School Me on the Winchester Model 12

Tudenom

Tudenom

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
132   0   0
Location
Prince George BC
Hey guys, I've been thinking it's getting to be time for a pump action shotgun and I'd like you to tell me a thing or two about model 12 shotguns. Basically, I'm looking for a multi purpose shotgun, mostly for fun out in the bush, hunting grouse, home defense, and maybe bear defense on the odd occasion. My father owns a model 12 in 20 guage and I really like that smooth action, and model 12's pop up enough on these boards that I have a good chance getting one.

I'm not really into the all black shotguns and prefer more of the old school riot gun type, really plain and simple without all the gadgets and rails. If I got a model 12 I might consider getting a heat shield / bayonet lug reproduction just because it looks cool. I've seen some of the new stuff and I'm not terribly impressed with their fit and finish (I'm looking at you 870 express).

Is there anything in particular I should be on the lookout for on a model 12?

Thanks for the help!
 
Last edited:
I would get one in 16 gauge as they were made on the 20 gauge frame and are noticably lighter and smaller than a 12 gauge. Any model 12 in 16 gauge made after 1926 has a 2 3/4 inch chamber, the ones made before that were 2 9/16 chamber and often sell for less as they are not marked as such. They were called the "perfect repeater" but the intricate machining and hand work reqiured to manufacture them became too expensive to make them price competitive with the Remington 870. Beautiful shotguns, to me the finest pump ever made though the old Ithaca 37 is a close second maybe beats out the model 12 if you are a southpaw. My 2 cents.
 
Mike Webb said:
I would get one in 16 gauge as they were made on the 20 gauge frame and are noticably lighter and smaller than a 12 gauge. Any model 12 in 16 gauge made after 1926 has a 2 3/4 inch chamber, the ones made before that were 2 9/16 chamber and often sell for less as they are not marked as such. They were called the "perfect repeater" but the intricate machining and hand work reqiured to manufacture them became too expensive to make them price competitive with the Remington 870. Beautiful shotguns, to me the finest pump ever made though the old Ithaca 37 is a close second maybe beats out the model 12 if you are a southpaw. My 2 cents.
Click to expand...

What about the remington model 31??? She would be top dog to me and I love the model 12's and 37's. The 31 was way tighter and smoother.
 
You want to take a well made classic pump and turn it into a black type gun even though you say you don't like black type guns? Sounds to me from your needs that you should buy a NORINCO. It would be sacrilegious to ruin a Model 12 in that way. Or you could find yourself a Model 97 Riot or trench model. That would be a classic weapon without having to chop it up.
 
I agree ... Please don't mess with a model 12. Thats what a 870 express is for. In my humble opinion, the model 12 IS the perfect repeater. Im looking for a nice remington model 31. I have an ithaca m37 and several BPS and i like them all . I love my model 12's
 
If you shorten the barrel, cut it to 20", like an original Model 12 Riot gun:

450px-WinchesterModel12Riot.jpg


I think it would look funny if you went any shorter and would preclude the trench gun heat shield/bayonet lug. A typical field grade Model 12 is a nice gun, but they aren't particularly valuable or rare, so I wouldn't worry about modifying one.
 
tjhaile said:
If you shorten the barrel, cut it to 20", like an original Model 12 Riot gun:

450px-WinchesterModel12Riot.jpg


I think it would look funny if you went any shorter and would preclude the trench gun heat shield/bayonet lug. A typical field grade Model 12 is a nice gun, but they aren't particularly valuable or rare, so I wouldn't worry about modifying one.
Click to expand...

This is pretty much what I had in mind, simple and handy with wood stocks. I'd either look for one that had been chopped already or one that had little collectors value. I have a few milsurps in my collection so I appreciate keeping things original unless it's been tampered with already.

Is there anything about these shotguns that are "known issues" that I should be aware of?
 
They are pretty reliable on the whole. Usually unless refinished or abused, the wear on the outside will be similar to the wear on the inside. I read somewhere that as the action locks up in a recess in the roof of the receiver that if a model 12 has been fired A LOT you can push up on the bolt through the loading gate and there will be considerable upward movement due to a worn locking recess shoulder(or whatever the proper name is for it). Don't know if that's a good indictor or not but they seldom wear out from hunting for sure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom