Need Help! Winchester Model 12 questions!!

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1776J

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I was looking at a local fellow's Winchester Model 12, "12 ga." (sorry, not 20 ga. I made a typo there!!!) shotgun dated to either 1916-17. The price was $300.

So, two questions on this...

First, is the $300 a good, fair price?

Second, as I'm a little novice to the old Winchester 12's, are they a good shooter regardless of an early date,.. or were there any hesitations one might have about shooting one?

Thanks a million for the help in advance!
 
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Nah, gun sucks, price too high... could I have the contact info for the person selling it? You know... just to, uh, tell him how bad the gun is and stuff. :uhoh:

... and WHY haven't you bought it yet?
 
The Model 12 was first introduced only in 20 gauge, so it wouldn't compete with the Model 1897, which was available in 12 and 16 gauge. I don't remember how many years it was before it was produced in 12 gauge, but I'm sure someone here will know.

If the gun is in reasonbly good condition, then the price is a good one, but if it's pretty beat up, then it's average. I've seen them at gunshows in fair condition for $350 to $500. The better the condition, the higher the price.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
Aw LORD!!!....

Guys!..

I meant to write it's a "12 gauge" Winchester 12!!!

SOO sorry!!

I got a little jumbled up as I was looking also at a Lefever 20 ga. while at a local gun show today....

Ok,... so yes, its actually a Winchester Model 12 in a 12 ga.
 
Reloaderfred-
If the gun is in reasonbly good condition, then the price is a good one, but if it's pretty beat up, then it's average. I've seen them at gunshows in fair condition for $350 to $500. The better the condition, the higher the price.
Click to expand...

Yes, its actually in REALLY nice condition, from the wood to the metal,.. I'd say there's about 80% blue still on it. Real nice.
 
Still a piece of junk... and I must tell this guy who has it IMMEDIATELY... so if you'd be so kind... hehehe.

In all seriousness, I would not own a Model 12. OUTSTANDING gun and if somebody gave me one, I'd probably shoot it a little before I sold it, but it is too nice a piece for me. I prefer working guns. Now maybe a beater Model 12.:scrutiny:
 
According to the 30th Edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values, a 12 ga. Model 12 in 80% condition, is worth $325.00. In the real world, they usually go for a little more, so this sounds like a pretty good deal.

If it has 80% of the bluing, and the wood is sound and there's no rust or broken parts, then $300.00 is a good price. If it were me, I would be standing on his doorstep, with money in hand, first thing in the morning, and probably ask him if he would take $275, but I would be prepared to pay the $300.00.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
Only thing I'd watch out for is a short chamber, if it's that old. If it's 2 3/4" then no prob, but know for sure before you start shooting it...

lpl
 
The model 12 shotgun was the gold standard of shotguns and became

prohibitively expensive to make along with the model 21 double barrel.

If the gun is 2 3/4 as I suspect and in good shape, $300.00 is a very good

price.

Remember, it doesn't have a disconnecter and will fire with your finger

depressed on the trigger when you rack the slide.:D
 
Model 12's were chambered 2 9/16" until 1927, at serial number 464,565, which was the first 2 3/4" standard chambering for this model. Unless it's been rebored, then it will be short chambered, but that can be fixed for about $75.00.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
Model 12's were chambered 2 9/16" until 1927, at serial number 464,565, which was the first 2 3/4" standard chambering for this model. Unless it's been rebored, then it will be short chambered, but that can be fixed for about $75.00.
Click to expand...

Well, I went and picked it up today....!! $300 out the door.

Yeah this one's serial number is, 173xxx, so though I haven't had the time yet, I'm going to look, but from what you're saying it's most likely a 2 9/16" bore, unless it has already been bored out to 2 3/4"?

I need to pick up the proper vintage butt plate also, as this only has a thick piece of old leather where the plate should be.
 
Most of the reproduction butt plates I've seen have been of poor quality. If you watch some of the on-line auction sites, you'll eventually find an original.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
By the way all 12ga model 12s have a 2 3/4in chamber except for the Heavy Duck gun that has a 3in chamber....be carefull buying a used butt plate ..its best to pick one up at a gunshow where you can make sure it fits properly...
 
"By the way all 12ga model 12s have a 2 3/4in chamber except for the Heavy Duck gun that has a 3in chamber..." (Gunut)

I hope so. I have a 12 GA Model 12 #448xxx, mfd 1926, that I have (unwittingly) shot with 2 3/4" shells. :eek: Nothing bad happened so I guess it has a 2 3/4" chamber.

Model 12 12 GA 30" full choke w/ full length rib. It's a nice gun.;)
 
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