Value of Browning model 12/12/42 set

brianlewis21

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As the title says,

I just picked up a browning sub gauge model 12/12/42 set (20ga/28ga/.410). Matching serial numbers in grade 1. Unfired.

Anyone have an idea on aprox value?
 
I am guessing you got the set that The Gun Dealer had up this morning on their website. I think you did okay, moneywise. If I read the ad right they have sequential serial numbers, don't they. I think if you sold two of them seperately you could keep one for pretty much free, maybe a couple hundred dollars into it. But the consecutive serials really wind a Browning collectors watch, I wouldn't break up the set, personally.
 
I am guessing you got the set that The Gun Dealer had up this morning on their website. I think you did okay, moneywise. If I read the ad right they have sequential serial numbers, don't they. I think if you sold two of them seperately you could keep one for pretty much free, maybe a couple hundred dollars into it. But the consecutive serials really wind a Browning collectors watch, I wouldn't break up the set, personally.

Agree if it is that set he did OK. However even if he sold the two of highest value the 410 and 28 he would get 1000-1100 each not enough to get one free. There is two in this months access paper NIB unfired 410 and 28 for 1000 each oBO and I have seen them on the EE for 1200 not sell..
If they are the set Ross had listed they went for pretty much exactly what that set of three have been going for in Canada 2600-2800 NIB all paperwork etc. US they go higher .I agree Mike I would not break them up especially when individuals can still be found without too much trouble.
There is a few of these sets around and takes the right buyer when you try to move them to get their value. Regardless nice guns and they work even better than the original winchester's they cloned . Congrats. :)
Forgot to mention from a guy that has a couple of these brownings handle the wood carefully. Don't know what they finished them with in 91/92 when they were made but they like to show the finest of scratches.Forearms not as bad.
 
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That is the set I picked up!
I don't plan on selling the set or breaking it up. You guys are hitting it right on the head, I was wondering if I did ok on them.
I just wanted to have a few nice pumps and this set popped up on there and I said why not?
Thanks for the advice on the finish!
 
It is an epoxy finish and is terrible for showing even the smallest scratch. Looks nice in the showroom but not very servicable.

Thanks Mike for the clarification. Seems fine as far as protecting the wood etc and really has no effect on how the gun functions just I find I baby my guns and it kills me when I see even a slight scratch that I cannot figure how it got there. I was told if you use these guns to give the wood a good waxing and it would take care of it but I have not tried that. Not a big deal in the big picture since they work real nice and only really a concern if the guns are going to remain unfired collectors pieces. Have never seen a used one that didnot have some scratches but maybe I am just too fussy also.take care
 
They were all $ 995 individually when available on the retail market.
I recall seeing an unfired set of the higher grades for $ 3600 not
all that long ago, as well as a set of high-grade DU commemoratives with
engraved coin-finish (nitride ?) receivers from an estate at the same price level.
 
Here when new a bit over $1500 would get you a set (20ga and 28ga) of grade one and just over $2500 for a pair of grade 5.
I ordered in a new set of grade one's in 91 I think it was and still have a set. Like today however as you go across the country every dealer was different on pricing.
 
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I have a 20 ga Grade 5 that I use for pheasant hunting. Bought it many years ago off a fella who just liked to look at and never fired it. Beautiful gun, however the first fall I used it, it was the nicest single shot 20 ga in existance. Dam thing would not cycle shells to save its soul. One time the bolt stuck shut as a permanently peened in place pin in the bolt assembly wasn't so permanently peened over which came loose and jammed the bolt in a closed position. All this happened at Pelee Island during a pheasant hunt. Come dam close to throwing the gun in Lake Erie. I sent it back to Browning in Montreal at the time with a letter expressing grave disappointment and the guns issues. I also stated I never wanted to see the gun again if they couldn't make it function 100%. Seven months later Can Par shows up at my door with the gun. Note inside stating it was repaired free of charge for "customer good will", also a list of all the brands of ammo they put through it.
No mention of what exactly the issue was but it has worked flawlessly since. A great pheasant gun as long as it's working properly, knock on wood I hope it stays that way. This one probably was an isolated case of leaving the factory improperly adjusted.

That nice shiny epoxied stock does get scratched even though I try my best not to. I hate to see a gun just sit in the vault and not get used, so use all my guns yearly for one thing or another.
 
I have a 20 ga Grade 5 that I use for pheasanting hunting. Bought it many years ago off a fella who just like to look at and never fired it. Beautiful gun, however the first fall I used it, it was the nicest single shot 20 ga in existance. Dam thing would not cycle shells to save its soul. The bolt stuck shut as a permanently peened in place pin in the bolt assembly wasn't so permanently peened over which came loose and jammed the bolt in a closed position. All this happened at Pelee Island during a pheasant hunt. Come dam close to throwing the gun in Lake Erie. I sent it back to Browning in Montreal at the time with a letter expressing grave disappointment and the guns issues. I also stated I never wanted to see the gun again if they couldn't make it function 100%. Seven months later Can Par shows up at my door with the gun. Note inside stating it was repaired free of charge for "customer good will", also a list of all the brands of ammo they put through it.
No mention of what exactly the issue was but it has worked flawlessly since. A great pheasant gun as long as it's working properly, knock on wood I hope it stays that way. This one probably was an isolated case of leaving the factory improperly adjusted.

I would say isolated for sure. All the old reviews on them were excellent and I have had 4 28ga and one 20 over the years. Have to admit I have never fired my 20 but shot 3 of the 4 28ga one with a few 1000 rounds and never a problem.
My only issue has been the finish and wood used on the stocks. It scratches and marks so easily.
 
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