jar
Contributing Member
I thought it might be fun to take a look at two Winchester shotguns; my model 12 that was made in 1927 and my SXP that was likely made last year.
They are both 20 Gauge since about all I've ever considered has been doves and nolegs. They are very similar in overall length and weight but quite different in feel and function.
The main newer SXP has a 3" chamber and chokes that can be user changed while the model 12 is a 2¾" chamber with a fixed modified choke. Right now both are modified choke and I have shot far more 2¾" through the SXP than 3" since that was what I had on hand. I do have some 3" now though and if things improve and I actually get out during dove season I'll try both to see what differences result. Frankly, most doves don't really pay any attention to me regardless of what I carry or use. It's embarrassing when the doves just continue feeding even when you are close enough to swing at them.
I swear they laugh.
There are some substantial differences though. The model 12 is a product of hand crafting while the SXP is 100% machine. It really shows in the fit & finish where the model 12 is complex curves and surfaces that feel like they were made for my exact hand while the SXP is sharp angles and flat surfaces and stamped sheet metal rather than forged pieces parts. The model 12 is maple where the SXP is "Hard Wood" whatever that might be.
Takedown might be just slightly easier on the model 12 than the SXP but neither is difficult. Cleaning and maintenance are also pretty comparable.
The model 12 does seem to point more naturally than the SXP but that is mainly I believe a matter of familiarity. It's the old pair of jeans that fit just right versus the new ones that are not quite there yet. Also while they are almost exactly the same overall length, the model 12 has a 28" barrel and the SXP only 26".
Long term repair will likely go to the SXP. Since it is made of interchangeable pieces parts rather than hand fit one offs it should have an advantage. The SXP also has three different chokes and a 3" chamber and so suited for a far wider range of use than the model 12.
Summing up; both reflect the period when made; one old world post WWI craftsmanship and one modern computer aided manufacturing; one a work of art and the other a tool.
They are both 20 Gauge since about all I've ever considered has been doves and nolegs. They are very similar in overall length and weight but quite different in feel and function.
The main newer SXP has a 3" chamber and chokes that can be user changed while the model 12 is a 2¾" chamber with a fixed modified choke. Right now both are modified choke and I have shot far more 2¾" through the SXP than 3" since that was what I had on hand. I do have some 3" now though and if things improve and I actually get out during dove season I'll try both to see what differences result. Frankly, most doves don't really pay any attention to me regardless of what I carry or use. It's embarrassing when the doves just continue feeding even when you are close enough to swing at them.
I swear they laugh.
There are some substantial differences though. The model 12 is a product of hand crafting while the SXP is 100% machine. It really shows in the fit & finish where the model 12 is complex curves and surfaces that feel like they were made for my exact hand while the SXP is sharp angles and flat surfaces and stamped sheet metal rather than forged pieces parts. The model 12 is maple where the SXP is "Hard Wood" whatever that might be.
Takedown might be just slightly easier on the model 12 than the SXP but neither is difficult. Cleaning and maintenance are also pretty comparable.
The model 12 does seem to point more naturally than the SXP but that is mainly I believe a matter of familiarity. It's the old pair of jeans that fit just right versus the new ones that are not quite there yet. Also while they are almost exactly the same overall length, the model 12 has a 28" barrel and the SXP only 26".
Long term repair will likely go to the SXP. Since it is made of interchangeable pieces parts rather than hand fit one offs it should have an advantage. The SXP also has three different chokes and a 3" chamber and so suited for a far wider range of use than the model 12.
Summing up; both reflect the period when made; one old world post WWI craftsmanship and one modern computer aided manufacturing; one a work of art and the other a tool.
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