Winchester model 12

[Kaos646]

I would like to try getting into trap and looking at a Winchester model 12Y trap with a fixed full choke. I was told this gun has been sitting in the safe for the last 20 years and has had minimal use,and he thought it was from the 60's or 70's but couldn't remember. This is from a friend of the family so I don't think he's bsing me. Is this a good beginner gun to start out with and what would a fair value be on this, I would rather have an over under but don't want to invest that much until I know I'm going to stick with it.

Thanks,

 

[Beretta687EELL]

Try it and see how it shoots for you. They can be face kickers for some people. Get rid of the Morgan pad and get a Kick-ezz recoil pad, if you buy it. They are considered to be the "best" pointing shotgun ever made. Pre-64 guns are considered to be more desirable than the Y models, but, IMHO there is nothing wrong with the Y models. If, I was interested in buying it, I would be willing to pay up to $700 to $800 for it, if I shot it really well. I have a pre-64 that I like to shoot from time to time and it just evaporates targets, but if I lift my head a little, it will remind you to keep it down the next time.

 

[jacpor]

I have had one for almost 40 years and I still shoot it from time to time. It is an excellent trap gun. The pattern is usually amazing. In pretty good shape they go for 8-900$. They seem to retain their value.

 

[Maritime Storm]

"Is this a good beginner gun to start out with and what would a fair value be on this, I would rather have an over under but don't want to invest that much until I know I'm going to stick with it."

I never thought of a Model 12 as beginners gun, whereas the dimensions don't work for me, they are considered to be one of the best slide-action shotguns ever built, and one of the first purpose built repeater trap guns. The specimen you show appears to one of the nicer post-64 model 12's, I would certainly pick it up and if it fits, you should be able to pass onto to your grandson when he takes up trap.

 

[the spank]

Nothing wrong with a Y series model 12. I have owned several Model 12 traps including two Y series and about the only diffrrence I could find between a Y and a pre-64 was the amount of finishing work done to the bolt. Y series ceased being produced in 1981. As for value it can vary greatly depending on condition and market at the time. Both of mine were trap models, one had sat in my friends safe for 32 years after having 325 rounds through it. He still had the original box with it. I bought it, fired 50 shots and sold it. The stock was too high for me and I couldn't bring myself to modify it being in 99.9% condition. I sold it in the EE about 4 years ago for $1450. I sold my second and last one on this past weekend, it was a 9/10 with under 3 flats through it since new. I sold it for just under the $1000 mark. They are great, well made dependable guns and are absolute target crushers that point and swing like a dream. As for recoil, if the gun fits properly recoil will be barely noticeable. As mentioned put a nice soft pad on that gun, even mounted to the morgan plate would work.

 

[BMcK]

I shoot trap with a field grade Model 12, but have tried other members trap models, and I actually prefer the field model. It's probably just because I'm use to the field grade, but for easily half the money, Im sticking with my standard model 12.

 

[the spank]

I shoot trap with a field grade Model 12, but have tried other members trap models, and I actually prefer the field model. It's probably just because I'm use to the field grade, but for easily half the money, Im sticking with my standard model 12.

In a standard Y series there is actually no difference between a field or target model except stock dimensions. In the pre-64's there was of course so many variations and grade of each and so much custom ordering available that so many variations exist it's hard to imagine at times. Of course both series were available in various grades too. The nicest model 12 I ever saw was owned by a shooter from Sudbury named Frank May. He had a factory ordered full custom shop series Y Trap Super Pigeon Grade with #5 engraving pattern with gold inlays and B carved wood with oil finish. It was a thing of beauty. After he passed away his widow sold to a fellow I used to shoot with who gave it to his grandson. It had one box of shells fired through it to that point. The kid used it as his hunting gun and it rode in an ATV handlebar gun rack and truck and got absolutely beat to death in two years. Crying shame.

 

[M12shooter]

I have shot a M12 trap gun for years. Mine shoots high as it was designed. Choke is a very tight full and dusts birds at 16 yards if I do my past. However, you will find today that most guns on the line will be over unders.

 

[Rod]

Have owned Model 12's since I was a kid and have a number of trap guns, vented and solid rib, pre-war, post war. . Love them all. . Having the correct LOP is important. . One 1950's trap has a Morgan Pad on it as these were popular in the day. . Hate the look of it but it does have an advantage of adjustment that helps if the LOP and is not 100%.

The Y Model 12 used some stamped and cast parts but are a real Model 12. . I noticed the receiver has not turned plum color so it must be one of the hold over receivers from pre-64. . Winchester kept a supply of these to use on post 64 M12's to use on their Pigeon guns and some of their trap and skeet guns until supply ran out. . At that point Winchester used a cast receiver that did not hold bluing very well and turned a plum color after a short time. . You'll notice that, with some of the Y-Models, with the magazine to barrel bracket clamps.

They don't make these guns anymore so if this one is in good shape and you want a Model 12 Trap; here;s your chance.

 

[reddog]

Have a set of model 12 y guns one trap one skeet work just fine as Rod said they are really the best turkey shoot guns I ever had..