Anyone know this one? Bolt action Mossberg 12GA

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Draxssab

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Hi!

I am now looking to acquire my first 12G for geese. As I asked around, a friend offered me his old one that he does not use anymore.

It is a Mossberg Lakefield L395K : 12ga x 3", Bolt action, 30'' barrel, C-Lect choke, 2 shells removable magasine (he got 2 spare ones)

The problem is, I cannot find any information on this particular model. I could not even find a good photo of this on the net. (Ok, I searched for no more than 10min, but normally Google helps me better than that!)

My question is: Does anybody ever owned one or at least know a little about these? It's the first time I see a bolt action 12GA, is it reliable on a shootgun? (normaly bolts are, but maybe...). Is it just a real bad idea overall?
My friend got it on a trade with other guns and shot it no more than twice, so he does not really know.

I had the occasion to take it in my hands, but not shoot it yet. It is not abusively worn, the bolt slides well, the adjustable choke works, everything seems in good order. I do like the feeling of it and I do expect to try it before buying ;)

He does not even know how much to ask for it :p How much could this be worth? I mean approximately.
100-150$? 250-300$ ? I don't want to look like i'm trying to rip him off.


Thank you! I'll try to get a photo of the thing....
 
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At one time there were a fair number of Mossberg bolt action shotguns around, especially in the US. But they are kind of a dinosaur as far as shotguns go. I would not pay more than $100.00 for a 12 gauge in nice condition if I wanted one, which I don't.
Just google Mossberg 395K and you'll get lots of info. The L just signifies Lakefield which was Lakefield/ Mossberg in Canada.
 
I have one, unreliable feeding issues can and do happen. (Who's the idiot that thought a removable magazine on a 12ga was a good idea!? :p) The guys above are right on the money for what they're worth. Mine was my Dad's he bought used in the '60's. The choke is interesting and works very well (also versatile). Oh, and forgot to mention, this was the first shotgun I was introduced to whereby the safety is only sick humor of a suggestion...do not rely on it to lock anything out.

The .410 was most likely a better design due to a sturdier magazine...the 12ga is kinda...meh. Having said that, if it's all you got, it's better than a single shot. (the gun will hold two in the mag and one chambered {see safety issues above though}).
 
I googled mossberg 395 12 ga and there is enough info and photos to make you a expert on these guns and that was all in 30 seconds . But to some them up in a word junk
 
plinker 777 said:
The .410 was most likely a better design due to a sturdier magazine...the 12ga is kinda...meh. Having said that, if it's all you got, it's better than a single shot. (the gun will hold two in the mag and one chambered {see safety issues above though}).
Click to expand...

After thinking about it, I would have to agree. Chambering a 12 guage into battery ---- hmmm :confused: not something I really considered. Kinda like using your thumb to take the cotton out of a pill bottle
 
My Dad has one sitting in his gun safe.

I have shot it a few times - just seems "weird" using a bolt on a shotgun but you could get used to it.

It's also strikingly "long" - or so it seems.

Can't give you any kind of value - I wouldn't buy one new (if they were still around), used or otherwise. He got it when the registry first came along because the owner didn't think it was worth the 15 bucks (or whatever it was) to register it, so gave it to him for nothing - if that's any help :)
 
Hmm kay, I did more research with your help
The chambering of the shell is what was worrying me the most, seems like it was justified. I'll give it a try with several makes of shells to see what happen.
But for the lengt, I must admit that I love the feeling of that thing! I just saw a tread about long guns, I think i'll go take a look ;)

I'll try a couple of clays with it, if it works fine i might offer him 100$.

Thanks for the help guys!
 
I've got one in 410. It's a neat little gun. The action is slick and it cycles nicely; I haven't experienced any issues. Very light too; obviously the 12 wouldn't be however.

I got mine for free like some others here.
 
For goose hunting, don't even think about it any longer. Awkward to load, awkward to operate. Save your money, look for a pump instead.

Makes a very good turkey gun, mind you. But that's about all.
 
I have a couple in my shotgun collection. The Mossberg 395 is a simple design and was designed to be inexpensive. Mossberg designed these for the farmer who was on a budget but wanted more than what a single shot can offer. These bolt action shotguns, the 195, 295 and 395 were the predecessor of the Mossberg 500 pump action series. They were all but dropped when the 500 came out but prior to that they were common and during the later model year, Mossberg upped the 395 which was chambered in 3" to a 10 round magazine plus 1 in the chamber.

I find the bolt to be similar in design as the Mauser action but you need to be much more forceful and deliberate to work it. Knowing this, I have never had a problem ejecting the spent shells. These are light but big guns. The design and materials used is what makes them inexpensive and light but the stock and action turns a say, 25" barrel into a 50" plus gun. You will not be able to use steel in the Select-a-choke or fire it with the choke removed because there are slits at the end of the barrel and the barrel will open up. If it is an earlier model, it might have an externally threated choke and you could pretty much shoot anything. It makes a poor fowling, skeet or trap gun because of ergonomics and length, making it hard to swing. It doesn't pattern well but is a OK gun to have on the farm for skunks and coyotes. It is fun to shoot, parts are available at Numrich and there is no issues getting the 10 mags across the boarder because it is a bolt action. Pick it up if you are starting a shotgun or Mossberg collection or if you just what to shoot it. Fair market value is poor=$50, good=$120, very good=$150 & excellent=$190. Good luck
 
Value is $150 tops. They were never real popular for any kind of hunting really. Feed failures do occur with the Mossberg. I had a Marlin bolt 12 gauge which was a little more reliable.
 
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