Winchester Model 12 16 gauge

[CZU]

1947 field grade 16 with improved cyl

I looked at one today in almost this same condition but full choke. What concerned me was the area just forward of the ejection port. Now that I have seen this one it looks like this must be a heat treated area and takes the blue differently than the rest of the receiver. Asking $350, I had them set it back for me.

 

[HARDWARE]

Interesting. I wondered about that spot myself and that makes sense cause that's exactly what it looks like

 

[HARDWARE]

 

[HARDWARE]

 

[41 fan]

The model 12 is a classic. The balance is close to that of a nice sxs game gun. The 16 ga. really does carry like a 20 and hit like a 12 ga. The 16 can have ejection problems even with original 2 3/4" chambers as case lengths are so variable. Most 20 ga. hulls are closer to 2 5/8 than 2 3/4. I traded into a nice 16 ga. field gun last fall. I haven't shot a pump in probably 10 years, but I shot a 20 at skeet the second round I shot with it. And the choke really was still full. I'm not that good, It just handles well. Prices on M-12's go up and down, but the aren't making any more of them.

I believe the 16's are built on the smaller 20 gauge frame. Dean

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Probably not outrageous at $700; and definitely not if it had a vent rib barrel. The Model 12s, while wonderful guns, don't have the following they once did. I have one pretty much as you've described for which I paid $400. . .but 20 years ago. . .and thought I'd paid too much then. Nice to have at least one of anything John Browning designed though. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

John Browning did not design the model 12......Thomas Crosly Johnson did...An engineer with Winchester after the Winchester/Browning split-up over royalties on the Browning Auto 5.......Browning DID design the Winchester models 87/ 93/97 pump guns/Remington mdl 10/31 pump guns............

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

As stated above, there are many factors to consider. A few questions I would ask, is the Model 12 a solid frame or a take down frame. Also, I don't know the proper nomenclature, but does it have the rapid plug (screw in) or standard plug (take apart the mag tube)?

If the example you are looking at is a take down frame vent rib with rapid plug in 16ga, I would pay $700 for it.

The only solid frame model 12 was the lightweight...few were made....ALL other model 12's were takedown.........The model 25 was a "cheaper" solid frame version of the model 12.......

 

[Kframerbluvr]

1947 field grade 16 with improved cyl

I need another long gun like another hole in the head, but if a M12 like that one showed up at a decent price, I would probably succumb to temptation. Beautiful gun and so very well made.

 

[model70hunter]

I bought a very, very clean one several years ago under 300. 750 seems high to me.