Winchester Model 12

bearhunter338-06

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EE Expired
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I have a Winchester Model 12 in 16ga. plain barrel. It is all original. I am thinking of installing a vent rib onto it, and use it for trap shooting. Will doing this decrease or increase the value of this shotgun
 
If the gun is in high condition, I would leave it alone. If it has a fair bit of finish gone, go for it, the value isn't that great anyway. 50 or 60% condition model 12's in 16 gauge seem to go for between $200 and $275 on the EE lately.
 
Mike makes a good point about near mint condition. If it isn't put the rib on it. What outfit are you thinking of doing the vent rib work?
 
There does not seem to be as many people collecting the model 12's today like there was 25 years ago, and their prices have dropped because of it. Collectors, also, only want original ribs on there guns. So I would think putting a rib on the barrel will not increase it's resale value enough to get back your expense (probably less than half). However, if it's something you really want to do to increase your enjoyment with the gun, then by all means do so.

Simmons in the U.S used to install excellent ribs. I'm not sure if they still do it, and what is involved today for shipping a shotgun there? Check google for their website and call them to ask.
 
Why not sell it and buy an actual Trap gun, or keep it and buy an actual Trap gun ?

Hard to justify the expense and trouble of adding a rib to a field configured 16 ga. model 12 unless you are dead set on doing it for ####s and giggles.
 
Why not sell it and buy an actual Trap gun, or keep it and buy an actual Trap gun ?

Hard to justify the expense and trouble of adding a rib to a field configured 16 ga. model 12 unless you are dead set on doing it for s**ts and giggles.

because not every one can afford a $2000 over/under

i have a mod 12 and its finish is well worn and i a like it the way it is something about a old mod 12 or 870 with a well worn finish only if they could talk
 
because not every one can afford a $2000 over/under

i have a mod 12 and its finish is well worn and i a like it the way it is something about a old mod 12 or 870 with a well worn finish only if they could talk

No where did I suggest a 2,000.00 O/U did I ?


There are plenty of model 12 trap guns out there, have one myself. Lots of 870 TB's as well as untold number of other used trap guns with 1 barrel.
If one wants to play around shooting trap, you can use whatever floats your boat including in whatever gauge you like as well.
So as I said, if the OP wants to go thru the hassle, cost and expense to have a 16 gauge model 12 with an aftermarket rib to shoot trap, have at er'
It's not going to be cost effective nor be as suited to, over a factory Trap gun if he means to excel at trap.

BTW, I like O/U's, SxS's, Semi's and pumps new and old. They all would have tales to tell if they could speak.
 
Model 12's are great old pump guns. If one has any mechanical/machining background then IMO tearing one down would be a very pleasant treat. Further, the 16 gauge is my most favorite gauge for upland game, crows and back in the day, waterfowl.

I would highly reccomend not using a 16 gauge for front line high volume trap shooting as ammo availability is sporadic and expensive when compared to 12 gauge fodder. Further, Winchester has long since discontinued production of the very reloadable compression formed 16 gauge hull...so really no decent hulls for hand loading on the market today.

If you are really bent on putting a rib on your 16 then Simmons in the U.S. will give you several choices of rib styles, re-blue, replace worn parts or minor mechanical repairs such as timing and install semi-fancy lumber for 1200 bucks US.

Further, don't be too concerned about altering a 16 gauge M12 as there are many "Plain Jane" field grades on the market today that can be had for under 300 bucks. Only high grade M12's draw big bucks and condition there is everything.
 
Sorry to Hi-jack but this seems like as good a place as any.

I want a plane jane old school model 12 with corn cob forestock, no ribs or anything.

Store down the road has several used ones like this.

Any mechanical issues I should check for that are prolific with these?. What kind of price ranges am I looking at.

Thanks.
 
Planemaker's advice is very good. I bought a minty Model 12 Y model trap gun for $500 a couple of years ago.

M12shooters comments on 16 gauge loads for trap is spot on too. Trap is a 12 gauge game.
 
Model 12's are great old pump guns. If one has any mechanical/machining background then IMO tearing one down would be a very pleasant treat. Further, the 16 gauge is my most favorite gauge for upland game, crows and back in the day, waterfowl.

I would highly reccomend not using a 16 gauge for front line high volume trap shooting as ammo availability is sporadic and expensive when compared to 12 gauge fodder. Further, Winchester has long since discontinued production of the very reloadable compression formed 16 gauge hull...so really no decent hulls for hand loading on the market today.

If you are really bent on putting a rib on your 16 then Simmons in the U.S. will give you several choices of rib styles, re-blue, replace worn parts or minor mechanical repairs such as timing and install semi-fancy lumber for 1200 bucks US.

Further, don't be too concerned about altering a 16 gauge M12 as there are many "Plain Jane" field grades on the market today that can be had for under 300 bucks. Only high grade M12's draw big bucks and condition there is everything.

any hull is reloadable some just last longer then others but that said yeah
16ga is a needed reload
 
M12shooters comments on 16 gauge loads for trap is spot on too. Trap is a 12 gauge game.

I know what your saying Trap is a 12ga. game. But if you have access to 16ga. components at a reasonable price why not. After all a one oz load in 16ga. is the same as a 1 oz load in 12.
 
I know what your saying Trap is a 12ga. game. But if you have access to 16ga. components at a reasonable price why not. After all a one oz load in 16ga. is the same as a 1 oz load in 12.

True, but 16 gauge components are tough to find. Actually wads are the only component difficult to find. The old SP16 wads from Remington used to make stellar 16 gauge loads. I still have a Mec600Jr set up for 16 gauge loading but can't locate any of these wad collums anymore. Federal/Estate game load hulls make a decent reload as well but only get a couple loads before the hulls pack it in. But as stated, why not shoot a 16 if you can. Sadly, for the most part, 16 is almost a defunct gauge. Further along the same line is the 28 gauge...as the only thing keeping it alive is skeet.
 
I know what your saying Trap is a 12ga. game. But if you have access to 16ga. components at a reasonable price why not. After all a one oz load in 16ga. is the same as a 1 oz load in 12.

Hey Win/64,

I agree. If I had a nice 16 gauge, I sure would shoot it for fun at trap for sure. On occasion, I'll try my M12 in 20 gauge at trap. My oldest boy will shoot his 16 guage Sauer O/U at trap (I can't hit the barn with it, as it doesn't fit me).

Cheers,

Al
 
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