Winchester Model 12

[greenflash107]

I have a old Winchester Model 12 that was passed down to me years ago. It has been a safe queen since I have had it. It is the only gun I own that I have never shot, due to its age and sentimental value to me. Is there anyone that has one, and if so, what is your opinion of this model? I know it is in good working order, but was just curious as to what others think about this model.

 

[ArmedBear]

Many consider it to be the finest production pump ever made. Some still like to use them to shoot trap.

The Remington 870 pretty much wiped it from the marketplace 45 years ago, not because the 870 was as nice or well-built, but because it was a helluva lot cheaper. Connoisseurs and experienced shooters continued to buy used Model 12's, but then, as now, the pump gun market was very price-sensitive. I know guys who love the Model 12 and are STILL sore about this. Seriously.

Try it, you might really like it.

 

[greenflash107]

Thanks ArmedBear! I have often thought of shooting it. For me, owning any gun and not shooting it is strange. But, I think it's one of those real special gifts you sometimes get from someone that is no longer with us, and I think thats been my holdup. I will shoot it one day in the near future.

 

[Hoppy590]

i still use my model 12 for sport ( cause its a 20 gauge) my father swears by his 12 gauge and my grandfather had one too. they are the finest made American shotgun to grace this nation.

im sore that people present the 870 as the best American made pump action, not because it won the marker with it cheaper prices. the Model 12 is the best american made pump iv ever seen. when you compare it, its the same reason 870 fans are sore at the mossberg 500. it does almost the same, but cheaper.

first reasonably priced 12 gauge M12 i find, il buy. for now my 20 gauge reigns as queen of th safe, and primary sport gun

oh, age is no excuse, my 20 gauge was made in 1913. its as old as they come. i still use it for skeet and trap regularly. just feed it the right stuff

 

[greenflash107]

Mine is also a 12 Gauge.I am going to have to shoot it now, at least once, since you both say it is one of the finest Pumps ever made. Thanks again for the input

 

[Hoppy590]

well if you have any concerns about it that has prevented you from shooting it, run it by a smith first. you know your gun better than we do.

so long as you stick to standard ammo, you wont have any problems. age alone doesn't keep a gun from working fine. its all the other factors.

 

[Regolith]

The Model 12 is indeed a fine shotgun.

My father has one. Its smooth and shoots like a dream. I like my 870, but it doesn't hold a candle next to the 12. Unfortunately, it's old enough that you can't shoot steel out of it, but it still makes a great upland game gun/trap gun.

 

[Red Label]

I've got two of them. A 12ga and a 16ga. The 16 is my favorite pheasant gun and it was made in 1915. Fantastic guns! Ive got 870s too and they are good guns but shooting a Model 12 will put a grin on your face that won't go away!

 

[chas08]

I also have two, a 12ga. made in '62 and a 16 ga made in '54. Both are still tight and function flawlessly. Both have 28" barrels with modified chokes.The sixteen is my favorite of the two. What gauge is yours?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Model 12s are some of the finest production guns ever made. The 870 outsold it, but a 12 is well made and with some use slicker than heck.

I shot one last week, a mid 50s field gun that looked brand new. With care, it'll outlast us all while making generations of owners happy. It broke some clays for me nicely, and would work as an upland gun even with the Full choke.

Another 12 is operated by a friend. He is a trap addict, and states he has run at least 250,000 rounds through his.

Shoot your 12, and thank your ancestors for their gift.....

 

[greenflash107]

That's why it has been a closet queen all these years. Not only does it have a tremendous sentimental value, I did not want to add any more wear and tear to it. It will belong to my son one of these days, and hopefully to his son. I have a few that I hope stays in the family for many, many years.(this one at the top of the list) Oh Chas08, mine is a 12 Gauge, in very good condition. Also it was made in 1926 according to the serial number

 

[chas08]

I too limit my use of the two I own, but they are just to sweet to let set unused. A limit of birds taken with either of them give me a "warm and fuzzy" feeling I just don't get with any of my other shotguns. Maybe it's a nostalgia thing. Or just a type of satisfaction derived from using a piece of American history my Pop and Grandpop had sense enough to buy.

 

[USMC88-93]

I shoot trap with mine and enjoy them all three were my fathers trap guns.

 

[Red Label]

My gosh green flash, you gotta go out and shoot the thing! You aint gonna hurt it! It will love you for it!!!!!! And you will wonder why you waited so long

 

[gunut]

I have a safe full of model 12s from riot to black diamond trap guns....like new to well used....`12 16 20...and a model 42...410..They are fine guns...get out and shoot your family heirloom its a model 12 after all.

 

[MMCSRET]

My oldest M12 is 1915, 16 ga. with 2-9/16' chamber. Great shooter

 

[greenflash107]

Well, thought I would let everyone know that they were all right. Took the 12 out and shot it today. Loved it. Very smooth, love the way it feels. She will be getting used from here out. Thanks again everyone for your input