Winchester Model 12

TransAm1991

TransAm1991

Regular
Rating - 96.6%
28   1   0
Location
Windsor, Ontario
Hey guys and gals, I've recently dipped my toe back into firearms after about six years, I found a group who goes trap shooting every other week, and I practice in between those, so my addiction quickly took hold. I've got a 28' Mossberg 930, 30" Winchester 101 Trap, and recently one of my employees mentioned he'd like to get rid of his dad's Model 12, I said sure, send some pics and ended up getting it for $450. Just wondering on the value of this? It's in really great shape, action is smooth as butter and the trigger feels as good as my 101.

Anything I should look out for on these? I love the wood on the stock and pump, it's very pretty. Barrel says 'Full' choke 12ga 2 3/4.


WPnH9zB.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 677.jpg
    677.jpg
    76.1 KB · Views: 495
The model 12, as it came to be known, is actually the model 1912 (which gives you a clear indication of when it was first released). It was and is the hammerless evolution of Winchester’s fabled model 1897 (or ‘97). The model 12 was designed for nitro powders and are mostly chambered in 2 3/4”.

The model was designed before the era of removable chokes, so they are almost exclusively fixed chokes. This, alone, has been the greatest factor in suppressing prices for this model. While the steel used in manufacturing model 12s is rugged, use of steel shot through the fixed (and most often “full”) chokes is ill advised (although having the chokes opened up is possible). Having the barrel threaded for removable chokes is typically not economical.

However, the model 12 still has a niche in the uplands, where steel shot is not mandated. It is also still viable as a target gun, where lead shot also remains prevalent.

I’m not up to speed on the less common variants of the model 12, of which yours clearly is one. Your photos do not allow us to see much of the gun, but enough to have an idea of what we’re looking at. The vent rib, the raised comb, the adjustable butt plate, and the contoured pistol grip are all hallmarks of a dedicated trap model. This much is certain, you bought the right configuration for trap.

Millions of model 12s were produced. And, with being mostly unsuitable for migratory bird hunting, as well as being commonly available, they historically have not commanded great prices. Depending on the configuration and condition, they typically sold for between $300 and $800. In the past 3 years though, prices for distinctive configurations and sub-gauge models have been firming up and starting to increase. IMO, the price range for these is currently $400 to $1200. Your specific model 12 (without better photos and more detail) looks to be found at the upper end of the range - say $700 to $1000.

BTW, if your employee didn’t mention it, this is a takedown model. That is to say, the receiver/stock can be separated from the barrel/magazine assembly for transportation, storage, and cleaning. It is cleverly designed so the takedown mechanism can be easily adjusted should looseness develop in the joint.
 
straightshooter said:
The model 12, as it came to be known, is actually the model 1912 (which gives you a clear indication of when it was first released). It was and is the hammerless evolution of Winchester’s fabled model 1897 (or ‘97). The model 12 was designed for nitro powders and are mostly chambered in 2 3/4”.

The model was designed before the era of removable chokes, so they are almost exclusively fixed chokes. This, alone, has been the greatest factor in suppressing prices for this model. While the steel used in manufacturing model 12s is rugged, use of steel shot through the fixed (and most often “full”) chokes is ill advised (although having the chokes opened up is possible). Having the barrel threaded for removable chokes is typically not economical.

However, the model 12 still has a niche in the uplands, where steel shot is not mandated. It is also still viable as a target gun, where lead shot also remains prevalent.

I’m not up to speed on the less common variants of the model 12, of which yours clearly is one. Your photos do not allow us to see much of the gun, but enough to have an idea of what we’re looking at. The vent rib, the raised comb, the adjustable butt plate, and the contoured pistol grip are all hallmarks of a dedicated trap model. This much is certain, you bought the right configuration for trap.

Millions of model 12s were produced. And, with being mostly unsuitable for migratory bird hunting, as well as being commonly available, they historically have not commanded great prices. Depending on the configuration and condition, they typically sold for between $300 and $800. In the past 3 years though, prices for distinctive configurations and sub-gauge models have been firming up and starting to increase. IMO, the price range for these is currently $400 to $1200. Your specific model 12 (without better photos and more detail) looks to be found at the upper end of the range - say $700 to $1000.

BTW, if your employee didn’t mention it, this is a takedown model. That is to say, the receiver/stock can be separated from the barrel/magazine assembly for transportation, storage, and cleaning. It is cleverly designed so the takedown mechanism can be easily adjusted should looseness develop in the joint.
Click to expand...

Wow, this is better than antiques roadshow. Would I be okay using 7 1/2 or #8 trap loads? I often use the Federal brand but I can check later if they're lead.
I'll have to bring this one with me to the trap range to try it out this weekend, sounds like I got a hell of a find here.
 
TransAm1991 said:
Would I be okay using 7 1/2 or #8 trap loads? I often use the Federal brand but I can check later if they're lead.
Click to expand...

Yes. In fact many if not most clubs don’t allow larger than 7 1/2 shot in competition (they can be slightly more relaxed with novices in practice rounds in some places). Target loads are usually lead shot.
 
Assuming that's original condition or custom and as minty in real life as it is in the pics you definitely won the deal of the year - maybe keep an eye out for an extra trigger pack but you don't need to, I've only seen the disconnectors wear out but they can be fixed without too much fuss. Can date it via the serial number on winchesters website I believe.

The dirtiest guns I've ever seen that still worked were all m12's

It would be a jewel in my collection and you paid maybe a quarter of what its worth on the open market! Congratz!!
 
I shoot a model 12 with an aftermarket barrel as my primary waterfowl gun. And my sons both shoot model 12's for everything. I've tried more modern Remington Wingmasters, and Browning BPS, but always come back to the model 12. You have a very good gun there, and as others have said, you got a good deal. I'd say you paid about half what it's worth. Enjoy!
 
Thats a nice customized model 12. Without pictures of the stamp marks and serial # range I'd say it's a field model somebody did up to look like a Trap grade. The stock set is definitely aftermarket as is the rib. About 99.9% sure that is a Simmons rib and if so the gun would have been reblued by them when they did the rib install. Somebody did a nice job of the gun. Value wise if it's not a factory Trap model and in all likelihood it isn't it won't fetch original trap grade prices but it will make a sweet gun for shooting trap with. It will not fetch double what you paid as was suggested to a knowledgeable model 12 enthusiast but you got a nice gun for what you paid. I had one quite similar, a field model converted to a trap style and did well when I sold it for around $650. Very nice gun, enjoy it.
 
Last edited:
Yes definitely not a factory gun.Non original wood,most likely reblued and an add on rib.Good gun for a shooter,but little to no collector value,in my opinion.
 
Difficult to say if it’s a factory trap model or not. It’s got aftermarket wood for sure but Winchester did send new guns to Simmons for ribs to be installed.
Models 12’s were very popular target guns at one time and can still easily hold their own on the trap range. I have a trap model that I shoot every once in a while and the full choke absolutely ink balls targets!
Shoot it and enjoy, you got a good deal on a great gun!
 
Falconflyer;[URL="tel:18657050" said:
18657050[/URL]]Difficult to say if it’s a factory trap model or not. It’s got aftermarket wood for sure but Winchester did send new guns to Simmons for ribs to be installed.
Models 12’s were very popular target guns at one time and can still easily hold their own on the trap range. I have a trap model that I shoot every once in a while and the full choke absolutely ink balls targets!
Shoot it and enjoy, you got a good deal on a great gun!
Click to expand...

Simmons rib installs for Winchester wore the duckbill ramp on the trap, skeet and deluxe field grades. I've never seen the straight taper ramp on any except the sub-gauges? Thats not to say it didn't as anything was orderable with Winchester but anything Simmons did for Winchester for their over the counter guns fit the catalogue availability. That gun is wearing the same ramp my Simmons ribbed Model 12 wore. Early variant trap grades like the Black Diamond didn't always have TRAP stamped on them but most later models did right up until they quit making them in '64. It was usually stamped on the bottom of the gun on the underside of mag tube extension ahead of the indicator arrow near the receiver. When the Y series came out the TRAP stamp was again eliminated. One thing is for certain, there is A LOT of faked target, pigeon and other high grade model 12's out there and you have to be ultra thorough in your research when buying one if you're buying at full collector value in search of a collector gun. If you are just looking for a shooter well just treat them as such and pay what you feel you are comfy with. Either way that gun of the OP's is a real nice looking shooter.
 
Last edited:
Nice 12 well bought have a 1914 converted 32" barrel looks very similar .I shoot my 12 at trap still ,has a Precision stock on it (which you can now buy) to reduce recoil but still smashes them.
 
You basically paid what is worth it is a built gun not factory.
Looks like fagen bishop wood and Simmons rib
Wood could possibly b herters
Looks to b in nice condition as far as cosmetics
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom