Winchester Model 12 - Value ?

What a wealth of information, thank you again. I have not taken this model down before so a guide or tips would be helpful as I do not want to cause any more cosmetic defects.

I was unaware there is or should be a spring between the magazine tube and barrel, I will have another close look for it. On that note, what does this spring look like ?

What is the proper way to check the choke ?

Again, many thanks for the information.

Oh, and if you need any more pictures to help figure this Model 12 out, just let me know.
 
To take your M12 down, follow these steps:

If you're right handed, hold with the right hand around the wrist of the stock and left hand hold on to the forearm and . . . 1. left hand press the magazine locking pin down. (front of mag tube), then use the portion of the lock pin that protrudes out the bottom and pull the bottom of the pin over to your left causing the mag tube to turn to the right side. The top tip of the locking pin will now be on the right side of the barrel instead of the left side. . . 2. with the right hand middle finger depress the action slide release lever (the button to open the action) and hold it up and with the left hand, holding the forearm, pull the action slide briskly forward. . .3. The mag tube should slide forward of the barrel/magazine band. The spring should hold the front of the action slide forward. But, with the spring missing hold the action slide forward and check to make certain the action slide bar has cleared the receiver and with the left hand twist the barrel and receiver extension assembly, from the bottom, 90 degress and disengage the assembly. The receiver extension will pull forward. Be carefull of the engagement threads as not to marr them.

Set the receiver half of the gun down and check the adjustment bushing by holding the muzzle down and look closely at the engagement thread portion of the adjustment bushing. You'll notice an adjustment sleeve lock and an adjustment sleeve lock screw. To take up wear in the assembly, the screw is removed and the lock is press rearward and the adjustment bushing is turned the next slot. You'll notice the teeth in the lock fit into the notches of the bushing. When the adjustment bushing is in the first notch, all the slots in the bushing will be to the left of the adjustment lock and screw. Looking down on it with the muzzle pointed down, the lock and screw are on the right side of the receiver extension. As the bushing adjustments are worn and used up, the next size bushing, with a tighter draw can be installed ( from size 0 to size 6) The number will be stamped on the bushing if it's been replaced. I'd assume yours is still with the original bushing.

What notch is the adjustment bushing on?
 
I took some time today to disassemble the model 12 per your description, Rod, and it was a perfect description at that too!

The adjustment bushing is on the first notch, all the extra notches are to the left. It is un-numbered as well.

I think this Model 12 may have a limiter in the magazine tube. I have seen it on my buddy's Remington shotgun and I was told it was related to hunting regulations and shotguns only being allowed to have three shells in the tube ? I am wondering what the proper way is to check the magazine tube to see if there is a limiter in there. If so, does this affect value ?

Thank you for your help.
 
Nabs said:
I took some time today to disassemble the model 12 per your description, Rod, and it was a perfect description at that too!

The adjustment bushing is on the first notch, all the extra notches are to the left. It is un-numbered as well.

I think this Model 12 may have a limiter in the magazine tube. I have seen it on my buddy's Remington shotgun and I was told it was related to hunting regulations and shotguns only being allowed to have three shells in the tube ? I am wondering what the proper way is to check the magazine tube to see if there is a limiter in there. If so, does this affect value ?

Thank you for your help.
Click to expand...

Nabs,
Your m-12 probably has a plug installed to prevent loading more than two rounds in the magazine. That is a common hunting regulation. At the time your m-12 was made, it probably was a hardwood dowel that was installed right from the factory. The simplist way to check is go to a safe place and insert rounds in the mag and see where it stops. A plug does not change the value.
 
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Nabs: Your welcome, glad to be of help. Your Model 12 sounds like a keeper and worthwhile hanging on to. The patent on Bismuth Shot will soon be running out and we may well see affordable non-toxic shot available that'll put these Model 12's back in the duck blinds once again. In the meantime, hard to beat a Model 12 for upland game birds. The only shotgun, I've used, that'll come up quick and naturally point near as well to a Model 12 is my old Browning Superposed.

In 1935 president Roosevelt brought in the Migratory Game Bird Act which restricted water fowl hunters to 3 shots. This was the same year that Winchester Olin brought out the Model 12 Heavy Duck Gun (3" chambers"). From 1935 onward Winchester supplied, with their shotguns, a wooden plug to comply with the new law. Quite a few of the early guns had just a dowel rod or a round lenth of wood to fill the space in the mag. When you rock the shotgun back and forth you can sometimes hear the wooden plug sliding back and forth inside the mag tube. The Winchester wooden plug had a flare on one end to prevent this. I've seen different home made plugs from a plain stick to a whittled down length of cedar.

Regards:
Rod
 
I appreciate everyone's input into the value of this shotgun. I was unaware that, the bushing ring for example, had a big effect on value. Rod your guide to help take down the Model 12 was very helpful.

I thought I had a regular run of the mill Model 12 but she seems to be a bit more than that. She does well at the skeet range though I need to improve my aim ;).
 
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