The first of the production were not Model marked and were simply called 'The New .22 Repeater' by Remington.
They are usually stamped 'RW' on the bottom forward edge of the frame. That stands for Remington Works so I'm told.
One very important thing to look for when buying any Rem Model 12 (or a Model 121 for that matter) is to makesure the rifle has it's
Cartridge Retainer (also called the Bullet Guide) in place in the gun.
It's a part that can be visually seen both outside of the assembled gun and also the rear part (the bullet guide ramp portion) can be seen inside the open breech.
This slender part can fall free of the rifle when it is taken down and not noticed. Which usually happens when someone is unfamiliar with the rifle(s).
They figure out the sequence of how to get the action slide forward and bolt out of the gun, but in that dis-assembly, that Cartridge Guide part is free to simply fall out of the slot it lays in as the action slide is pulled forwards in the process.
Never noticed or seen, it's not looked for to be re-inserted during re-assembly. The rifle goes right back together w/o it being in place. The action seems to function fine when re-assembled.
But when loaded with cartridges, the rifle jams immedietely w/o it being in place.
There are a couple different styles of the part depending on ser# era. A different one for the .22RemSpecial cal rifle. The Model 121 rifle uses a different one as well.
They are not cheap to find. Wisners sells repros which are very good quality but does not always have them in stock.
Several other parts for the 12 were changed during production, bolt, firing pin, ejector, etc. So replacements must be specific to the age of the rifle.
..and yes, use only .22 Std Vel ammo in any Rem Model 12 rifle.
They were designed and mfg before the advent of HS .22 ammo.
The 121 has a wider locking lug accross the top of the bolt and the recv'r itself and bolt as such are wider and stronger.
The rifles are great shooters and have always taken a back seat to the Winchester pumps. But lately the prices have been getting higher (what hasn't).
Any high grade guns of course get good prices if any originality still exists. Though even some basket cases are out there demanding some pretty hopeful investements in their present form.
They used European Walnut on the high grades, some great engraving and gold and/or Silver inlays on the very top offerings.
I restored a collection of the high grade Model 12 and Model 16 Remingtons for a customer some yrs back.
All had been D&T'd for scopes both side mount and top mount,,mostly Weaver mounts. One of the top D&T holes went right thru a gold inlayed Setter's head !
Bbls D&T's, extra dovetails in the bbls, one had a home made saddle ring on the left side of the action. Buffer polishes and hot blue finishes were the norm as well as wood sanded and redone with poly wood finish. Right over the fine checkering.
I often wonder where they are today.
I've seen other high grade Model 12 Rems,,but I can't recall any other Model 16's.
He was a different sort of 'collector' to say the least.
