Model 12

[FightinRooster]

Just found a Model 12 1934, but has a [poly choke on it. State of Poly Choke Co. was CT. Never saw a choke on model 12s. Need some history please. Asking price is $499. Is the gun less because of choke or did some Model 12s come with chokes in 34? Never saw one. The choke has 5 settings if i remember right. Never owned a shotgun with a choke. Is this a good thing or a bad thing, Poly Choke on a 1934 Model 12 12 ga? Help need info.

Thank ya'll

 

[ACP230]

Dad bought me a 16 gauge Model 12 with a Poly Choke on it as a HS graduation present a long while ago.
I found the choke markings may be approximate. Check them on a pattern board if you can.
The only other problem I noticed is that the choke on the end of the barrel might cause the gun to shoot low. On the other hand, it could have been me screwing up.

I have killed squrrels, geese, grouse, and a three point buck (buckshot and slugs) with that Poly Choke equipped Model 12.
It spent some time as a house gun too, when I was living in Lower MI and had to travel light and leave the handguns at home. The finish is almost gone off the metal and the wood has quite a few scratches. The Model 12 is still going strong, however.

 

[mswestfall]

Poly Chokes are relatively good products. I personally tend to downgrade a gun that has one. But... then I have a gun that has one....

From my experience they function well. They do require that you pattern the firearm because there is the increased risk of variability introduced in an aftermarket bbl modification.

Good Luck!

 

[FightinRooster]

ACP230, when your Dad bought the present, was the Model 12 new out of the box? Sure do thank you for the reply.

 

[FightinRooster]

mswestfall, thank you for the reply. So it is a after market choke? Know what ya mean by downgrade yet sure do have the fever for that Model 12. LoL.

Thank You

 

[CSA 357]

I have one that had a poly choke on it , cut it off and had chokes put in been happy with it , also had it reblued , i have killed a few deer with it

 

[FightinRooster]

CSA 357

Did you cut it off because didn't like the way it shot or just wanted a different choke? thank you for reply

 

[Dave McCracken]

Before choke tubes became common, Polychokes and similar devices were common aftermarket accessories. Some folks loved them, some certainly didn't.

Usually, a Polychoke lowers collector value and most modern folks would rather have tubes or even a fixed choke.

If the barrel wasn't shortened dramatically, the Polycan can be removed by a smith and the barrel left as is or threaded for a choke tube system. Companies that do that include Briley and Nu Line Guns.

My recommendation is to shoot it as is, and to pattern it ASAP. If it shoots where it's supposed to, learn to utilize it.

 

[Rampant_Colt]

Choke devices

According to my 1955 9th edition Shooters Digest these choke devices were quite popular.

In 1948 the new Poly-Choke was introduced.
In addition to the nine instantly adjustable degrees of choke of the Standard model, it has TWO great extra features of reduced recoil and more perfect patterns. The forward trust of the escaping gases against the ventilator slots in the sleeve lessens the backward 'kick' of the gun. At the same time the escape of the gases through the slots lowers the pressure on the wad and prevents dislocation of the pellets in the rear of the shot collumn.
Standard Poly-Choke. Price installed.......$16.95
Ventilated Poly-Choke. Installed ...........$19.95

Shooting Master Champion
Herters Vari-Choke
Cutts Compensator
POWer-PAC
Weaver Choke
Multi-Choke
Savage/Stevens Super-Choke

Also listed in the catalog is a Winchester Model 12 Skeet Gun with Cutts-Comp for $137.30 - with Winchester Special vent rib $176.70
And Mossberg listed their version known as C-LECT-CHOKE


Check out some of the choke devices that have survived the test of time and are still being offered at Cabelas(note the prices!)
http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ...07&parentType=category&cmCat=MainCatcat602007

 

[FightinRooster]

Thanks again for the advice

 

[ACP230]

FightinRooster:
No, the Model 12 Dad bought me was used (beat up, actually) when I got it. Didn't stop it from shooting well though.

I put a few more scratches on the stock and wore more of the finish off the receiver, but if it had been new in the late '60s, it would be in much better shape now.

I wouldn't trade it for any other shotgun, however. (Not even Dave's best 870! :>) ).

 

[Carl]

My model 12 was made in 1941, and has a 30" bbl and a full choke. Just to make it more universal (not too familiar with choke/barrel combinations and what they're used for) I'm considering getting it drilled to a modified choke. Not sure yet though.

 

[Brandon Lutz]

One of my Model 12's has the same Poly Choke. So far I've had no problems with it. I mainly use the gun to hunt Rabbit's and Squirrel. I hope this helps some

 

[Rampant_Colt]

My model 12 was made in 1941, and has a 30" bbl and a full choke. Just to make it more universal (not too familiar with choke/barrel combinations and what they're used for) I'm considering getting it drilled to a modified choke. Not sure yet though

Blasphemy!!


The 30" full choke is generally used for trap shooting

 

[FightinRooster]

Thanks again for input. Reason in market for another model 12 is I hunted doves when growing up with a model 12 full choke. 4 years ago, counting this season, started hunting doves again after 30 yrs. Couldn't hit sqaut for three yrs. Last winter bought a 1956 model 12 mod choke. This year couldn't miss. Felt i was doing something illegal, lol. Anyway, have the bug for a model 12 full choke, just like the one years ago. First shot made with that model 12 at a dove, I was 12 and lead it 5 yards and foot to 2 ft high, pulled the triger, set the 12 down and then the bird fell. All witnesses are on the other side of life today, so everyone will have to wait for confirmation, lol. Never made another shot like that, at least not yet,lol. Thanks again for info. May get that poly choke one.