Where have all the Winchester Model 12's gone?

The percentage of non standard field guns that came into Canada is very small people did not spend money on higher grade guns in this country and still don’t no matter what make . 40 yrs of working in the firearm industry in sask and Alberta and doing 30 gun shows a yr and being a model 12 collator not a lot of high grade guns turn up many field guns were around . I do have some nice ones one pigeon a couple of 20ga super fields and a few solid rib guns . When I first started hunting at the age of 10-11 I used a model 12 and still do also shot a lot of ata targets with a model 12 . Great old guns
 
Heavy Duck FTW :). (It patterns everything just fine, from cheap kent to black cloud)

Also, trench gun :)

I snatched mine up patiently waiting on the EE.. the 3" was a longer wait than the 'normal' one.

Just be patient, something is bound to come up.

HQ2kUfu.jpg
 
tharkhold said:
Heavy Duck FTW :). (It patterns everything just fine, from cheap kent to black cloud)

Also, trench gun :)

I snatched mine up patiently waiting on the EE.. the 3" was a longer wait than the 'normal' one.

Just be patient, something is bound to come up.

HQ2kUfu.jpg
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What is the choke on the 3 inch Model 12?Most were full.Did you have the choke opened up to shoot steel shot?
 
struff55 said:
The percentage of non standard field guns that came into Canada is very small people did not spend money on higher grade guns in this country and still don’t no matter what make . 40 yrs of working in the firearm industry in sask and Alberta and doing 30 gun shows a yr and being a model 12 collator not a lot of high grade guns turn up many field guns were around . I do have some nice ones one pigeon a couple of 20ga super fields and a few solid rib guns . When I first started hunting at the age of 10-11 I used a model 12 and still do also shot a lot of ata targets with a model 12 . Great old guns
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Pretty much seen the same down east. Most today I would not give 2 cents for
There is one I have had my eye on for about 30 years and the guy is like 85 now and been telling me for 20 years he is going to sell it to me
I have not held it for over 20 years so may have this screwed up
It is a 12ga skeet pigeon grade lightly scrolled receiver and jeweled bolt etc. Sold rib and a factory cutts installed with no choke stamp on the barrel
Wood was beautiful and the red pad still installed
He keeps talking a grand which would be a steal IMO
Happy Holidays
 
Still one of the best $300 guns around. Some are very worn and little more than parts, and worth little as even most parts are NG. I no longer have any, but see lots at showes each year. Some ask lots more. As most are non steel compliant, the demand is low fora field gun.
 
I picked up a 1916 vintage Model 1912 Trap last Fall. Only paid 250 but the price reflects the condition. English stock,solid rib and 32” barrel. I used it on a couple of Grouse hunts and it worked perfectly.
 
a j cave said:
Still one of the best $300 guns around. Some are very worn and little more than parts, and worth little as even most parts are NG. I no longer have any, but see lots at showes each year. Some ask lots more. As most are non steel compliant, the demand is low fora field gun.
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Agree .Until they break and they do and no one to fix them any more or have the parts to fix them
Cheers
 
International Harvester said:
Sorry I meant Thanks to Rod, not Rob. Diddo on the bolt droop question...
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To check for excessive bolt droop - Gun proved empty, action closed, safety engaged, hold the shotgun right side up with one hand and with the other hand stick your middle finger up through the carrier (shell lifter) and press upward on the rear of the bolt. Watch to see if the bolt moves up and if it does by how much. When the action is closed the rear of the bolt should pull up tight into the locking notch that's milled into the underside of the receiver top. No upward movement is best but a very small amount is acceptable.

Usually if the gun shows excessive bolt droop, open the action and turn the gun upside down, and you'll most likely see the locking notch in the receiver top with the contact metal driven back and the edge rolled a tad.

Excessive bolt droop is an indication of wear. When bolt droop become excessive and poses a problem the cutoff on the bolt top will prevent the firing pin from firing. Older guns that have been kept clean and lubricated usually show very minimal bolt droop. A small amount of bolt droop is normal and acceptable but excessive bolt droop is a good reason to pass on a purchase.
 
3macs1 said:
Agree .Until they break and they do and no one to fix them any more or have the parts to fix them
Cheers
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Surprisingly the Model 12 is one gun that you can keep on shooting even with broken parts. Old guns that have been rode hard and abused can be put back into action as parts are still readily available at Numrich or Western Gunparts. About all that ever breaks are extractors, ejectors and action springs on the trigger assy. The action springs can be made using piano wire and ejectors and extractors are still available. Oversize take down bushing are available and a couple of up sizes will tighten a loose gun right up again.

The Model 12 is an easy gun to learn disassembly and once you figure it out it's easy to takedown for cleaning and lubrication. Even a battered and beat receiver lock-up notch can be mig welded and milled back to specs. Unlike the new throw aways the Model 12 can be rebuilt and used for another 3 or 4 generations of shooters.

Steel shot, not with full choke, but open the choke up to modified or improved cylinder and it'll shoot steel all day long. Some guys send a favorite M12 out to Briley and have steel friendly tubes installed giving them a one gun for all needs. Don't count the Model 12 out just yet as there's still plenty of life left in them. I don't doubt that soon a new generation will re-discover the Model 12 and they won't be so easy to find anymore.
 
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