Lets see your winchester 1897s and model 12s!!!

[skwerl]

One of my rare ones model 12 28g real not a modified 20g.

Hey reddog , most fantastik looking gun . You are the envy of many.
The other model is the 42 .

 

[Canadian Bush Sniper]

Here is a 16 ga M97 built about 1942. Most M97's were 12 ga but a small number (less than 10%) were made in 16 ga---to the best of my knowledge they were'nt made in 20 ga. The early 16 gauge guns had short chambers (2 9/16") but this16 ga had 2 3/4" chamber.
I find the engraving quite pleasing but it most likely is not factory engraving. There are no identifying engraver's marks so the craftsman is unknown.
View attachment 1036142wow!!

 

[Blackduck642]

My old Model 1912 Trap.

 

[Cow Town Bill]

I was lucky to find this M12 in 28 ga a number of years ago. A fellow collector purchased it from the original owner from southern Alberta who was an avid upland hunter in the 40's, 50's and 60's---the heyday of upland hunting in Alberta which rivalled the best anywhere in the West.
It was made in the late 30's and came with a modified choke. At some point it was sent to Simmons for a vent rib and the engraving was likely added at the same time.
To be sure it was indeed a 28 gauge I took the stock off and found "28" on the back of the receiver. Many M28's were made by modifying 20 or 16 gauges using 28 ga barrels from Winchester single barrel shotguns---some were marked as being modified but many were not. Skeet shooters loved the M12 in 28 gauge as there weren't many substitutes available back in the old days.


3033

 

[reddog]

Good shot Bill, there were three places they were stamped and that is tough to replicate

 

[Cow Town Bill]

Good shot Bill, there were three places they were stamped and that is tough to replicate

Where are the other 2 spots where the 28 appears?

 

[Rod]

I was lucky to find this M12 in 28 ga a number of years ago. A fellow collector purchased it from the original owner from southern Alberta who was an avid upland hunter in the 40's, 50's and 60's---the heyday of upland hunting in Alberta which rivalled the best anywhere in the West.
It was made in the late 30's and came with a modified choke. At some point it was sent to Simmons for a vent rib and the engraving was likely added at the same time.
To be sure it was indeed a 28 gauge I took the stock off and found "28" on the back of the receiver. Many M28's were made by modifying 20 or 16 gauges using 28 ga barrels from Winchester single barrel shotguns---some were marked as being modified but many were not. Skeet shooters loved the M12 in 28 gauge as there weren't many substitutes available back in the old days.
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3033View attachment 1037688

I have a very early post war M12, 20 ga, assembled from pre-war parts. The rear of the receiver is stamped 28. I assume Winchester felt it would sell better as a 20 ga and assembled it as such.

 

[Canadian Bush Sniper]

I was lucky to find this M12 in 28 ga a number of years ago. A fellow collector purchased it from the original owner from southern Alberta who was an avid upland hunter in the 40's, 50's and 60's---the heyday of upland hunting in Alberta which rivalled the best anywhere in the West.
It was made in the late 30's and came with a modified choke. At some point it was sent to Simmons for a vent rib and the engraving was likely added at the same time.
To be sure it was indeed a 28 gauge I took the stock off and found "28" on the back of the receiver. Many M28's were made by modifying 20 or 16 gauges using 28 ga barrels from Winchester single barrel shotguns---some were marked as being modified but many were not. Skeet shooters loved the M12 in 28 gauge as there weren't many substitutes available back in the old days.
View attachment 1037686
View attachment 1037687
3033View attachment 1037688

I didn't know they made them in 28 gauge.

 

[reddog]

Mod 12 other stamps 28g on the magazine band of the barrel /tube magazine and stamped on the cartridge cutoff as well which is a crooked design on the original 28 and straight on the repo ones. I will also say the stamping can be very light and not too well defined. I have a 20 g that is stamped and looks just like a 28.Will see if i can get a pic next rainy day.

 

[Duramax6.6]

When high brass was high brass.

$4.99 regular on special $4.67...A real example of the good old days right there.

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View attachment 1018311

Lordy how I miss those Blue-Meanies!

 

[Cow Town Bill]

I have a very early post war M12, 20 ga, assembled from pre-war parts. The rear of the receiver is stamped 28. I assume Winchester felt it would sell better as a 20 ga and assembled it as such.

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.