Winchester 16 gauge Model 12

[DWalt]

I bought one at an auction about 10 years ago.

It had been sent to Simmons for refinishing, addition of a vented rib and a Polychoke.

I paid $200 for it.

The Polychoke is ugly, but makes a much more useful gun than the original (and common) full choke barrel.

I have a similar Model 1912 in 20 gauge, the first year of production. All those were in 20 gauge only. It has also received the Simmons refinishing treatment and vented rib addition, but thankfully no polychoke. And it also has about the most beautiful wood I have ever seen on a shotgun, but with some damage to the fore end wood. I also lengthened the original 2-1/2" chamber to 2-3/4". I bought it at a garage sale back in the early 2000s for $150. I haven't shot it very much but it still works fine, at least with Winchester and Remington shells. The ejection port is a little too short to handle the slightly longer Federal cases.

 

[Cooter Brown]

OP, what you described sounds like a gem.

Do whatever it takes to obtain it, and don't look back.

My 26 inch full choke 16 gauge, 1925 made.

Wouldn't get rid of it for anything.

I sure wish they still imported those shells. The absolute best loads I've found for grouse. I only have about a box left.

RST makes a #7 shot 16 ga. load as well, but they've had major supply issues and haven't had stock for months.

That's a beauty of a Model 12.

 

[diyj98]

Because there's a lot more 12s out there than 16s. 28s are the scarce ones. People always think any thing a bit harder to find is a "collector's item".

There are more fake 28's than original factory built 28's floating around. Anytime the prices get up in several thousand dollar range, the fakes start getting built.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Just picked up a M1912 20 ga but it has a polychoke. I think it was made in 2914. Paid 380.00. So much lighter than my two 12 gauge guns. The wood looks solid, correct buttplate but it needs a good cleaning. Are the barrels of these thick enough to thread for screw in choke tubes? How about if you cut them back some?

 

[bill-in-texas]

I paid $600, OTD for mine that I shared a little while back in this forum. It dates from 1954, IIRC. (I'd say I got a very good deal, as most others I have seen sell for about 15-25% higher.)
-Bill

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