM]

Yeah, you see them fairly often.
Friend of mine who deals in better used guns came up with one a couple months ago.
Real beauty of a full blown trap grade model 12, release trigger and the whole 9 yards.
One of the guys who still shoots a lot of trap couldn't resist and had to snap it up.

 

[rcmodel]

turn up on the auction sites?

I would be somewhat wary of buying an old Model 12 Trap I couldn't inspect up close & personal.

A lot of them still look almost like brand new, but have had a gazillion rounds through them and the locking lug recess in the receiver is battered beyond economical repair. Also the headspace adjustment may be all used up.

The last one I owned years ago looked good on the outside, but it was completly worn out inside.

rc