Winchester Model 12 16 gauge

[rchall]

Would like to know the value of a model 12 16 gauge shotgun?? Made in late 40’s, has a plain barrel in 30” length. Needs an old pad replaced and has a Crowe lever type safety. 85% overall original condition. Pretty decent old shotgun, shooter, not a collector. Thanks!!

 

[KalamazooKid]

Wonderful old shotguns! My best guess on price would be in the $400-450 range based on your assessment.

 

[DWalt]

I believe $400-450 is optimistic for an 85% field grade gun in 16 gauge. Any 16 gauge shotgun will be a slow mover. I’d guess more like around $250-300.

 

[chief38]

I might suggest going on some auction sites and see what people are paying for them. Not necessarily what they are asking, but what they are selling for. That would probably be the best method given the particular gun in question here.

While the 16 gauge shotgun is still very capable, 16 ga. has been waning lately and getting shells for them is a bit difficult and pricy compared to 12 ga. That might affect the price a bit, especially not being a "collector" grade.

 

[2152hq]

40's gun, 85%, Field grade, 16ga, Aftermarket pad added(?) at some point, needs new one now.

About a $300 gun on the right day. Most offers will be $250 +/-

JMO of course.

It's kind of a shame. They are great shotguns, but not many people looking for a Upland Game hunting shotgun anymore, esp 16ga.
It's not a fashionable 'Clay Target' gun, though you certainly can use it for that. And it's not a Winchester collectible.
So where does it fit in.
It's likely a fine old shooter. Worth? about $300 I'd say.

If a 12 or 20ga,,it'd have a better chance at life.
Even then, most are leary of 80yr old mechanical things especialy firearms. Buyers want warrantees, service support, parts in bubble packs at the local Gunshop.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

I paid 380.00 for a Model 1912 in 20 ga at a cabelas last year. I’d never seen one before, love the scaled down size. Dates from 1914. Had a dumb polychoke on it, wood is solid. It runs fine but looks its age. Going to refinish it and make a Crazy Lee riotgun out of it. I wouldn’t have messed with it in 16 ga as I reload 12 and 20.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I might have paid $250 or $300 for a tricked out/cut down Model 12 in 15 gauge when I was shooting cowboy action. 20 years ago. I'd wager it's not worth much more than that except to a cowboy action shooter.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Post some photos please.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Cas shooters can use the ‘97 but Wild Bunch can also use a M12 but afaik only in 12 ga. Of course clubs can allow any gun that they want for their monthly shoots. I use a Marlin Model 24 and 30 [20 ga] at my club but they aren’t allowed in a state or regional sass event. One of our gal shooters uses a ‘97 in 16 ga.

 

[erikpolcrack]

IIRC the 16ga Model 12s were made on the same compact actions as the 20ga. I have a 16ga Model 12 and like it very much. Handles much better than my 12ga. Would love to try a 20ga.

 

[30-30remchester]

I believe $400-450 is optimistic for an 85% field grade gun in 16 gauge. Any 16 gauge shotgun will be a slow mover. I’d guess more like around $250-300.

While I agree with many things DWALT says, I have to respectfully disagree with his statement that the 16-gauge is a slow mover. Finally knowledgeable hunters are going back to the 16 gauge, calling it the queen of upland hunting. The Winchester model 12's in 16, 20 and 28 gauge were lighter than the 12's. Very sweet handling and easy to carry in the field. An old saying about the 16 gauges, carries like a 20 gauge but kills like a 12 gauge. 16-gauge model 12's are becoming sought out and prices are rising. I myself have been looking for several years for a prewar 16-gauge solid rib at a price less than a good used car and haven't found one yet.

 

[ColbyBruce]

The 16 gauge is a slow to no mover in my area. The 3” 20 gauge pounded the last nails into the lid of the 16 gauge’s coffin. I was gifted a Springfield/Stevens 67 16 gauge shortly before the pandemic started because the owner couldn’t sell it. I gave it to some girls to use to shoot coyotes, I think they have taken five with it and one bobcat looking thing. I like oddball stuff myself though.

 

[Jack Flash]

There's a 16 gauge website I have enjoyed going to in the past. I can't find it right now so maybe it's gone.

When I was looking for a Browning Sweet 16, I sure didn't see any for bargain prices!

Good luck finding a buyer, they are out there!

 

[gdogs]

I would agree that these days 16ga's are slow movers at anything but dirt cheap prices. Some higher end double guns will still bring a good amount. I picked this Mod 12 up last year on an online auction. With the buyer's premium, $100 shipping charge, and transfer fee, it cost me $410. Looks to be the original blue, restocked, barrel shortened to 23", pedestal bead and thin walled choke tubes installed. As far as I'm concerned, I stole it at that price. I figure the stock work alone cost someone $300. I bought two cases (500 rounds) of Fiocchi Game and Target in April for $263 delivered, and it runs them like a champ!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I paid 380.00 for a Model 1912 in 20 ga at a cabelas last year. I’d never seen one before, love the scaled down size. Dates from 1914. Had a dumb polychoke on it, wood is solid. It runs fine but looks its age. Going to refinish it and make a Crazy Lee riotgun out of it. I wouldn’t have messed with it in 16 ga as I reload 12 and 20.

It's a SIN to circumcise the barrels on old mdl 12's to make them into a useless play toy..........Find a cheap mossburg to ruin.

 

[gdogs]

It's a SIN to circumcise the barrels on old mdl 12's to make them into a useless play toy..........Find a cheap mossburg to ruin.

Useless play toy? I don't know about that. With a short barrel and chokes it makes for a great upland gun. I have no use for a fixed choke shotgun, and I think the market is quite clear that original condition 16ga Mod 12's aren't collector's items. I prefer shorter barrels as well, so for me it was perfect, certainly not ruined! I wouldn't have paid $410 for it in NIB condition. Though I probably wouldn't spend the money to have this one built, I'm glad whomever did decided to part with it. Life's too short to shoot Mossbergs .

If you think this one is a sin, I can only imagine what you'd think of my 18.5" solid ribbed 20ga... (that I also picked up already modified though I did add the pistol grip). The grip came from a 12ga left eye dominate stock that I picked up for $15 IIRC. It was covered in a tar like substance that took a few days in an acetone bath to remove + about an hour spent reshaping, refinishing, and fitting it to the smaller frame.

 

[Jack Flash]

If you take a 16 to a gun store to sell it, you will hear that "Nobody wants one, they are slow movers, hard to get ammo, obsolete, replaced by 3" 20g, etc."

But go into the store when they have one for sale and you will think you entered an alternate universe! "That's all I ever hunt with now, making a big comeback, surge in demand, perfect compromise between 12 and 20, ..."

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Useless play toy? I don't know about that. With a short barrel and chokes it makes for a great upland gun. I have no use for a fixed choke shotgun, and I think the market is quite clear that original condition 16ga Mod 12's aren't collector's items. I prefer shorter barrels as well, so for me it was perfect, certainly not ruined! I wouldn't have paid $410 for it in NIB condition. Though I probably wouldn't spend the money to have this one built, I'm glad whomever did decided to part with it. Life's too short to shoot Mossbergs .

If you think this one is a sin, I can only imagine what you'd think of my 18.5" solid ribbed 20ga... (that I also picked up already modified though I did add the pistol grip). The grip came from a 12ga left eye dominate stock that I picked up for $15 IIRC. It was covered in a tar like substance that took a few days in an acetone bath to remove + about an hour spent reshaping, refinishing, and fitting it to the smaller frame.

Yep. You ruined them for any practical use.(hunting/clays/skeet etc) I still don't understand why people chop up classic firearms instead of cheap mossbergs.

 

[Rpg]

The 16 ga model 12 was made on the 20 ga frame. They are delightful guns usually overlooked by those who don’t hunt.

I have a prewar example with a cutts compensator. A little ugly with the compensator, but functionally perfect for all upland game and early season water fowl.. These guns were frequently sent to Simmons for reblue and compensator so it’s not uncommon to see those modifications on M12’s.

Appropriate non toxic ammunition for waterfowl can be pricey, but you won’t go through much ammo in a season of hunting. I’ve got a flat I bought several years ago and I haven’t opened the second box yet. I’ve killing a few seasons limits of early water fowl with the first box of ammo.

I use it as a backup gun to lend on hunting trips. I’ve never lent it to anyone who had a complaint about it after using it.

 

[gdogs]

Yep. You ruined them for any practical use.(hunting/clays/skeet etc) I still don't understand why people chop up classic firearms instead of cheap mossbergs.

Like I said, already cut down when I bought it. As to why someone would chop it down instead of a Mossberg... because a chopped down Mossberg is still a Mossberg. This Mod 12 has class, and a short barrel.