The Winchester gods have smiled upon me.

Andy Griffith · #1 11-21-2009, 05:27 PM

However, all my '97's think I've gone to the dark side.

I bought two Winchester Model 12 heavy duck guns today- for my birthday.

Gun #1: 32"solid ribbed barrel full choke, about 85-90% made 1941.
Gun #2: 30" plain barrel, full choke, about 80% made 1951.

I'm really excited to get a pre-war heavy duck gun.

Once I get them cleaned, I'll take some pictures.

The coyotes better look out now!

HAWKEYE10 · #2 11-21-2009, 05:42 PM

The Winchester Gods are good Andy. I am looking
forward to the pictures. Don

Vulcan Bob · #3 11-21-2009, 05:53 PM

Hey Andy, sounds like a good birthday to me! Dont worry your 97's will come around.

Centenniel · #4 11-21-2009, 06:44 PM

Congratulations on getting two fine shotguns, especially the pre-war one.

My first Model 12 Heavy Duck gun was a 30" plain barrel made in the early 50's. I still have it and have taken a lot of game with it, including deer and turkey. I've picked up a few more Model 12s and they remain my favorite pump action shotguns. The 20 gauge is a quail and dove killing machine.

Class III · #5 11-21-2009, 09:38 PM

Andy, good find on the "Family" members. If the '97's just can't get along with they new safe mates, just pack there bags and ship them to me. I've go a little room in safe #3 that would love to welcome them to the neighborhood.

Class III

Ron H. · #6 11-22-2009, 01:10 PM

Sir, good on ya--the Model 12 is a great gun.

Is there a particular Web site for serial number lookup on these? I have my grandpa's old Model 12 and would like to know when it was made. I know it's pre-war, but that's about it.

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

Andy Griffith · #7 11-22-2009, 01:23 PM

Try proofhouse.com

Ron H. · #8 11-22-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Griffith

Try proofhouse.com

Sir, thanks for the link. Looks like Grandpa's gun (a takedown model) was made in 1928.

Thanks again, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

Steave · #9 11-22-2009, 09:49 PM

Model 12's are wonderful shotguns, congrats on your acquisitions!

TOM BECKWITH · #10 11-22-2009, 10:14 PM

Andy G - good to hear they still help us poor humans from time to time - helped me renew my faith that an affordable Win. 65 in Bee may be guided my way.

Andy Griffith · #11 11-23-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOM BECKWITH

Andy G - good to hear they still help us poor humans from time to time - helped me renew my faith that an affordable Win. 65 in Bee may be guided my way.

Well, I'm certain that you want the "real thing," but I did see one of the Browning remakes of one in a shop two days ago.
Brand new, for $669. I know it isn't the real thing, but thought I'd mention it, cause it caught my eye.

Btw, I ordered a two Winchester reproduction solid red recoil pads from Galazan for a 1897 Black Diamond trap gun and one of these Model 12's...and they are already here! I'm impressed.

handejector · #12 11-23-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Griffith

Gun #1: 32"solid ribbed barrel full choke, about 85-90% made 1941.

So far, I have always been successful in talking myself out of keeping a Mod 12, though I have owned some dandies. Numbers of shotguns, 22 rifles, and CF rifles just kind of grow like mold- at points in my life there just always seem to be far more around than I use, and I thin them out.

THAT gun would be hard for me to sell.

Me and it would scare some ducks really bad.....

Andy Griffith · #13 11-23-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

So far, I have always been successful in talking myself out of keeping a Mod 12, though I have owned some dandies. Numbers of shotguns, 22 rifles, and CF rifles just kind of grow like mold- at points in my life there just always seem to be far more around than I use, and I thin them out.

THAT gun would be hard for me to sell.

Me and it would scare some ducks really bad.....

I feel honored that I picked up a gun you would like Lee.

You're welcome to borrow it anytime to scare ducks. Just let me finish up on some coyotes. It's not like I don't have an extra.

I've never been a fan of those new-fangled hammerless shotguns...but I said if I ever found another heavy duck gun, I'd get it. Just so happens that two came along at once, and on my birthday to boot.

Oh, my aching pocketbook.

TOM BECKWITH · #14 11-23-2009, 10:36 PM

Danm Andy G - you hooked me - guess a pseudo is better than nothing - in the Anderson, SC area - would appreciate location.
AND HOW did you get by not loosing your posts?? Lost about 1100 during the changeover?????? [email protected]