Winchester 12 in 16 Gauge on the Way

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have 2. A 12ga (2 bbl. set, 27" cyl. & a solid rib 32" full)) and a 20 gauge. Killed a lot of running deer with the 12 & 00B and love the 20 on the dove field. Reload for both.
The nickel steel barrels on the 12 gauge amaze me with the inside finish. Both are spotless and mirror bright still after 96 years of use.

 

[Rpg]

For the past 20+ years, the 16 ga has become my preferred upland gauge.

I hunt exclusively with either a Parker or LC Smith 16 Damascus barreled gun now.

I usually bring a 1925 vintage M12 16 ga along in case of really lousy weather, or as a loaner.

I use RST ammo: readily available, low pressure ammo in appropriate length.

The Winchester M12 is noticeably heaver than the Parkers or Smith and not as handy (no pump, auto or o/u comes close to the old doubles in handling), but is head and shoulders better than any other pump (with the possible exception of the '97 or Ithica 37).

You'll love your M12!!

 

[ACP230]

My dad bought me a Model 12 in 16 gauge around the time I got out of
high school. It had a Poly-Choke sometime after it left the factory in
1943. A lot of the finish was gone off the barrel and receiver and more is
gone now. Stocks have taken some hits since I've owned it too.

The Model 12 was my main shotgun for several years. In that time I took squirrels, grouse, geese and a three-point buck with it.
Also hunted turkeys with it but turkeys just seem to have my number.

Used it as a house gun, with No. 4 duck loads, when I lived in Florida for a few months in the 1970s. Left my other guns at my dad's house in Michigan for the duration.

The 12s are my favorite pump guns.

I've taken more grouse and woodcock with an over and under
20 but still have the Model 12 and have no plans to get rid of it.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Ben, glad I caught this.

I'm happy you got your Model--I'd be happier if we had some pics to look at!

I suspect you'll like it a lot--I've never known anyone who wasn't impressed with the workmanship and handling qualities of a 16 or 20 ga. Model 12.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Ben, glad I caught this.

I'm happy you got your Model--I'd be happier if we had some pics to look at!

I suspect you'll like it a lot--I've never known anyone who wasn't impressed with the workmanship and handling qualities of a 16 or 20 ga. Model 12.

It supposed to be moderately warm here today, so I'll try to get out on the back deck(my gun picture taking spot ) and get some photos.

 

[H Richard]

Look close, you should see two tiny slits in the soft rubber of the pad, and you slip your screwdriver through those to the screws if it is like most all other pads. You work from feel somewhat.

 

[Bill Bates]

You will love the Model 12 in 16 Gauge. It is the pick of the litter of gauges in Model 12s.

I won't part with mine.

 

[shouldazagged]

I'm really, really envious, Ben.

 

[petepeterson]

I have a 16-Gauge that was my grandfathers. It's amazing how much better it handles than my modern 870. It feels like it points itself. I almost want to take hunting back up when it comes out of the safe.

Mine is a nickel-steel version. Can someone tell me how to date it, without me joining another forum? Everytime I do that, my money starts disappearing!

 

[alwslate]

Mod 12s can be dated by the serial number on the bottom of the
receiver.

 

[Watchdog]

Mine is a nickel-steel version. Can someone tell me how to date it...

Click here to look up your Model 12 by serial number.

 

[petepeterson]

Click here to look up your Model 12 by serial number.

Thank you.

Early 1924. How cool is that?

 

[Big Cholla]

Tricks of the Trade

Look close, you should see two tiny slits in the soft rubber of the pad, and you slip your screwdriver through those to the screws if it is like most all other pads. You work from feel somewhat.

When you do the above, wet the screw driver blade with a sponge or just spit on it. It will not disturb or damage the old rubber recoil pad. ...... Big Cholla