I have a friend who owns three Model 12 Winchester shotguns that he inherited from his grandfather. One of them is a 20 gauge field model that was of later mfg., probably in the 50's. No rib or any special features and has the later style larger beavertail forearm. He is considering selling and I told him I might be interested in the 20. What would be a fair buying offer for this gun. It is probably in over 90% original condition overall.

I paid $700 for a field grade M12 20 gauge about 5 years ago. It had a 26" barrel with modified choke. It sat at a big box store for about a year at $800. I felt I got a fair deal on it.
Jim

I believe this gun to be a 28" with a full choke. I don't particularly like the big beavertail forearms, don't find them too attractive. However, I know a gentleman who can make a Model 12 stock and forearm with the best of them. I would have to buy it reasonably in order to fit a new stock and forearm which would probably be around the $300 range.

You have to pay the fair value of the gun as it is, not what you'd like to pay to accomodate your planned alterations.

You may be better off to buy a Miroku repro M-12, but you don't like long forearms, which many prefer.

Personally, I don't think you should alter an original M-12 like this gun. It's a piece of history and nostalgia. But it's your money and your choice...

I don't want those repros., don't like them. If I altered the gun I would keep the original wood in case I ever sold it.

I'd figure $400 to $600 as they aren't very hot right now.
There are plenty of them out there in that condition in that price range, but none of them seem to be moving- at least in my area.

There is a chance you could just get the forearm matched up pretty close and not have to replace the stock...try Macon Gun Stocks- I've gotten several stocks and forearms from them for 1897's and model 12's- even a nice straight gripped English style stock I put on a 16ga model 12 for upland hunting- if I ever get the chance to go. They were semi-inlet, so I had to fit them myself, which wasn't hard to do and I learned quite a bit- go slow and it'll be fine.

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