Info/help on these Win model 12s?

[Kestrel]

I saw a model 12 Win today - 12ga., around a 26-28" barrel, fixed modified choke in about 90% condition. Wood was in very good shape. Very plain looking gun, but in very good condition. Shop wanted $450 for it. Is that a good price?

They also had a model 12 that looked like it was almost unfired. It had PLASTIC stocks and was a skeet model. Looked like it had about a 24" barrel, with a rib and three beads on it. It had a WS-1 on the barrel (skeet choke?). He said it wa a skeet choke. Where does this fall among chokes? Is it wider than imp cyl?

Anyway, they wanted $950 (I think) for it. I thought if I got it, I would replace the funny looking stock with wood stocks. Where would I find wood stocks? By the way, this plastic stock was kind of a recoil absorbing stock - had a sliding mechanism in it.

Any comments or help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Sparky]

The plastic stocked Model 12 you've described is a Skeet gun with a Hydro-coil stock. The buttstock has a sort of shock absorber contained in the stock for reducing recoil. IIRc they could be adjusted by varying air pressure in the unit. My father-in-law built several walnut stocks for various shotguns with Hydro-coil units in them. Winchester built both Trap & Skeet M-12s with that set-up. Probably have more collector interest than shooter interest thesehdays, so $950 may not be too bad depending on overall condition etc. The other one is most likely a field gun &a 12ga. 28" modified choke M-12 is the most common one built (unless it'sthe same xcept full choke). Anyhow , if the gun is in really good overall shape & has a rib(solid or vent) $450could an OK price also. Be warned that my favorite shotgun of alltime is the Model 12 Winchester pump, so my opinion is a tad skewed.There ain't a slicker, smoother or faster pump gun ever IMHO. BTW Skeet is more open than Imp. cyl & tighter than cylinder bore

 

[Kestrel]

Sparky,

Thanks for the info. The field grade Model 12 did not have a rib. Is it worth $450 without a rib? It is in very good shape.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Sparky]

Steve
If the M12 rates 90+% AND is original $450 probably is not too bad a price. However,I'd haggle/bargain & try to pry it away for $375 to $400. Ultimately the gun is worth you're willing to put in it. Good Luck!